2025: The Year Indian OTT Finally Nailed the Franchise Formula
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The Indian streaming scene has witnessed a significant shift in 2025, with a majority of returning shows delivering on expectations. This marks a turning point for the industry, which had previously struggled with maintaining quality in subsequent seasons. The OTT boom in India began with independent creators and YouTube, producing microdramas that laid the groundwork for the industry's growth. However, with the arrival of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, shows started returning with new seasons, but often at the cost of quality. The infamous Sacred Games season 2 and Mirzapur season 3 are prime examples of this decline. However, 2025 has been a breath of fresh air, with a wide range of shows across platforms and genres delivering high-quality content. Tentpole franchises like Paatal Lok, Delhi Crime, The Family Man, and Aashram have returned with new seasons, exceeding expectations and cementing their places in the industry. The success of these shows can be attributed to different approaches. Paatal Lok, for instance, focused on organic storytelling, while The Family Man and Delhi Crime maintained their core elements. Panchayat, on the other hand, retained its rustic charm, making it a standout in the slice-of-life genre. Special Ops, which took almost seven years to return, managed to grow and evolve, impressing viewers with its new season. Aashram, a flagbearer of masala formulaic entertainment, continued to thrive, ensuring the genre's sustainability on the Indian streaming scene. The success of 2025's returning shows has set a high standard for future seasons. With Panchayat returning in 2026, along with Black Warrant and Heeramandi, the industry faces a new challenge: maintaining the quality and momentum established in 2025. If successful, this could mark a new era for Indian OTT, one where franchises consistently deliver high-quality content.
