There was a time when “TV serials” meant melodrama, never-ending storylines, and loud background music. Cinema had its own charm, of course, but it wasn’t always possible to catch a new movie every weekend. Then came OTT platforms, and suddenly the game changed. With just a subscription and a screen, we got access to stories that felt closer to real life, sharper in writing, and bolder in ideas.
Hindi web series, in particular, have been a revelation. They’ve given us middle-class families we can relate to, thrillers that make us bite our nails, and student dramas that bring back sleepless exam nights. If you’ve just stepped into this OTT world or are tired of scrolling endlessly without deciding what to watch, I’ve put together a list of five must-watch Hindi series that pretty much define why we all love streaming today.
1. The Family Man (Prime Video)
This show has single-handedly raised the bar for Indian thrillers. At its heart is Srikant Tiwari, played by Manoj Bajpayee, who is both a government spy and a regular dad trying to survive parent-teacher meetings. That contrast is the magic.
One moment, you see him dealing with terrorists, and the next, he’s getting scolded by his wife for being late. It’s this balance of thrill and everyday life that makes the series feel fresh. And let’s be honest, Manoj Bajpayee is so effortless that you can’t imagine anyone else playing Srikant. With two seasons already out and a third in the works, The Family Man is one of those rare shows that manages to be both binge-worthy and relatable.
2. Panchayat (Prime Video)
If The Family Man gives you an adrenaline rush, Panchayat does the opposite—it slows you down in the best way possible. The story follows Abhishek, an engineering graduate who ends up working in a rural panchayat office because, well, life doesn’t always go as planned.
What starts off as a “temporary job” turns into a journey of unexpected friendships, quirky situations, and life lessons you didn’t know you needed. Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav add so much charm to the show that you’ll find yourself grinning through episodes. Panchayat doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly why it works. It feels like comfort food in the OTT world.
3. Gullak (Sony LIV)
Now, if you grew up in a middle-class home (which most of us did), Gullak is going to hit home hard. The story revolves around a small-town family, their everyday challenges, and the humorous yet endearing disputes that occur within their home.
The show doesn’t rely on flashy sets or dramatic storylines. Instead, it celebrates the little things, like saving money, bickering over electricity bills, or gossiping about neighbors. You watch an episode and suddenly remember moments from your own home. That’s the beauty of Gullak; it doesn’t make you laugh out loud, but it warms your heart in a way few shows can.
4. Yeh Meri Family (MX Player)
If nostalgia were a person, it would be Yeh Meri Family. A 90s-set show, it is a love letter to a time when life was less complicated, with summer breaks, street cricket matches, and family relationships that were complicated but not breakable.
The highlight? It doesn’t thrust nostalgia in your face too aggressively. Rather, it reminds you of the pre-smartphone and social media era, when the most exciting thing was purchasing ice cream or brawling with siblings over the television remote control. Watching it is like looking through a vintage family album—cozy, intimate, and indelible.
5. Kota Factory (TVF)
Last but not least, there’s Kota Factory, a series that each and every student and former student can identify with. Situated in Kota, the coaching capital of India, it goes into great detail on the life of IIT aspirants. But this isn’t a watered-down interpretation of college life. It’s raw, real, and at times even ruthless.
By following Vaibhav’s journey and the wisdom of Jeetu Bhaiya, the series delves into what it takes to pursue big dreams with self-doubt, isolation, and pressure. Filmed in black and white, the show has a distinctive feel that is all its own. And once you’ve watched it, you’ll find yourself thinking about those characters long after.
Final Thoughts
What is unique about these five programs is that they’re not merely “content”; they’re narratives that mirror us. Whether it is the daily struggle of a middle-class family, the turmoil of countryside life, or the stress of competitive examinations, they bring to mind people we know or ourselves.
So the next time you’re stuck in that endless scrolling loop, just pick one from this list. Who knows? You might laugh, cry, or even see a bit of your own life on screen. And isn’t that what good storytelling is all about?