Exploring India’s Most Popular All-Time Favorite Web Series

India’s web series industry has seen rapid growth, producing content that has captivated audiences worldwide. With stories ranging from crime thrillers to inspiring personal dramas, Indian web series are now some of the most popular on global streaming platforms. In this blog, we explore the Top 7 Indian Web Series that have not only become household names but also continue to dominate conversations in 2024. This updated list includes the latest details, seasons, and sequels of each show.

Sacred Games: India’s First Netflix Original Series

Pic Credit- Netflix

Sacred Games is India’s first Netflix original series, based on Vikram Chandra’s 2006 novel of the same name. Created by Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap under Phantom Films, this neo-noir crime thriller follows the intense events that unfold when police officer Sartaj Singh receives a cryptic call from gangster Ganesh Gaitonde, warning him to save Mumbai within 25 days.

Latest Updates:

The first season of Sacred Games premiered on July 5, 2018, and became an international hit, with the series subtitled in over 20 languages. The second season, released on August 15, 2019, received a more mixed response, with fans still awaiting confirmation of a third season. Despite the series’ cliffhanger, Netflix has not confirmed a new installment as of 2024.

What Made It a Hit:

Directed by Motwane and Kashyap, the show became a pioneer in Indian digital content with global appeal. It featured a stellar cast, including Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Pankaj Tripathi. Sacred Games also became the only Indian series to appear on The New York Times’ “The 30 Best International TV Shows of the Decade.”

Mirzapur: The Crime Thriller That Took India by Storm

Pic Credit- Amazon Prime

Mirzapur is an Indian action-crime thriller that first premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2018. Created by Karan Anshuman and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, this series follows the violent power struggle in the lawless town of Mirzapur, ruled by the crime lord Akhandanand “Kaleen Bhaiya” Tripathi.

Latest Updates:

The first season was released in November 2018, while the second season came out on October 23, 2020. Mirzapur season 3, released on July 5, 2024, continued the intense power dynamics between Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi) and Guddu Pandit (Ali Fazal), but it garnered mixed reviews compared to its previous seasons. Critics felt the third season lacked the punch of its predecessors, though it still remains immensely popular.

Why It’s Popular:

The gripping narrative, strong performances, and raw portrayal of violence and ambition keep Mirzapur a fan favorite. Its dark and intense storyline has made it one of the most-watched web series in India.

Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story – A Financial Thriller Masterpiece

Pic Credit- SonyLIV

Scam 1992, directed by Hansal Mehta, chronicles the rise and fall of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who orchestrated one of the biggest financial scams in India’s history. The series, based on Sucheta Dalal and Debashish Basu’s 1992 book The Scam: Who Won, Who Lost, Who Got Away, became an instant hit after its release on SonyLIV in October 2020.

Latest Updates:

Scam 1992 was praised for its strong writing, performances (especially by Pratik Gandhi as Harshad Mehta), and technical excellence. In March 2021, a second installment of the Scam franchise, titled Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, was announced. This series, set to premiere in late 2024, will focus on the 2003 Stamp Paper Scam involving Abdul Karim Telgi.

Why It’s a Must-Watch:

Scam 1992 revolutionized the biographical drama genre in Indian television. It won 11 awards at the 2021 Filmfare OTT Awards and became one of SonyLIV’s most-watched series, praised for its ability to make complex financial topics accessible and engaging.

The Family Man: The Spy Thriller with Heart

Pic Credit- Amazon Prime

The Family Man is a spy thriller that follows Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man who secretly works as an intelligence officer for TASC, a fictitious branch of India’s National Investigation Agency. Created by Raj & DK, this Amazon Prime Video series blends espionage, family drama, and dark humor.

Latest Updates:

The first season premiered on September 20, 2019, and was an instant success, with a second season released on June 4, 2021. Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s portrayal of the antagonist Raji in season 2 garnered significant praise. The third season began filming in May 2024 and is expected to explore global geopolitical tensions involving China, along with the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on national security.

What Keeps It Fresh:

The Family Man is beloved for its ability to balance high-stakes action with relatable family dynamics. Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of Srikant Tiwari remains one of the highlights, making this series a binge-worthy thriller that continues to evolve.

Aspirants: A Story of Friendship, Dreams, and UPSC Aspirations

Pic Credit- Amazon Prime

Produced by TVF, Aspirants is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama that follows three friends—Abhilash, Guri, and SK—as they prepare for the highly competitive UPSC exams. Set in Rajinder Nagar, Delhi, the series perfectly captures the struggles, aspirations, and friendships that come with chasing the dream of becoming a civil servant.

Latest Updates:

Aspirants premiered on YouTube and TVFPlay on April 7, 2021, with its finale airing on May 8, 2021. The show was praised for its emotional depth and relatability, becoming a favorite among young viewers. In October 2023, TVF released the second season on Amazon Prime Video, continuing the story of the three friends and how their relationships evolve in the face of personal and professional challenges.

Why It Resonates:

Aspirants strike a chord with anyone who has faced the pressure of competitive exams. It offers a realistic, touching portrayal of ambition, friendship, and the sacrifices involved in chasing dreams, making it one of the most inspiring shows in recent years.

Breathe: A Psychological Thriller That Keeps You Guessing

Pic Credit- Amazon Prime

Breathe, which premiered in 2018, is a psychological thriller series that examines how far a father will go to save his son’s life. The sequel, Breathe: Into the Shadows, debuted in 2020, featuring Abhishek Bachchan in a new storyline that delves into the dark world of crime and mental health.

Latest Updates:

Breathe: Into the Shadows Season 2 premiered in November 2022, continuing the story of Avinash Sabharwal, a father who struggles with his dark alter ego while trying to save his kidnapped daughter. Although there hasn’t been any official announcement about a third season, fans expect Amazon Prime to continue the psychological drama in 2025.

Why It’s Gripping:

Breathe is unique in its exploration of morality, psychological complexities, and the fine line between good and evil. It keeps viewers on edge with its intense plot twists and riveting performances.

Kota Factory: The Realistic Portrayal of Student Life in India

Pic Credit- Netflix

Kota Factory is a black-and-white series that focuses on the life of Vaibhav, a student who moves to Kota, Rajasthan, to prepare for the IIT-JEE exams. The show explores the pressures faced by students in India’s most competitive educational hub and sheds light on the emotional and academic challenges they endure.

Latest Updates:

The first season aired in 2019 on TVFPlay and YouTube, earning praise for its realistic depiction of student life and academic stress. The second season premiered on Netflix on September 24, 2021, further developing Vaibhav’s journey as he navigates the challenges of the IIT-JEE coaching ecosystem. The much-awaited third season was confirmed by Netflix and premiered on June 20, 2024, continuing the story as Vaibhav and his friends move closer to realizing their dreams.

Why It Stands Out:

Kota Factory offers a raw and unfiltered look at the pressures and realities of the Indian education system. Its unique visual style, along with its relatable narrative, makes it one of the most engaging coming-of-age dramas.

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Conclusion: The Best of Indian Web Series

These Top 7 web series have left an indelible mark on the Indian entertainment landscape, offering a wide array of genres and stories that resonate with viewers across the globe. From crime thrillers like Sacred Games and Mirzapur to heartwarming dramas like Aspirants and intense psychological thrillers like Breathe, Indian web series are continuously raising the bar. As the digital entertainment industry continues to grow, these shows stand as a testament to the creativity and talent that define India’s streaming revolution.

Whether you’re a fan of action-packed crime sagas or deeply emotional stories of personal growth, these series should be at the top of your watchlist in 2024.