Year Ender 2025: From The Family Man to Delhi Crime, top OTT series that dominated the year

In 2025, OTTs in India stood out completely with the return of some of their popular and cult shows, which, staying true to expectations, dominated the OTT space. These series, already ingrained in pop culture, came back with even higher stakes, darker characters and sharper narratives. Across platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and MX Player, they proved why they earned cult status in the first place. Here we take a look at the top OTT franchises that dominated the year.

The Family Man Season 3 - Amazon Prime Video

Manoj Bajpayee returned with a bang as Srikant Tiwari, this time multitasking domestic chaos and global threats with the same bravery and brilliance that made the character popular. The third season pushed The Family Man into even more complex geopolitical territory while staying true to its emotional core. Bajpayee perfectly anchored the series with restraint and humour, making espionage feel lived-in rather than heroic. The third season balances intense action with keen social commentary, reaffirming its place as one of India’s favourite OTT shows.

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 - Amazon MX Player

Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala took the Ek Badnaam Aashram to new heights. Season 3 part 2 was a season that leaned deeper into power, punishment and public complicity. Bobby's acting as a fierce baba, and his chilling composure remained the backbone of the series. Aaditi Pohankar also complimented Bobby, as her evolving character also became a talking point. Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 deepened its exploration of how blind faith, politics and fear intersect, making it one of the most talked-about returns of the year.

Paatal Lok Season 2 - Amazon Prime Video

In the second season of Paatal Lok, the world grew even darker as it dug further into corruption and structural inequality. Jaideep Ahlawat as Hathi Ram Chaudhary delivered another impressive performance. He played a man shaped and dismantled by the system he serves. Tillotama Shome also added fresh intensity with her portrayal, as season 2 received widespread conversations around justice, class and conscience.

Delhi Crime Season 3 - Netflix

The Emmy-winning series made its turn with its most harrowing season, as Shefali Shah and Huma Qureshi shone bright with their powerful performances set against a backdrop of human trafficking. Stripping away procedural tropes, Season 3 focuses on the raw psychological toll of policing. It is uncomfortable, deeply impactful, and arguably the franchise's most exhausting chapter yet.

Panchayat Season 4 - Amazon Prime Video

While other cults thrived on darkness, Panchayat returned with warmth, wit, and quiet insight. Season 4 deepened its exploration of rural politics, relationships, and everyday compromises, allowing its characters to grow without losing their simplicity. Jitendra Kumar’s Abhishek continued to anchor the series, as humour and heart combined to remind audiences that cult status does not always need chaos, sometimes it just needs honesty.