The Rise of Indian Television Serials: How They Became a Cultural Phenomenon

 The evolution of Indian television is one of the most fascinating phenomena in the entertainment industry. Television serials have become an integral part of daily life for people all over the country. Their characters, storylines, and melodramatic scenes are ingrained in the collective cultural memory, making them an unmistakable part of everyday life.

Serials have been an important part of Indian culture since the early 1980s. Early shows such as Hum Log, Buniyad, and Nukkad explored social issues and brought everyday life into the household living room. Over the years, numerous serials were also adapted in the regional languages, ensuring that the stories and characters resonated with people all over the country.

The rise of Doordarshan, India’s public broadcasting network, in the late 1980s and early 1990s saw an exponential growth in television content. Cookery shows, dare-to-dream shows, and discussion-based chat shows were some of the most popular shows on Doordarshan. These brought the world of entertainment into people’s lives and families became glued to their television sets at prime time.

The advent of satellite-based television in the mid-1990s revolutionised the Indian television viewing experience. The broadcasting of serials during the late afternoon and early evening hours became a popular pastime. This slot was the playground for some of the most iconic serials of all time such as Hum Paanch, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Sarabhai vs. Sarabhai, and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

The 2000s saw the emergence of multiplex culture in India, bringing about more creative content, cinematographic freedom, and higher production costs. Reality shows and competitions replaced serials as the prime time occupants on television and content with high production values, interesting plots, and captivating characters rose in popularity pandya store. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, for instance, made its mark as the most viewed primetime show in India for the nine years between 1999 and 2008.

Serials such as Balika Vadhu, Bade Ache Lagte Hain, and Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, crafted a narrative of sensitive subject matter. From broken marriages to single parenting, literature was brought into living rooms and made the conversation around social issues more accessible.

The mushrooming of production companies through the 2000s and 2010s has seen a further surge in interesting content. Digital cinemas, streaming services, and the growth of web series have steered the Indian television serial ecosystem towards innovation. New subject matters were explored, animation was introduced, and serials depicting grandeur and opulence were made popular.

The Indian television serial culture is still evolving and the spectrum of content available is at an all-time high. From shows that champion feminism to those that explore homosexuality, there is now a plethora of serials that strive to evoke meaningful discourse in contemporary India.