- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:39 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The emergence of web series in 2018 brought a refreshing and diverse alternative to the traditional Hindi film formula for Indian viewers. With numerous options on platforms like Netflix, TVF, Amazon, SonyLIV, and Hotstar, it can be challenging to pick the right series, especially if you have genre preferences and need guidance beyond reviews. To help you choose, we've curated a list of the top most-watched web series across various genres without revealing any spoilers.
Stranger Things (Netflix)
Set during the 1980s, this series revolves around the inhabitants of the fictitious small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Their lives are disrupted by the presence of a hostile alternate dimension called the Upside Down, following the opening of a portal between it and the ordinary world by a nearby human experimentation facility. The ensemble cast boasts notable names including Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, and Brett Gelman.
By February 2023, the English-language Netflix show that had garnered the highest popularity of all time was the fourth season of the American science-fiction series ‘Stranger Things’. In its initial 28 days on the platform, this season accumulated an impressive viewership of over 1.3 billion hours.
Squid Game (Netflix)
Squid Game achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the most-watched show or film in Netflix's history. In 2021, Squid Game claimed the top spot with a staggering 1.6 billion hours viewed. This satirical series, depicting a group of financially burdened participants engaged in a perilous competition for the amusement of affluent elites, has captivated audiences worldwide and emerged as a resounding success.
The series centers on a clandestine competition in which 456 participants, each grappling with severe financial difficulties, place their lives in jeopardy by engaging in a series of lethal children's games. Their aim is to secure the opportunity to claim a ₩45.6 billion prize.
Mirzapur (Prime Video)
Gradually but inexorably, the series ascended to become the most highly regarded web series in India, following in the footsteps of the acclaimed "Sacred Games." Building upon this success, the second season of 'Mirzapur' was unveiled on October 23 in the year 2020. As the third season of this gripping series looms on the horizon, expected to make its appearance in the year 2023, the anticipation continues to mount, particularly as the ensemble cast embarks on the journey of its production.
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Synopsis: A shocking incident at a wedding procession ignites a series of events entangling the lives of two families in the lawless city of Mirzapur. A shocking incident at a wedding procession ignites a series of events entangling the lives of two families in the lawless city of Mirzapur.
Bridgerton (Netflix)
In a mere span of seven days, the 2023 original production "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" made its debut on the Netflix Global Weekly Top 10 list, ranking among the most-watched English-language TV series. Impressively, it amassed a total of 148.28 million viewing hours.
The spin-off miniseries, which centers on the character Queen Charlotte, unfolds through the lens of two distinct narrative threads. The first storyline is situated in the contemporary setting of the Bridgerton world, commencing in the year 1817, marked by the poignant passing of the royal heir, Princess Charlotte. This tragic event catalyzes the Queen's fervent push for her offspring to enter into matrimonial unions and generate a successor to the throne. Simultaneously, the second narrative arc is set in the earlier period of 1761, capturing the pivotal moments when Charlotte first encounters and weds King George. This facet of the storyline delves deeply into the intricacies of the royal marriage, delving into the complexities of King George's mental health struggles and their impact on both his personal life and the realm he governs.
Money Heist (Netflix)
The fifth and ultimate installment of the Spanish heist-themed crime drama made its debut with an impressive viewership, amassing over 69 million views within the initial month of its September release. Following its conclusion in December 2021, the series has consistently maintained a prominent position on the top 10 list of streamed content. This enduring popularity underscores its enduring appeal and the fervor of its dedicated audience.
Sacred Games (Netflix)
In the realm of Indian streaming series, the second generation has witnessed the ascent of ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Mirzapur’ to the summit, as they now proudly occupy the top positions on IMDb's prestigious list of the 50 all-time most popular Indian web series.
Game of Thrones (Prime Video)