Our chief editor’s taste in Hindi TV shows is as impeccable as Salman Khan’s driving skills. The first gem he offered, with his mouth full of biryani, was “Ishq Mein Ghayal” — yes, that cringe-tastic ripoff of the already cringy Hollywood show, The Vampire Diaries. Next on his list were classics like Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Sasural Simar Ka, and Shagun — shows we heard gave some Gen-Z a heart attack in their brain.
Of course, our chief editor is a clown, and we’re not sure anymore why we are working with him (because he cooks delicious biryani, eh?). Nonetheless, when we were almost going to murder him, we didn’t realize that there was a super cool person who was listening to our conversations. A security guard by profession, he blatantly called our chief editor a “chutiya” and an “anti-national,” offering to help us curate the best Hindi TV shows of all time instead.
Honestly, after we are done murdering our current chief editor, we’re honestly thinking about giving the job to that super passionate person. That said, here’s his “best TV series to watch” recommendations for y’all homies.
Three cheers to Ram Manohar Bijnauri sahab!
1. Sacred Games (2018-2019): The TV Series That Kickstarted Indian TV Streaming Industry
Platform: Netflix
Plotline: Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, “Sacred Games” follows the tumultuous journey of Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), a jaded Mumbai police officer, as he unravels a cryptic message from the notorious gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). This leads him into a dark and dangerous conspiracy spanning decades.
Themes: Crime, corruption, and the intersection of personal and political turmoils.
Accolades: The series was a global hit, praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and gritty realism. It has received numerous awards and nominations, including an International Emmy nomination.
2. Paatal Lok (2020): Not For Weak Hearted
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plotline: This gritty crime thriller, produced by Anushka Sharma, follows Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat) as he investigates a high-profile case that leads him into the dark and disturbing realms of the Indian criminal underworld, or “Paatal Lok.”
Themes: Social injustice, corruption, and the stark realities of modern India.
Accolades: Acclaimed for its storytelling and performances, “Paatal Lok” was celebrated as one of the best television shows of 2020, winning several awards, including the Filmfare OTT Awards.
3. Mirzapur (2018-present): Better Than Breaking Bad?
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plotline: Set in the lawless city of Mirzapur, this series chronicles the power struggles and violent conflicts between two crime families. The story focuses on Guddu and Bablu Pandit (Ali Fazal and Vikrant Massey) as they rise within the ranks of the crime world, facing off against the formidable Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi).
Themes: Crime, power, and family loyalty.
Accolades: “Mirzapur” has achieved cult status with its raw depiction of crime and has been lauded for its gripping narrative and stellar performances.
4. The Family Man (2019-present): Srikant Tiwari’s Spy is Better Than Ethan Hunt
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plotline: Manoj Bajpayee stars as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man balancing his family life with his secret job as an intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC). The series explores the dichotomy between his domestic responsibilities and his high-stakes job.
Themes: Espionage, domestic life, and counter-terrorism.
Accolades: “The Family Man” has received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and Bajpayee’s performance, making it one of the best TV shows to watch.
5. Made in Heaven (2019-present): The Dark Side of Indian Weddings
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plotline: This series offers an inside look at the chaotic world of wedding planning in Delhi through the eyes of Tara Khanna (Sobhita Dhulipala) and Karan Mehra (Arjun Mathur). Each episode delves into a new client’s wedding, revealing the underlying societal issues.
Themes: Marriage, social class, and personal struggles.
Accolades: Celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of Indian weddings and social issues, “Made in Heaven” has been widely praised and nominated for various awards.
6. Delhi Crime (2019-present): A Gut-Wrenching Hindi TV Show About Delhi Gang Rape
Platform: Netflix
Plotline: Based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, this series follows DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah) as she leads the investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The show delves deep into the police procedural aspects and the impact of crime on society.
Themes: Crime, justice, and resilience.
Accolades: “Delhi Crime” won the Best Drama Series at the International Emmy Awards, cementing its place among the best television shows globally.
7. TVF Pitchers (2015): One of The Best Hindi TV Shows of All Time
Platform: TVFPlay
Plotline: This series follows four friends who quit their jobs to start a startup and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. It realistically portrays the struggles, failures, and triumphs of starting a business.
Themes: Entrepreneurship, friendship, and ambition.
Accolades: “TVF Pitchers” received widespread acclaim for its writing and relatable characters, becoming a milestone in the Indian web series.
8. Panchayat (2020-present): Welcome to The Real Indian Countryside
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plotline: An urban engineering graduate, Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), reluctantly takes up a job as the secretary of a remote village panchayat. The series humorously depicts his adjustment to village life and the quirks of rural India.
Themes: Rural life, bureaucracy, and personal growth.
Accolades: “Panchayat” has been praised for its heartwarming portrayal of village life and has won several awards. That includes the Filmfare OTT Awards.
9. Breathe (2018-present): Best Hindi TV Show Indeed
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plotline: Starring R. Madhavan and Amit Sadh, “Breathe” explores the lengths a father will go to save his dying son, leading to a series of morally ambiguous decisions. The second season of this best TV show, “Breathe: Into the Shadows,” continues with a new storyline featuring Abhishek Bachchan.
Themes: Crime, morality, and fatherhood.
Accolades: The series has been lauded for its intense narrative and powerful performances, making it a standout among the best TV shows to watch.
10. Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side (2020-present): Best TV Series For Thrill Seekers
Platform: Voot Select
Plotline: Combining mythology and crime thriller, “Asur” is one of the TV shows featuring forensic expert Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti) and his mentor Dhananjay Rajpoot (Arshad Warsi) as they chase a serial killer inspired by ancient Indian mythology.
Themes: Mythology, crime, and psychology.
Accolades: “Asur” has been praised for its unique blend of genres and strong performances, making it a must-watch television show.
“These best Hindi TV shows highlight the diversity of Indian storytelling while showcasing the industry’s ability to create content that resonates on a global scale,” notes Manohar Bijnauri bhayya ji, adding:
“Whether you’re into crime thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or compelling comedies, this list of best TV shows offers something for every viewer. So, hum keh rahe hai, grab your remote and dive into these captivating television shows!”
Meanwhile, our chief editor says:
“I can’t believe you all picked these super awful TV shows over awesome recommendations. This website is a scam. You are a scam. Sasural Simar Ka rocks! Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahut Thi, On the Rock!”
He’s on his way to a mental asylum as we write this.
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