Indian television has a knack for spinning tales that glue millions to their screens, turning daily viewing into a ritual as beloved as chai in the morning. Among these, Hindi serials stand tall, weaving dramas that range from crime-solving sagas to family feuds and fantastical adventures. These shows aren’t just entertainment—they’re cultural landmarks, etching their names into the history of India’s small screen.
What makes a serial endure for years, racking up episodes by the thousands? It’s a cocktail of relatable characters, gripping plots, and that magical sprinkle of nostalgia. Let’s dive into the top 10 longest running Hindi series, the record-breaking champs that have defined television in India, complete with their jaw-dropping episode counts and timelines. Buckle up—this is a wild ride through the most watched, popular, and downright iconic programs ever to grace our screens!
Longest Running Hindi Serial Of All Time
1. CID – The Undisputed Crime King
Kicking off our list is CID, a classic that’s practically a household name. Airing from January 21, 1998, to October 27, 2018, this crime-solving juggernaut ran for a staggering 20 years and 9 months, clocking in at 1,547 episodes. Led by the steely ACP Pradyuman (Shivaji Satam), alongside his trusty sidekicks Abhijeet and Daya, CID turned every case into a nail-biting puzzle. Who didn’t mimic Daya’s door-breaking “Darwaza tod do!” at least once? Its runtime made it a titan among Indian drama, blending suspense with that unmistakable 90s vibe. Even after it ended, reruns keep it alive, proving it’s a successful hit that’s tough to beat. Could any other crime show match its grit and charm?
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2. Aahat – The Spine-Chilling Veteran
Next up is Aahat, a famous anthology that sent shivers down spines for 19 years and 10 months, from October 1995 to August 2015. With 556 episodes across six seasons, this horror series was a rollercoaster of ghostly tales and supernatural twists. Each episode was a standalone scare-fest, making it a trending favorite for late-night thrills. Remember hiding under the blanket when the lights flickered? Aahat’s extended run carved it into the records as a pioneer of spooky entertainment. Its knack for keeping us guessing cemented its spot as a best-loved gem. Ever wonder how it kept us hooked despite the goosebumps?
3. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah – The Laughter Legacy
Now, let’s lighten the mood with Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, a comedy serial that’s been tickling funny bones since July 28, 2008. Still airing as of March 2025, it’s clocked 16 years and 7 months and a whopping 4,177 episodes. This sitcom, inspired by Taarak Mehta’s columns, brings Gokuldham Society’s quirky residents—like Jethalal and his endless predicaments—into our living rooms. It’s the highest TRP darling for years, blending humor with social messages. How does it stay fresh after all this time? Its tenure as a feel-good program makes it a record holder for consistency and charm—an ever-smiling beacon of TV.
4. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai – The Family Saga Supreme
Enter Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, a drama that’s tugged at heartstrings since January 12, 2009. Still going strong, it’s notched up 16 years and 1 month with 4,518 episodes as of now. Starting with Akshara and Naitik’s arranged marriage, it’s evolved across generations, keeping viewers hooked with love, loss, and leaps. Its duration is a testament to its rated appeal—soap opera magic at its finest. Isn’t it wild how it mirrors our own family chaos? This long-running show is a loved staple, proving Hindi serials can stretch timelines without losing soul.
5. Baalveer – The Magical Marvel
For a dash of fantasy, Baalveer swoops in, enchanting kids and adults alike from October 8, 2012, to July 31, 2024. Spanning 11 years and 9 months, it racked up 1,994 episodes across four seasons. This tale of a superhero protecting kids from evil was a maximum dose of imagination, blending action with moral lessons. Didn’t we all secretly wish for Baalveer’s powers? Its timeline as a hit among younger viewers secured its place in India’s TV lore. A record-breaking feat for a kids’ serial, it’s a standout in the 10 we’re celebrating.
6. Kumkum Bhagya – The Love Triangle Titan
Kumkum Bhagya steps up as a modern drama, airing since April 15, 2014. Still on air, it’s hit 10 years and 11 months with 2,845 episodes. Pragya and Abhi’s rollercoaster romance, peppered with family feuds and endless twists, keeps it a popular pick. It’s like a spicy Bollywood flick stretched over a decade! Its long run and knack for drama make it a top-tier contender. How does it keep the episodes coming without fizzling out? A true entertainment powerhouse, it’s got staying power in spades.
7. Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain! – The Neighborly Nonsense
Another comedy gem, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!, has been cracking us up since March 16, 2015. At 10 years and still rolling, it’s tallied 2,290 episodes. Think of it as Friends with a desi twist—two couples, endless misunderstandings, and Vibhuti’s hilarious antics. Its in Hindi charm and slapstick vibes make it a watched riot. Ever caught yourself laughing at Tiwariji’s stinginess? This series thrives on quirks, securing its spot as a successful show with a decade-long giggle fest.
8. Balika Vadhu – The Social Reformer
Balika Vadhu brought raw reality to screens from July 21, 2008, to July 31, 2016. Over 8 years, it delivered 2,245 episodes, tackling child marriage through Anandi’s journey. It wasn’t just a serial—it was a wake-up call, blending tears with triumph. Didn’t it make you rethink traditions? Its iconic status as a socially rated program earned it a record for impact. A classic that ended but lingers, it’s a famous chapter in TV history.
9. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi – The Saas-Bahu Saga
No list of Hindi serials skips Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. From July 3, 2000, to November 6, 2008, it ran for 8 years and 4 months, amassing 1,833 episodes. Tulsi and Mihir’s saga, under Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji banner, was the best of saas-bahu drama—tears, tantrums, and all. Remember the TRP wars it sparked? Its extended run made it a record holder of all time, a hit that defined an era. A legendary show—who didn’t watch it with their mom?
10. F.I.R. – The Cop Comedy Closer
Rounding out our 10 is F.I.R., a lighthearted cop caper from July 31, 2006, to January 23, 2015. Over 8 years and 6 months, it hit 1,323 episodes. Chandramukhi Chautala’s no-nonsense policing and goofy cases made it a loved escape. Didn’t her deadpan delivery crack you up? Its duration as a trending comedy secured its record-breaking charm. A serial that blended laughs with law, it’s a fitting finale to our shows.
Why These Serials Rule the Roost
These top 10 aren’t just long—they’re iconic, each a record holder in its own right. From CID’s crime-solving grit to Taarak Mehta’s endless laughs, they’ve racked up episodes in the thousands, proving Hindi TV can go the distance. They’ve dodged cancellations, leaped generations, and stayed rated high, thanks to stories that hit home—whether it’s family, fear, or fun. What’s the secret sauce? Maybe it’s their knack for evolving while keeping us hooked, like a good masala mix that never gets old. Which one’s your favorite? For me, it’s a toss-up—each is a record-breaking slice of India’s entertainment pie!
