‘Goodbye Saas-Bahu, Hello Sacred Games; The Web Series Revolution Shaking Indian Television’
The entertainment landscape in India has experienced a seismic shift with the rise of web series. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hotstar have transformed not just how we watch content, but what we watch. Here’s a closer look at how web series are impacting traditional Indian television and how audiences are adapting to this change.
1. From Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to Sacred Games: The Evolution of Indian Entertainment
For decades, traditional Indian TV shows like ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi‘ and ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’ dominated our screens. These soap operas, filled with melodramatic family feuds, were an integral part of evening TV. However, modern audiences today are demanding more engaging and diverse stories.
Shift: Web series like ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Mirzapur’ have redefined entertainment with their intense plots and morally complex characters. These shows cater to viewers who are tired of predictable storylines and want a deeper, more nuanced portrayal of society.
Surprising Twist: Unlike TV’s moralising tone, web series blurs the lines between right and wrong, giving us anti-heroes and real-world dilemmas. For instance, Ganesh Gaitonde from Sacred Games is a criminal but portrayed with depth that invokes empathy—something rarely seen in traditional TV protagonists.
2. Kasautii Zindagii Kay vs. Delhi Crime: The Shift from Melodrama to Realism
Traditional daily soaps have been limited by censorship guidelines, restricting creators from exploring bold, real-world themes. Web platforms, on the other hand, provide creative freedom, allowing more realistic and daring content.
Shift: Shows like ‘Delhi Crime’ (based on the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case) offer raw, uncensored content that wouldn’t be possible on traditional television.
Surprising Twist: With no censorship limitations, creators can discuss taboo subjects, such as gender, caste, and sexuality. ‘Made in Heaven‘ explored LGBTQ+ relationships, caste issues, and societal hypocrisy around marriage—topics rarely seen on Indian TV. This is a huge cultural shift, as these conversations now have a mainstream platform.
3. Binge-Watching Culture: The End of “Ab Kal Ke Episode Mein Kyaa Hoga!”
Daily soaps thrived on the “episode-a-day” model, keeping audiences hooked for years with never-ending plotlines. However, the binge-watching culture of web series releases entire seasons at once, allowing viewers to consume content in one sitting.
Shift: Shows like Mirzapur and ‘The Family Man’ became massive hits as fans binge-watched them over weekends, generating immediate buzz and social media discussions.
Surprising Twist: The binge model allows for tighter, more cohesive storytelling, providing viewers instant satisfaction. In contrast, daily soaps rely on repetitive, drawn-out storylines, which are losing favour among younger audiences.
4. From Balika Vadhu to Panchayat: Web Series Representing Rural India Better
Traditional TV shows often focus on upper-middle-class urban families, leaving little room for diverse voices. Web series are more inclusive, offering fresh perspectives from rural and underrepresented communities.
Shift: ‘Panchayat’, a simple yet heartwarming tale of village life, showcases the charm and struggles of rural India—an area often ignored by mainstream TV.
Surprising Twist: Web series are also leading the way in showcasing strong female characters, LGBTQ+ representation, and regional languages. Four More Shots Please! is one such example, focusing on modern, independent women in urban India, while Masaba Masaba dives into the life of a mother-daughter duo in the fashion world, with humour and depth.
Also read, 10 Must watch movies on ‘Disney+ Hotstar’…this is real cinema
6. The Social Media Effect: Conversations Beyond the Screen
Web series have mastered the art of creating not just content but a conversation. Shows are often discussed on social media, turning into memes, trends, and even movements.
Shift: Mirzapur and Sacred Games spawned viral memes and became cultural phenomena. This level of audience engagement is rarely seen with traditional TV shows.
Surprising Twist: Streaming platforms encourage active participation, with viewers sharing theories, dissecting episodes, and creating communities around their favourite shows. This makes the viewing experience far more interactive than passively watching TV.
Conclusion: The New Era of Indian Entertainment
The rise of web series has brought about a seismic shift in how Indian audiences engage with entertainment. Traditional TV, with its predictable tropes and censored content, is slowly losing ground to the bold, diverse, and fast-paced narratives of web series. This cultural shift is driven by a younger, more digitally connected audience that craves authenticity, complexity, and immediate gratification.
The question remains: Will traditional Indian television evolve to meet these new demands, or will web series continue to dominate the entertainment landscape? One thing is certain—Indian audiences are ready for more, and web series are leading the charge.