‘Maharani’ to ‘Delhi Crime’: Indian OTT’s 5 hottest returning franchises
Some stories are so well told that audiences just can’t get enough—and the growing number of successful multi-season Indian web series is proof of that. From small-town dramas to gritty crime sagas and sharp political thrillers, these shows have struck a chord with viewers across the country, season after season.
Their continued success and ever-expanding fan base have turned them into full-fledged franchises, each new chapter generating as much excitement as the first.
Here’s a look at some of India’s most popular web series that are returning to the screens with brand-new seasons.
‘Maharani 4’
Starring Huma Qureshi in the leading role as Rani Bharti, ‘Maharani’ is a political drama created by Subhash Kapoor. The series is a fictional story of Rani, a homemaker and a wife of Bihar’s Chief Minister. Her life takes a sharp turn when she is made the successor of her husband and enters the world of politics. With its fourth season available for streaming on Sony LIV from Friday, ‘Maharani’ will now look at Rani’s ambition to enter the national politics, as she stands up as a competitor in front of the Prime Minister, played by Vipin Sharma. The fourth season has seen a jump of a few years and shows Rani’s three children as grown-up adults. The series has created a fanbase for itself for the strong storytelling and the powerful performances by its actors, especially Huma, who portrays a woman rising against the odds in a male-dominated society.
Release date: Friday
Streaming platform: Sony LIV
‘Delhi Crime 3’
One of the most loved police procedural crime dramas, ‘Delhi Crime’ is the first Indian web series to have won at the 49th International Emmy Awards. It bagged the ‘Best Drama Series’ in the year 2020, for its first season. Cut to 2025, the Shefali Shah-led series is all set to bring another chilling tale of crime and horror, as it gears up for the release of its third season on November 13. It will be available to stream on Netflix. While the first season revolved around the 2012 Delhi gang rape, the second season focused on the Chaddi Banyan gang.
With the third season, the series appears to be inspired by the horrific child abuse case of baby Falak – a two-year-old who was admitted at Delhi’s AIIMS with severe injuries and signs of human trafficking and abuse. By the looks of the trailer, the upcoming season will also show human trafficking of women in the northeastern states of India. The series also features Rasika Dugal, Adil Hussain, and Rajesh Tailang in pivotal roles and is created by Richie Mehta.
Release date: November 13
Streaming platform: Netflix
‘The Family Man 3’
Manoj Bajpayee and Sharib Hashmi are all set to return as Srikant Tiwari and JK Talpade in the upcoming and highly anticipated third season of ‘The Family Man’. It also stars Priyamani as Srikant’s wife, Suchitra. Although the official trailer of the series is awaited, the makers have released at least two teasers so far, adding to the excitement among the viewers.
After tackling threats in southern India, Srikant and JK are now headed to India’s northeast for their next mission – a region that promises fresh challenges and high-stakes action.
Joining the cast this season are powerhouse performers Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur, with Ahlawat stepping into the role of the formidable antagonist. Backed by Raj & DK’s signature blend of sharp writing, dark humour, and edge-of-the-seat thrills, ‘The Family Man 3’ is shaping up to be one of the most explosive seasons yet.
Release date: November 21
Streaming platform: Prime Video
‘Panchayat 5’
Panchayat, one of India’s most loved and relatable web series, continues to charm audiences with its heartwarming portrayal of rural life and simple storytelling. Starring Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate reluctantly working as a Panchayat secretary in the village of Phulera, the series beautifully captures the humour, challenges, and emotional depth of small-town India. With each season, Panchayat has only grown stronger, blending satire, sincerity, and social commentary in perfect balance.
Following the massive success of Seasons 3 and 4, Prime Video has officially confirmed Panchayat Season 5, slated for release in 2026. Fans can expect the familiar warmth, wit, and the evolving camaraderie among Phulera’s beloved residents – promising yet another season of wholesome entertainment and feel-good storytelling.
Release date: To be announced
Streaming platform: Prime Video
‘Mirzapur 4’
Karan Anshuman and Puneet Krishna’s action crime thriller, ‘Mirzapur’, is set to return with its fourth season, wherein Guddu Pandit (played by Ali Fazal) has taken over the Purvanchal crime world and is now sitting on the throne.
The new season will witness new alliances, a battle for dominance, and betrayals to uproot Guddu’s reign over the throne. Kaleen Bhaiyaa (Pankaj Tripathi) is also expected to return in this season, reigniting power games and tension within the empire.
Also starring Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, Shweta Tripathi, Isha Talwar, and others, ‘Mirzapur 4’ will bring back a tale of violence, power games, and morally grey characters. As far as its release date is concerned, the makers have not yet announced it.
Release date: To be announced
Streaming platform: Prime Video