12 nostalgic Indian TV shows on Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube that you can watch this weekend

In these uncertain times, it can be therapeutic to unwind with a trip down memory lane, whether it’s looking at old photos from when you defiantly refused to part with your unibrow or that one TV show that reminds you of a simpler time. Right after the lockdown was initiated, DD National started broadcasting reruns of old favourites like Mahabharat, Ramayana, or India’s first TV series, Hum Log. Aside from these epic mythological tales and slice-of-life dramas, Indian television has churned up some instant classics over the years. From the hilarious misadventures of the Khichdi family, to the struggles of a common man stuck going from department to department in Office Office, these shows remain memorable even after decades. 

If you want to take a break from the millionth dating reality show Netflix has put out, take a look at our specially curated list of classic TV gems that you can stream online and revisit during the lockdown.

Below, we list 12 classic Indian TV shows you can stream online right now: 

1. Shaktimaan (1997)

India’s first superhero show premiered in 1997 and was heavily inspired by DC comics’ Superman. Instead of being an alien who landed on Earth from a distant planet, Shaktimaan had achieved his powers through meditation and five elements of nature: Space, Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. He even had a nerdy alter ego who worked at a newspaper. The show launched several other spin-off series and movies, including Shaktimaan: The Animated Series (2011) and Hamara Hero Shaktimaan (2013). But you can now revisit the OG Shaktimaan that started it all, online.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

2. Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993)

The iconic sitcom follows the misadventures of three generations of the Diwan family, who live together in an ancestral bungalow. Each episode dealt with a unique problem, involving relationships or their business. It starred many TV favourites like Shekhar Suman, Navin Nischol, Farida Jalal, Sushma Seth, and Deven Bhojani, to name a few.

Streaming on YouTube

3. Khichdi (2010)

Khichdi is, perhaps, one of the most quoted series in Indian television history. The story about the eccentric Gujarati family, the Parekhs, had so many iconic characters that their catchphrases became a part of the vernacular across the country. From the perpetually angry patriarch, to the gossip-addicted elder daughter-in-law, to the much-in-love couple Praful and Hansa, the hilarious ensemble of characters can be revisited any time for a laugh. The makers came out with a movie based on the show, called Khichdi: The Movie (2010) and revived it for another instalment in 2018.

Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

4. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004)

Another gem from the creators of Khichdi, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai revolved around the lives of an upper class Gujarati family who live in a posh apartment building in South Mumbai. It was a satirical look at how the other half lives. The show, with its memorable characters and simple storylines, became immensely popular right after its release.

Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar

5. Shrimaan Shrimati (1994)

This one might not have aged as well as the other shows on the list, but watch it if you want a trip down memory lane. The sitcom focussed on neighbours, Keshav and Dilruba (Jatin Kanakia and Rakesh Bedi), who covet each other’s wives (Reema Lagoo and Archana Puran Singh) more than their own. This leads to several hilarious confusions and futile schemes that form the basis of the show.

Streaming on YouTube

6. Fauji (1989)

This is the show that introduced Shah Rukh Khan to the world, back in 1989, and the rest, as the cliché goes, is history. As the title suggests, the show followed the lives of young army recruits and their training to become commandos in the Indian Army. The show remains fresh, even after all these years, because of the realistic portrayal of what a young soldier goes through after enlisting in the army, being refreshingly free from hyper-nationalism and chest-thumping.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

7. Byomkesh Bakshi (1993)

Based on stories created by Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandhopadhyay, the show followed the adventures of detective Byomkesh Bakshi and his sidekick Ajit Kumar Banerji. The soft-spoken detective solved intriguing cases in each episode, with the help of his friend. It made a star out of actor Rajit Kapoor, who portrayed the titular Byomkesh Bakshi. The original story was remade into the 2015 movie Detective Byomkesh Bakshi, starring Sushant Singh Rajput, but the iconic show is still considered to be a fan favourite.

Streaming on YouTube

8. Office Office (2001)

This show was a satirical take on the Kafkaesque workings on Indian government offices and corruption. It followed Musaddilal (Pankaj Kapur) and his struggles with an inefficient bureaucratic system and its corrupt officers. It still holds up, as Musaddilal’s frustrations with the system remain sadly relatable.

Streaming on Sony Liv

9. Zabaan Sambhalke (1993)

Like its British counterpart Mind Your Language, Zabaan Sambhalke followed the misadventures of a language class for people who want to learn Hindi. Pankaj Kapur played the role of Mohan Bharti, a reluctant teacher recruited by the National Institute of Language to teach Hindi to a motley group of students from various parts of the country.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and ALTBalaji

10. Circus (1989)

Much before he became one of the most popular celebrities in the world, Shah Rukh Khan was a part of the ensemble cast of the show Circus. It followed the lives of circus artists and the various issues that they dealt with on a daily basis. Shah Rukh played the role of a young man who now has to struggle to manage a circus that he inherited from his father. It also starred Renuka Shahane, Ashutosh Gowariker, and Makrand Deshpande. If you’re a Shah Rukh Khan fan, this one is mandatory viewing for you. We don’t make these rules.

Streaming on YouTube

11. Buniyaad (1986)

One of India’s earliest soap operas, this show followed the life of Haveliram as he dealt with the aftermaths of partition and Independence. It was helmed by Sholay director Ramesh Sippy. The show is still lauded for its near authentic portrayal of life during those times, including minor details like decor, dialect, food and songs.

Streaming on YouTube

12. Hum Paanch (1995)

This show made answering doors into an art. If you know, you know. It revolved around Anand Mathur, who lived with his wife and five eccentric daughters. There’s also his first wife, who is dead but still talks to him through her portrait. It’s widely regarded as one of the most popular Hindi sitcoms in the country. Also, it starred pre-fame Vidya Balan in her first acting role.

Streaming on Zee5

Also read:

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5 Marathi comedy shows and movies on Netflix, Zee5 and more to binge on right now