A deep dive into the rise of Indian daily soaps vs web series in 2025 and how audience preferences are shaping the future of entertainment.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian entertainment, the battle for viewership supremacy has reached a dramatic twist. On one side, we have the age-old television daily soaps with their time-tested tropes and loyal viewers. On the other, the sleek, binge-worthy world of web series that’s redefining storytelling with bold narratives, cinematic quality, and fresh faces.
As we step into 2025, the question on every entertainment buff’s lips is: Are Indian daily soaps losing their grip, or are web series just a passing fad? The answer, much like a daily soap climax, is layered, surprising, and driven by TRPs, subscriptions, and changing audience sensibilities.
The Daily Soap Saga: Still Running Strong
Television serials like Anupamaa (Star Plus), Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Kundali Bhagya continue to dominate the Indian living room. These shows cater to a loyal audience base that thrives on emotional high points, family drama, and moral lessons. TRP charts of 2025 still feature these names prominently, proving that the reach of free-to-air and cable channels in Tier-II and Tier-III cities remains unmatched.
Case in point: Anupamaa, a show led by actress Rupali Ganguly, completed over 1500 episodes in early 2025 and even won the Indian Television Academy (ITA) Award for Best Show – Popular. “Television allows us to become a part of the viewers’ daily routine,” Ganguly shared in an interview with The Times of India. “It’s a responsibility and a blessing.”
Furthermore, television continues to provide steady employment to thousands—from actors to makeup artists to production hands—making it a backbone of the Indian entertainment industry.
The Rise and Rise of Web Series
However, if TRPs are television’s metric, then subscriptions and watch hours are the web series’ currency—and it’s booming.
In 2025, platforms like Netflix India, Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema, Sony LIV, and Disney+ Hotstar have expanded regional content, investing heavily in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali web series. Unlike traditional soaps, these series are not bound by censorship norms or run-time constraints, allowing creative freedom and experimentation.
Take the 2025 Netflix thriller Delhi Confidential, starring Rasika Dugal and Manav Kaul. A gritty, layered political drama, it not only garnered critical acclaim but also won the Best OTT Series award at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2025. Similarly, Amazon Prime’s Mirzapur Season 3 broke viewership records within the first 48 hours of release this March, proving that the appetite for edgy content is stronger than ever.
Success Stories that Define a Shift
One name that’s become synonymous with the OTT revolution is Shefali Shah. After years in supporting roles on television and films, her breakout as the lead in Netflix’s Delhi Crime turned her into a household name. The series won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020, and its Season 3 in 2024 was met with standing ovations at the Mumbai International Film Festival.
“I wasn’t getting roles like this in films or TV,” Shah told The Hindu. “OTT changed my life. I finally feel seen.”
Another inspirational story is that of Jitendra Kumar, an IIT Kharagpur graduate who ditched a corporate career to act in YouTube skits. His role as ‘Jeetu Bhaiya’ in Kota Factory and Panchayat turned him into the face of small-town India on screen. Panchayat bagged several awards including the Best Comedy Series at the 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards.
Audience Shift: From Sofa to Smartphone
The real game-changer is the audience itself. According to a 2025 FICCI-EY report, more than 60% of India’s digital video consumption happens on mobile phones, and 80% of that is from users under the age of 35. This demographic is steering clear of saas-bahu plots and gravitating toward complex, relatable, and often rebellious characters.
With affordable data, rising smartphone penetration, and smart TVs even in semi-urban areas, web series are reaching corners once considered strongholds of traditional TV.
“Earlier, my mother used to watch Kumkum Bhagya, now she binges Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani on Sony LIV,” says Priyanshu Sharma, a college student in Lucknow. “She even discusses it on WhatsApp groups!”
TV vs Web: A Co-Existence Rather Than Combat?
Interestingly, it isn’t always a competition. Many actors, directors, and even production houses are now straddling both worlds. Ekta Kapoor, once hailed as the queen of daily soaps, has been at the forefront of this shift with ALTBalaji, producing hit shows like Apharan and Broken But Beautiful. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024 for her contributions to Indian media.
“The audience today wants variety. TV is comfort food, OTT is fine dining,” Kapoor quipped at a recent press conference.
Who’s Winning in 2025?
In sheer numbers, TV still rules—especially in terms of reach. But in terms of cultural impact, critical acclaim, and youth engagement, web series are winning the heart (and eyes) of India’s new-age viewer.
The future seems to be a hybrid: as OTT platforms penetrate deeper and cable continues to be accessible, India will watch both—soap operas for nostalgia and bonding, and web series for novelty and thrill.
In the grand Indian entertainment theatre, there’s no curtain call yet—just a new act every season, and the audience, ever-curious, is applauding both.
