Television programmes have become an integral part of almost everyone’s life. With a rise in the number of viewership over the years, the TV show productions have managed to pull off a few sensational visual treat for all of us. Not all of them last very long but a few keep going on and on and on and ultimately end up becoming a legacy. Such legendary TV shows might not be liked by everyone but the ladies in the house surely love it. Here we bring to you a list of twelve of the longest running Hindi TV shows based on the number of episodes.
12. Kasautii Zindagii Kay (1423 Episodes)
One of the epic from the Balaji Telefilms era which undoubtedly won the hearts of many comes in at number twelve. The Shweta Tiwari and Cezzane Khan starrer show created by none other than Ekta Kapoor managed to pull off a massive 1423 episodes. The show ran for almost seven years from 2001 to 2008. Anurag and Prerna Basu had become a dream couple for almost every youth back then. The show recorded one of the highest TRPs and introduced many popular faces like Shweta Tiwari, Cezzane Khan, Urvashi Dholakia, Ronit Roy and Geetanjali Tikekar.
11. Pavitra Rishta (1424 Episodes)
Another love-epic from the house of Balaji Telefilms enters the list with just one extra episode than its predecessor. The show ran for over five years and added 1424 episodes to its name. The initial concept of the show was adapted from a south Indian Tamil serial ‘Thirumathi Selvam’. The plot however changed later and the show ended up being one of the biggest hits of Indian TV. The show was broadcasted internationally in a number of countries including Mauritius, Vietnam, South Africa and New Zealand. I can’t be sure whether you liked the show or not but I can be pretty sure you’ve watched or heard about it at least once. Such was the popularity of the show that it gripped almost every house of the nation and stacked up a huge number of awards. The show ended with Archana and Manav’s death as they’re united in Heaven.
10. Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan (1449 Episodes)
A member of the golden era of Indian television and eventually one of the very few Non-Balaji shows in the list. Ranked fourth amongst the most watched TV shows in India, Kumkum managed to complete 1449 episodes in its seven long years. Created by BAG Films, the show was aired every Monday to Friday in the afternoon. Unlike other prime time shows which aired at night, this show managed to pull up viewers even with its odd time slot. The plot was more of the usual Saas-Bahu type which we all are familiar with. The title track too attracted a lot of fans. The show ended on 13 March 2009.
9. Diya Aur Baati Hum (1487* Episodes)
Our very own Sandhya Bindni takes up the ninth spot with a total of 1487 episodes and still counting. The plot is just as simple as any Maths problem. We have an ambitious girl in the lead role who fights it out to reach her dreams. The creators of this show have finally decided to end the show on 11th of September which is not too far away. A season 2 is also getting planned though, with the main leads not getting any role in it. All that kept apart, the show somehow(seriously wonder how?) managed to pile up 1487 episodes to be the ninth longest Hindi TV show of all time.
8. Uttaran (1549 Episodes)
One of the better shows of the modern Indian television, Uttaran lasted for a total of 1549 episodes. The plot revolves around the friendship of two girls from economically opposite backgrounds. The show was aired on Colors and was amongst the shows which helped Colors rise in the small screen industry. The show started on 1 December 2008 and lasted till 16 January 2015 completing a wonderful journey of over six years.
7. Sasural Simar Ka (1622* Episodes)
One of the most popular TV show of present day Indian television, Sasural Simar Ka proudly fits in at number 7 in the list with a total of 1622 episodes(as of 6th September) and counting. With the show not likely to end in the near future might break a few more records very soon. Created by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Limited, the show is aired on Colors everyday or as they say from Monday to Sunday at 08:00pm. The plot is basically about two sisters Roli and Simar who get married in the same house. We seriously need to know who are the ones who watch this show and make it a hit. Whoever does it truly deserves an applause!
6. Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (1661 Episodes)
The list is back in the golden era with another legendary show from Balaji Telefilms. One half of the ‘K’ pair which dominated the Indian television completely and made Star Plus the top channel comes in at number 6 in our list with a total of 1661 episodes. Initially the plot is about a daughter-in-law who is not strong-willed enough to take decisions for herself. The plot later kept taking a leap of 20 years quite frequently before the show ended. The show is still considered to be one of the most watched Indian TV show of all time.
5. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (1833 Episodes)
By far the most popular Indian TV show of all time managed a total of 1833 episodes in its long journey of over 8 years. This is the show exactly where it all started from. The pioneer of Indian television created by Balaji Telefilms managed to be the top show for eight long years. The plot was as simple as the title. A daughter-in-law manages to cross all hurdles to finally get what she wants, the love of her mother-in-law. Such was the impact of this show that the death of a character triggered protests by its fans. Subsequently when the character was brought back to life, the show received a TRP of 22.4 which till date remains to be the highest TRP ever for any Indian show. Even in its last year, the show was the topmost show on Indian television averaging a TRP of 5.4. The number of episodes were outclassed by other shows later but none other show reached any close to the fan base this epic had.
4. Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (1865* Episodes)
A Rashmi Sharma Telefilms Limited venture, Saath Nibhana Saathiya is the fourth longest TV show of Indian history. It is credited with a total of 1865 episodes(as of September 7) and still counting. The plot of the serial is about how an ideal daughter-in-law Gopi Bahu wins the love of her life and her consequent life events. Although set in Rajkot, the show is actually shot in Mumbai. The show is one of the best longest running shows of Star Plus.
3. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2023* Episodes)
A show satisfying our appetite for humour since the past 8 years, makes it to the top three of this list. On 12th September, the show is expected to complete 2023 episodes. The humour ride took off on 28th of July 2008. The show is based on the column ‘Duniya Ne Oondha Chashma’ written by columnist and journalist Taarak Mehta for the Gujarati weekly magazine Chitralekha. The show got registered in the Limca Book of Records as the ‘Longest Running Comedy Show’ after completing its 1700th episode on 22 June 2015. Produced by the Neela Tele Films Private Limited and aired on SAB TV, the show is one of the most popular TV show presently aired in India. We hope the humour ride continues and breaks many more records.
2. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2183* Episodes)
2183 episodes(as of September 6) and still counting! Created by the Director’s Kut Productions, the show has managed to keep twisting its plot and get over 2000 episodes to its name. Premiered on 12 January 2009 on Star Plus, the show revolves around the happenings of an Udaipur based family.
1. Balika Vadhu (2245* Episodes)
You saw it coming, didn’t you? Our numero uno, Balika Vadhu is so far the longest running Hindi TV show in India. Created by Purnendu Shekhar, the show raised a few eyebrows for its rare plot but ended up getting applauded from everyone alike. The show premiered on Colors TV on 21 July 2008. It had its final episode aired on 31 July 2016, thus ending an epic journey of 2245 episodes. Shot in Rajashthan, the show focused on an ugly aspect of Indian society. The ugly aspect was none other than child marriage which still prevails in many remote areas of India. The show also holds the distinction of being the first Hindi fiction show to cross 2000 episodes. The series was divided into two seasons, the second lasting for just 80 episodes.
The first Hindi show in the history of Indian Television was Hum Log which lasted for just 154 episodes. The industry kept growing further and so did the length of every show which gets aired now. We just hope the serials which have become more of a headache to end as soon as possible and their replacements come up with something better.
Note:‘*’ indicates shows which are currently in production.