Longest running Hindi TV shows: Taarak Mehta Kaa Ooltah Chasmah' to 'Balika Vadhu'

With an eccentric plot that grips the audience from the beginning, middle, and … refuses to end, after gaining the love of the audience, some fictional dramas manage to stay iconic. Whether it’s the unforgettable plot line or never-before-seen characters, the soap operas remain connected with the viewers. Those shows continue to air on the channels even after decades of their initial release. Let’s take a look at the Hindi TV shows with the longest run time.

The madness, the hilarious anecdotes, and the dialogues that are somehow carved on the back of the minds, ‘Taarak Mehta Kaa Ooltah Chasmah’ has completed over a whopping 4,500 episodes. Revolving around the people of Gokuldham society, the show has a dedicated fanbase and continues to resonate with them since 2007. From their unwavering unity to the serious yet absurd issues, the sitcom managed to stay on the throne for years. With the motto of ‘Goli beta, masti nahi,’ the show surely does not intend to slow down or stop.

‘Balika Vadhu’ had “Parampara, Prathishtha, Anushashan,” but with a TV twist. Addressing the social issues like child marriage, the show revolved around a young child getting married off into a family. From managing a marital life to dealing with constant changes, many viewers had an emotional bond with the show. Starring Avika Gor and Avinash Mukherjee, ‘Balika Vadhu began in 2008 and continued till 2016.

Other sitcoms might have spin-offs, ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ has new generations. Following leaps and milestones, the show started in 2009 and has completed over a shocking 5,000 episodes. Being the longest-running TV show, the viewers continue to watch the ever-evolving show. With the theme of traditions, drama, and married life, the show used to focus on Akshara and Naitik, but now focuses on their children, simply getting iconic over the years.

‘Kuch toh gadbad hai’ significantly changed lives for the better, and the fans have not forgotten ever since. Starring Shivaji Satam, Aditya Shrivastava, Dayanand Shetty, and more, ‘C.I.D.’ began in 1998 and continued to air on television till 2018, until it was revived on an OTT platform. The plot revolved around the department solving crimes, while the forensic doctor discovered and configured evidence in a surreal way, stunning every possible viewer. As the dialogues remain sacred texts, the show will always remain iconic and one of the longest shows.