Ever wonder why some TV shows linger for years and years while others barely get off the ground? In India, that success often hinges on one number: the all-important TRP rating. TRP (Television Rating Point) is the way of measuring (it’s not perfect, but that’s a different debate) how many people are watching, and that tells us which serials are a hit and which are losing the plot.
It’s July 2025, and daily serials are still ruling the Indian TV roost, a good while after the OTT boom. Let us revisit the new Hindi serials (and the setup behind the success trend of these top serials on the TRP chart) and explore why TRP is still the ruler.
What Is TRP and Who Measures It?
TRP stands for Television Rating Point. In India, it’s tracked by BARC India (Broadcast Audience Research Council) using meters in a sample of homes across cities, towns, and villages (BARC India). These devices record what viewers watch. The data from around 200,000 homes is analysed weekly to estimate viewership across the country.
A TRP rating is expressed as a percentage. For example, a show with a TRP of 2.5 suggests roughly 2.5% of the viewing sample watched it. And for Hindi prime-time serials, anything above 2 is considered a good score these days.
Who’s Leading the TRP Game in July 2025?
Recent BARC reports (week 26, 28 June–4 July 2025) and media sources paint a clear picture:
- Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Sony SAB) – TRP 2.5 (BARC India)
It’s – once again – number one. A new “Bhootni” storyline (think comedy-meets-horror) has kept viewers hooked. - Anupamaa (Star Plus) – TRP 2.1
The family drama still performs strongly, though it’s dropped to second place. - Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Star Plus) – TRP 2.1
Long-running and ever-popular. It’s tied closely with Anupamaa for the second spot (India Forums ChaskaMeter). - Udne Ki Aasha (Star Plus) – TRP 2.0
A newer serial about a woman’s fight for self-worth. It’s shaken up the top five after debuting solidly in late 2024. - Lakshmi Ka Safar (Colors TV) – TRP 1.7
This family drama spins off from Mangal Lakshmi and consistently ranks in week-to-week charts.
Shows like Advocate Anjali Awasthi, Shiv Shakti Tap Tyaag Tandav, and Vasudha fill out the rest of the top ten, each holding TRPs between 1.3 and 1.5 (BARC data).
TRP Trends Since IPL 2025
IPL matches stopped at the end of May 2025, and TRP patterns shifted noticeably after that. With cricket off-air, viewers returned to regular dramas.
Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta, and new favourites like Udne Ki Aasha gained strong momentum. Meanwhile, Taarak Mehta stayed steady with its fresh plot twist.
BARC data shows that non-sports GEC (General Entertainment Channel) viewership went up by 15–20% in June (BARC India). Channels took advantage by launching new twists and promoting family drama themes to recapture audience share.
How Channels Respond to the Numbers
High TRP means good money. Advertisers pay top rupees for ad space during popular serials. Channels will extend these shows, add bigger storylines, and invest more in production.
If TRP dips, the show may change its story, bring in new characters, or even move time slots. It’s all a big push to win viewers back.
BARC reports often influence programming meetings each week (BARC India), with networks shifting time slots or even replacing low-rated shows in under a month if numbers stay poor.
Why Viewers Follow TRP
Viewers might say they just watch for fun, but they often check TRP to see if their favourite show is doing well. High-TRP serials get more publicity and become part of family conversations. It’s part of fan culture, much like celebrating a hit film.
Entertainment news channels and social media regularly share weekly TRP charts, helping fans track rankings and debate which shows deserve to be on top. Advertisers also use these publicised numbers to plan brand placements inside high-performing serials.
TRP vs. Streaming Metrics
Traditional TV still rules when it comes to broadcast reach. But streaming platforms matter too. Many serials are available on Hotstar, Zee5, and SonyLIV. Channels now watch both broadcast TRP and online views. Yet BARC’s figures are still the main scoreboard.
Criticisms of the TRP System
TRP gives a glimpse, not the full picture.
- The sample size is small versus India’s huge population.
- Rural viewing may be under-represented.
- In past years, some channels have gamed the system.
BARC has tightened rules and increased meters to improve accuracy. Still, TRP remains the industry’s go-to metric for now.
Final Words
TRP ratings might seem like just numbers, but they shape what millions across India see every evening. Shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Anupamaa, and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai are still leading the charts—proof that familiar faces and family stories matter.
Newcomers like Udne Ki Aasha are breaking in, showing that fresh ideas work too. Even with more choice on streaming, daily soaps still hold their sway, especially when they score big numbers week after week.
In mid-2025, whatever’s on a high TRP is the one household conversation that pivots around—proof that in India, TV serials still have the power to bring people together.
