6 Iconic TV Shows That Changed The Face Of Indian Television: Ramayan, Chandrakanta To Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

Indian television has evolved significantly over the years, today let's take a look at 6 groundbreaking TV shows that revolutionized Indian television in the 90s, making it a diverse and dynamic medium.

(Pic Courtesy: TV Show Stills)

Premiering in 2008, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah revolutionized Indian television by blending humour with social commentary. A creation of Asit Kumar Modi under Neela Telefilms, this SAB TV favourite is set in Mumbai's Gokuldham Society, famously dubbed "Mini India." The show thrives on its diverse cast, representing various Indian cultures, and its lead character, Jethalal Gada, whose antics bring endless laughs. Beyond comedy, it addresses everyday issues and fosters community values. Its family-friendly content and relatable storytelling have made it a timeless hit, redefining long-running TV success.  

Airing between 1987 and 1988 on DD National, Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan became a cultural and global phenomenon. Based on Valmiki's Ramayan and Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas, the epic mythological series narrated by Ashok Kumar captivated a staggering 82% viewership in India, with over 650 million global viewers as reported by various sources. Directed by Ramanand Sagar and featuring music by Ravindra Jain, the show is currently streaming on Shemaroo TV.

Premiering in 2000, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reshaped Indian television by pioneering the family soap opera genre. Co-produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor under Balaji Telefilms, the show followed Tulsi Virani, played by Smriti Irani, an ideal daughter-in-law navigating complex family dynamics. The show is currently streaming on Hotstar.

Debuting in 1998, CID redefined Indian television with its gripping police procedural format. Created by B.P. Singh and produced under Fireworks Production, the show became a cultural phenomenon, led by iconic characters like ACP Pradyuman (Shivaji Satam) and Sr. Inspectors Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava) and Daya (Dayanand Shetty). The show is currently streaming on SonyLiv.

Chandrakanta was a fantasy television series partly based on Devaki Nandan Khatri's 1888 novel of the same name. It was originally telecast on DD National between 1994 and 1996 and was created, written, produced, and directed by Nirja Guleri. It was a popular show back in the 90s.

Since its debut in 2006, Bigg Boss has transformed Indian television by introducing the reality TV genre at an unprecedented scale. Based on the Dutch Big Brother format, the show, now airing its 18th season, features contestants living together in isolation, navigating alliances, conflicts, and weekly evictions decided by public votes. The show is currently streaming on JioCinema and ColorsTV.