Shows with high viewership aren't always audience favourites

Some shows on streaming platforms may have gained high viewership from the hype built around them and generous marketing spends, but these web originals don't necessarily become audience favourites.

- Lata Jha

The list of most-watched Hindi streaming originals in 2024 was led by the third seasons of Mirzapur and Panchayat, followed by Heeramandi, Indian Police Force and Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar, according to media consulting firm Ormax. However, the list of most-liked Hindi web series was topped by Panchayat, followed by The Legend of Hanuman, Kota Factory, Gullak and then Mirzapur.

Experts said the discrepancy between the most-watched and the most-liked shows reveals that viewership is often driven by anticipation, hype and marketing, whereas liking is a deeper metric that reflects greater engagement and long-term impact.

Incidentally, high-budget, tentpole shows such as Mirzapur, Panchayat, Heeramandi and Citadel: Honey Bunny also rank high on marketing buzz.