Television in India has undergone a tremendous transformation over the decades. From the nostalgic charm of Doordarshan-era serials to the glitzy, high-drama soap operas of today, the evolution of Indian TV is not just a matter of changing visuals and scripts—it’s a reflection of changing societal values, audience preferences, and technological advancements. This article takes you through the journey of Indian television storytelling—then and now—highlighting the cultural shifts that have shaped its content. For those who want to revisit classic serials or explore today’s popular shows, platforms like apnetv have made access to Indian TV content easier than ever.
The Golden Era of Indian Television
The 1980s and early 1990s are often referred to as the golden age of Indian television. With only a handful of channels and a single broadcaster—Doordarshan—Indian viewers had limited options, but the quality and depth of storytelling often made up for the lack of variety.
1. Simplicity and Cultural Roots
Back then, serials like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Hum Log, Buniyaad, and Malgudi Days captured the heart of the nation. These shows were deeply rooted in Indian culture, traditions, and values. They were more than just entertainment; they offered moral lessons and depicted the socio-political reality of the time. The focus was on storytelling that resonated with the masses—be it through the depiction of joint family systems, mythological epics, or village life.
2. Limited Episodes, Long-Lasting Impact
Most TV shows in the ‘then’ era were concise and had a predetermined number of episodes. Unlike today’s never-ending soap operas, these series had a clear beginning and end, allowing writers to craft meaningful arcs and conclusive endings. This structure helped retain the essence of storytelling without overstaying its welcome.
3. Realistic Characters and Grounded Themes
Characters during this period were more relatable. Shows often dealt with issues like unemployment, women’s rights, caste discrimination, and the education system. These stories mirrored the average Indian household and prompted conversations within families.
The Shift Begins: 2000s and the Rise of Soap Operas
With the onset of satellite TV and the liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s, the television industry witnessed a major boom. Channels like Star Plus, Zee TV, Sony Entertainment Television, and Colors began competing for viewership, leading to a race to capture TRPs (television rating points).
1. The Saas-Bahu Revolution
The early 2000s saw the emergence of the “saas-bahu” drama genre, led by producers like Ekta Kapoor. Shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, and Kasautii Zindagii Kay became household names. These shows focused heavily on familial disputes, patriarchal norms, and over-the-top drama.
2. Glamorization and Exaggeration
The visual quality of shows improved with the use of better technology and more polished production design. However, this also came with a tendency to exaggerate both visuals and emotions. Lavish sets, overdramatic background scores, and unrealistic plot twists became a staple.
3. Decline of Substance?
Critics often argue that this phase marked a decline in meaningful storytelling. While these shows entertained millions, they also leaned heavily on clichés, regressive ideas, and melodrama, often reinforcing stereotypes instead of challenging them.
Modern Indian TV: A Mixed Bag
In the last decade, Indian television has tried to diversify its content. While daily soaps continue to dominate prime time, there’s been a conscious effort to bring in variety and freshness to the storytelling format.
1. Rise of Social Dramas and Contemporary Themes
Shows like Balika Vadhu, Udaan, and Na Aana Is Des Laado attempted to address serious social issues like child marriage, women’s rights, and education. These serials struck a balance between being entertaining and socially relevant, marking a subtle shift from the melodrama of earlier years.
2. Influence of Global Content and OTT Platforms
With global streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Indian platforms like Hotstar and Zee5 becoming popular, audiences have developed a taste for crisp, well-written, and concept-driven content. This has put pressure on traditional TV to evolve. Though the change is slow, it’s visible in shows that experiment with storytelling techniques and non-linear narratives.
3. Strong Female Protagonists
There has been a shift in the portrayal of women on television. From the subservient daughter-in-law trope, many shows now feature independent, ambitious, and assertive female leads who challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams.
4. Audience Interaction and Digital Reach
Modern Indian television is no longer confined to the living room. Through social media, forums, and digital platforms like apne tv, viewers engage with content on a deeper level. Feedback is immediate, discussions are widespread, and even creators are more in tune with what their audience wants.
Key Differences Between Then and Now
| Aspect | Then (1980s–1990s) | Now (2000s–Present) |
| Storytelling Style | Simple, grounded, culturally rich | Fast-paced, dramatic, commercialized |
| Themes | Social issues, mythology, realism | Family drama, glamour, entertainment |
| Characterization | Relatable, realistic | Stereotyped, exaggerated |
| Duration | Limited episodes | Often indefinite |
| Production | Modest sets, strong scripts | Lavish visuals, weaker scripts |
| Audience Reach | National, through Doordarshan | Global, through cable and digital |
| Viewer Interaction | Minimal | High (social media, forums) |
Cultural Shifts in Storytelling
Indian television is not just entertainment—it’s a mirror to society. The storytelling shift from realism to escapism and slowly back to realism again reflects broader cultural trends. As society evolves, so does the content it consumes.
- Joint vs Nuclear Family Dynamics: Earlier shows focused on large joint families with collective values. Today, nuclear families and individual conflicts take center stage.
- Patriarchy vs Feminism: The ‘then’ era subtly questioned social norms. The early 2000s reinforced some regressive norms, but the current phase actively explores themes of empowerment and gender equality.
- Spiritual vs Material Themes: Mythological and moralistic narratives dominated earlier. Today, material success, urban challenges, and global influences shape stories.
What Lies Ahead?
The future of Indian TV lies in its ability to adapt. With growing competition from OTT platforms and increasingly globalized audiences, TV channels must innovate. Regional content is seeing a surge, and crossover formats (like reality-meets-drama) are gaining traction. Moreover, writers and producers are starting to realize that viewers want more than just spectacle—they want substance.
There’s also a growing appetite for mini-series, anthologies, and genre-specific content such as thrillers, sci-fi, and historical dramas, which Indian television had largely ignored.
Conclusion
Indian television has come a long way—from the slow, thoughtful narratives of the 1980s to the high-octane family dramas of the 2000s and the more socially conscious, digitally driven storytelling of today. This cultural shift reflects not only technological advancements and industry growth but also the changing mindset of Indian audiences.
As long as storytelling remains at the heart of content creation, Indian television will continue to evolve, entertain, and educate. Whether you’re nostalgic about the classics or curious about today’s top shows, platforms like apnetv and apne tv offer a window into the vast and dynamic world of Indian television.