5 Shows That Rocked Indian Television in 2015, Can 2016 Match Up?

Here’s our list of the 5 Indian TV shows that did remarkably well in 2015. Thankfully they’ll run well into 2016.

Unlike films, television as a medium, is habit inducing. And daily soaps invite a kind of investment on the part of the viewer which once made is difficult to shake off. That explains why some old shows continue to rule the roost in 2015, while new ones are trying their best to seduce its share of viewers.

In a round-up of 2015, here are the top five shows that have done remarkably well.

TV: Top 5 Hit TV Shows of 2015

1. Kumkum Bhagya

It was the show that replaced Pavitra Rishta, one of the Ekta Kapoor’s longest running soaps at the 9 pm slot on Zee TV in 2014. Loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, it focussed on a matriarch trying to find the perfect match for her daughters, who’re as different as chalk and cheese. The show started on an average note with low ratings, but slowly climbed up to the top ten shows. Once the numbers went up, they refused to come down. Now, it has a faithful audience and is one among 2015’s most successful shows.

2. Naagin

Based on the legend of Ichchadhari Naagin (shape-shifting serpents), Naagin has been stupendously successful since its launch, and has taken the entire industry by surprise. The saga of love and revenge with a mythical twist of Indian folklore, the weekend show has dethroned other shows to be the numero uno. Suspense and thrill infused dramas have worked wonderfully this year for most shows, and Naagin’s success further consolidates it.

3. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein

Another show from the stable of Ekta Kapoor, this urbane drama has been constantly pocketing excellent TRPs throughout the year. Though it began as a social drama about a single woman and a divorcee father, the makers introduced several twists in the tale, and the narrative has currently almost taken the form of a thriller, albeit with the constraints of a daily soap. The audience is hooked, without a doubt.

4. Saath Nibhaana Saathiya

One of the older running soaps on Indian TV, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya remains one of the most consistent performers in terms of popularity and ratings. The show which started out as the story of an illiterate girl married into a rich household, has already spawned remakes, and has been dubbed as well. There are a lot of factors that have worked in favour of the show. First and foremost, it was launched on a dead slot - 7 pm. To credit the makers, it made 7 pm a primetime slot by becoming a major success. At its peak, Saathiya has garnered ratings as high as 7. Today, on an average, the show pulls off 3.5 to 4 points on the charts and continues to be ahead of competition.

5. Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat

Historical epics and mythological shows have become an important part of television programming, and this year, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat has been the most remarkable success. Based on the life of emperor Ashoka, the show claims to trace lesser known tales of the legendary king’s life. Of course, several plots have been based on the folklore surrounding the monarch and his childhood and perhaps have little semblance with history. Superior computer generated imagery (CGI) has also been used to amplify the costume drama, and the audience seems more than delighted with the colourful extravaganza.