Mumbai: Television history is repeating itself as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi makes a thunderous comeback on Star Plus. The beloved soap opera, which originally ruled Indian television in the early 2000s, returned with Season 2 on July 29, and the numbers speak volumes.

In its launch week, the Ekta Kapoor-created show clocked a staggering 1.659 billion minutes of watch time across both TV and digital platforms. Within just four days, it pulled in 31.1 million TV viewers, with 15.4 million tuning in for the premiere episode alone, according to a press release by Star Plus.

The reboot, headlined by actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani, has become the highest-rated fiction launch in recent times across general entertainment channels (GECs). It also marks the biggest fiction debut ever across both TV and OTT platforms in India.

The show has already topped the weekly TRP charts, tying with fan-favourite Anupamaa with a TRP of 2.3, according to the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). Other popular shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (2.0), Laughter Chefs (2.0), and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (1.9) trailed behind.

"The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has proven that great storytelling never loses its power. This revival bridges generations by combining nostalgia with a fresh narrative for today’s viewers," said Sumanta Bose, Head of Cluster (Star Plus & Regional Channels, JioStar).

The reboot not only brings back Smriti Irani as Tulsi and Amar Upadhyay as Mihir Virani, but also introduces a younger ensemble cast to appeal to Gen Z and millennial viewers. The show has already sparked a wave of online excitement, generating over 17,300 social media mentions in its opening week.

Originally produced by Balaji Telefilms, the first season of Kyunki premiered in 2000 and became one of the longest-running and most-loved serials in Indian TV history. Now, with its mega return, the legacy continues — bigger, bolder, and more binge-worthy than ever.