Most television shows around the world think it is a deal if they can make it to one hundred episodes. Popular Western shows are happy if they can stay on the air for ten years with around two hundred or two hundred and fifty episodes.
When it comes to Hindi television those numbers are just the beginning.
Indian daily soap operas are on a different level. They do not just show what happens in one season of your life they become something that people listen to every day for a long time. From the fights that happen in kitchens to stories about superheroes and comedies about what happens in neighborhoods Hindi television shows can go on for a long time and this is something that is unique to Indian culture.
Let us look at the 10 Hindi television serials that have been on the air for the longest time and have become a part of television history.
The shows that have been on the air for the time are really something special.
Here is a list of the 10 Hindi television shows that have been on the air for the longest time and they are ranked by how long they have been on the air and how much people like them.
1. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Comedy)
- It has over four thousand three hundred episodes(4300+). It is still going on.
- The main reason people like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is because it shows what life is like, for people who live in a middle-class community and it is funny and relatable.
Source: IMDb
This comedy show has been a part of Indian families since it started in 2008. It is about the people who live in Gokuldham Society and it makes jokes about everyday issues. The show is really good at making people laugh. It has set a high standard for comedy shows.
2. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Drama)
- Total Episodes: 4,200+ (And counting)
- The main reason people like this show is because it is about Indian family values and how families change over time.
Source: Tribune Media Services
It started as a story about a man and woman who get married because their families want them to.. Over time it has become a big story about many generations of a family. The show is good at handling changes in the cast and moving forward in time which keeps it interesting.
3. Kumkum Bhagya (Drama)
- Total Episodes: 2,800+
- People like this show because it has a lot of tension and exciting storylines. It proves that a good love story can keep people watching for years.
Source: Tribune Media Services
The main characters are always getting. Then getting back together which keeps people interested.
4. Balika Vadhu (Social Drama)
- Total Episodes: 2,245
- This show is good because it talks about social issues in a way that is easy to understand. It is set in an area of Rajasthan and it talks about things like child marriage.
Source: Tribune Media Services
The show teaches people about these issues while also being entertaining which is why a lot of people watched it.
5. Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (Family Drama)
- Total Episodes: 2,184
- Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and other shows like Saath Nibhaana Saathiya are popular because they have a lot of drama and funny moments.
Source: Tribune Media Services
Source: India Today
From washing laptops with soap to family confrontations this show became a big part of pop culture history. The relationship between Kokila Modi and Gopi Bahu was really intense. It kept millions of people watching every evening.
6. Sasural Simar Ka (Drama)
- Total Episodes: 2,063
- This show is about a family. It has a lot of drama.
Source: Tribune Media Services
It started as a story about two sisters marrying into the same family but then it took a big turn into fantasy with things like shapeshifters and demons and portals. This really caught peoples attention. A lot of people started watching.
7. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Romance Drama)
- Total Episodes: 1,895
- This show is about a romance between two people who get a chance at love because of a child.
The mature love story of Ishita and Raman.. Source: Tribune Media Services
It is based on a book called Custody by Manju Kapur. The show is about a dentist and a CEO who love a girl named Ruhi.
8. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (Family Drama)
- Total Episodes: 1,833
- This show is very important because it started the trend of Indian family drama shows. It is about a family and their lives.
Source: IMDb
The main character, Tulsi Virani is like a mother to everyone. This show made watching television a part of family life.
9. Chidiya Ghar (Comedy)
- Total Episodes: 1,707
- This show is funny because it is about a family where everyone is named after an animal and they act like that animal. It is a change from the usual family drama shows.
Source: Tribune Media Services
10. Baalveer (Fantasy Show for Kids)
- Total Episodes: 1,111
- This show is about a kid who has superpowers and fights people.
Source: IMDb
It is a fun show for kids and it teaches them good things.
Why Indian Serials are different from TV shows
Indian TV shows are different from Western TV shows. They do not have a number of episodes like Western shows. Instead they have a lot of episodes that come on every day of the week.
To make many episodes the people who make the shows have to work really hard. They have a lot of writers and directors who work together to make the shows. This way they can make over 250 episodes in a year. The characters on the shows become like part of the viewers lives.
What we can learn from TV shows
The fact that Indian TV shows can go on for so long shows that people like watching relatable stories with a lot of emotion. They like watching shows that come on every day. These shows are not entertainment they are a big part of Indian culture.
Now it is your turn to tell us what you think. Is there a show that your family always watched together? Do you think modern TV shows can ever have many episodes, as these old shows? Tell us about your memories of watching these shows.