Top 15 Popular Comedy Shows in India 2026

Indian comedy shows attract both family audiences and young viewers who prefer sharp writing, situations and clever character humor. Unlike movies, TV and OTT comedy shows get time to build characters slowly which makes viewers connect with them. From Doordarshan era sitcoms to web series like Panchayat, each phase of Indian television has contributed differently to comedy culture. Some shows are built on slapstick. Some rely on sarcasm. Some mix drama with comedy. The result is a huge library of popular Indian comedy shows that still get searched and streamed every day.

This list focuses on the fifteen most popular comedy shows India talks about in 2026. I have added verified IMDb ratings, original broadcast channels and currently available streaming platforms where confirmed. If the show does not have confirmed OTT streaming, I mark it honestly. I do not sugarcoat availability. If you can only watch it through old clips, I will say it directly. This helps you decide realistically what to watch instead of wasting time hunting across apps. I also include who will enjoy each show, so you know if it fits your taste. I am keeping the tone simple and real.

Quick Summary Table of Best Comedy Shows India

Top 15 Popular Comedy Shows in India 2026

1. Panchayat (2020, Hindi)

Release: 03 April 2020
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Originally Streamed On: Web Original
Where to Watch Now: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta

Panchayat became one of the highest rated Indian comedy-dramas because it keeps humor grounded in real life incidents. The show follows an engineering graduate who accepts a job in a remote village panchayat office. The comedy appears through awkward social fitting, rural bureaucracy and cultural misunderstandings. Nothing is exaggerated. Panchayat works for viewers who dislike loud jokes and prefer subtle writing. It is slow paced but consistent. Scenes rely on silence, pauses and expressions instead of punchlines. This show gained popularity across age groups because it respects rural characters instead of mocking them. If you enjoy character-based humor without overacting, Panchayat is your best choice.

2. Gullak (2019, Hindi)

Release: 27 June 2019
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Originally Streamed On: Web Original
Where to Watch Now: SonyLIV
Cast: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta

Gullak focuses on a middle-class family and their routine life problems. Each episode is short, simple and relatable. Instead of drama, the writers show household issues like school fees, neighborhood gossip and saving money. The comedy comes naturally from family behavior instead of forced jokes. People praised Gullak for warmth and honesty. It does not try to be modern or edgy. It stays rooted in typical Indian middle-class living. If you want a show that feels familiar and comforting without loud acting, Gullak fits perfectly. It is easy to binge because episodes are short and smooth.

3. Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2004, Hindi)

Release: 01 November 2004
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Originally Streamed On: STAR One
Where to Watch Now: Disney+ Hotstar
Cast: Satish Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Sumeet Raghavan, Rupali Ganguly

Sarabhai vs Sarabhai remains one of the smartest sitcoms made in India. It mixes sarcasm, social commentary and family tensions into clean humor. The mother-son dynamic, the middle-class versus elite jokes and the calm sarcasm turned it into a cult classic. Many lines from the show still get shared online because the writing aged well. If you are tired of slapstick and want clever humor with strong performances, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai is ideal. It will appeal more to adults than small kids because the jokes are layered and sarcastic.

4. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008, Hindi)

Release: 28 July 2008
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Originally Streamed On: Sony SAB
Where to Watch Now: SonyLIV, JioTV
Cast: Dilip Joshi, Munmun Dutta, Amit Bhatt and ensemble

This show continues to run after more than a decade and still pulls family viewership. It focuses on a cooperative housing society with diverse characters. The humor comes from misunderstandings, festivals, social issues and simple family interactions. The biggest strength is familiarity. People connect with the characters because they feel like regular neighbors. This show suits families who want clean content without vulgar jokes or violence. If you want long-running comfort content, this is the one.

5. Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai (2014, Hindi)

Release: 09 June 2014
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: Sony SAB
Where to Watch Now: SonyLIV
Cast: Sumeet Raghavan, Rupali Bhosale, Vinay Rohrra

This sitcom combines science fiction and family humor. An alien family hides on Earth and learns Indian behavior. The idea is unusual for Indian television, but it worked well because the writing keeps it grounded. Instead of cheap CGI or effects, the humor focuses on how aliens misunderstand basic Indian habits. If you enjoy light-hearted shows with a unique angle, Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai is a solid pick. Kids enjoy it but adults will also find small jokes about society relatable.

6. Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai! (2015, Hindi)

Release: 02 March 2015
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: And TV
Where to Watch Now: ZEE5, JioTV
Cast: Rohitashv Gour, Aasif Sheikh, Shubhangi Atre

Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai builds humor through neighbor rivalry and character-driven jokes. The show relies on running gags and silly misunderstandings. It does not try to teach social lessons. It simply entertains through exaggerated behavior. The humor is broad and old-school. Viewers who want serious or clever writing will not enjoy it. Viewers who just want easy entertainment will like it. The show is also known for iconic character dialogues that gained popularity in meme culture.

7. Jijaji Chhat Par Hai (2018, Hindi)

Release: 2018
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: Sony SAB
Where to Watch Now: SonyLIV
Cast: Hiba Nawab, Nikhil Khurana

This sitcom uses light romance and situational humor. The plot centers around a young boy pursuing a girl with many comic obstacles. The comedy is innocent, simple and suitable for family viewing. Episodes are short and repetitive in format which makes it easy to watch casually. If you want a show that does not demand serious focus, this works fine. It is not as clever as Sarabhai or as grounded as Panchayat, but it has its audience.

8. The Great Indian Kapil Show (2024, Hindi)

Release: 30 March 2024
IMDb Rating: Not Confirmed
Originally Streamed On: Netflix Original
Where to Watch Now: Netflix
Cast: Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover, Archana Puran Singh

This show mixes stand-up bits, celebrity interviews and small skits. It is designed for mainstream entertainment, not niche humor. If you enjoy stand-up driven shows that require no thinking, this will work for you. Do not expect storylines or deep characters. It is built purely for laughs and star presence. Netflix backing gives it better production value compared to regular TV shows.

9. Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013, Hindi)

Release: 2013
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: Colors TV
Where to Watch Now: JioCinema
Cast: Kapil Sharma, Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda

This show was the peak of Kapil Sharma’s early popularity. Bollywood stars appeared every week and the show shaped modern celebrity comedy format on Indian TV. The humor is light, interview-based and depends on Kapil’s quick talking style. If you enjoy celebrity talk shows instead of situational comedy, this suits you. It is also one of the few older comedies talk shows that still has verified streaming availability.

10. Office Office (2001, Hindi)

Release: 2001
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: SAB TV
Where to Watch Now: Not Confirmed but can watch on YouTube
Cast: Pankaj Kapur and ensemble

Office Office is a satire on government offices and Indian bureaucracy. The humor is dry, sarcastic and realistic. It does not include romance or glamour. It shows how ordinary people suffer because of paperwork and slow systems. If you have dealt with government offices, you will relate immediately. This show is not available on verified OTT platforms which is unfortunate. You can find many episodes on YouTube, which is better than nothing.

11. Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993, Hindi)

Release: 06 May 1993
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: Doordarshan
Where to Watch Now: Not Confirmed but can watch on YouTube
Cast: Shekhar Suman, Farida Jalal and ensemble

Dekh Bhai Dekh shows a multi-generational family living under one roof. Humor focuses on family conflicts, generational differences and daily drama. It is soft, charming and harmless. It does not try to be sarcastic or edgy. Many viewers consider it a classic example of Indian family sitcom writing. Because it is old, it lacks OTT availability. Clips and episodes are available on YouTube uploads.

12. Shrimaan Shrimati (1994, Hindi)

Release: 1994
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: DD National
Where to Watch Now: Not Confirmed but can watch on YouTube
Cast: Jatin Kanakia, Reema Lagoo, Rakesh Bedi

Shrimaan Shrimati centers around two couples who admire each other’s spouses. The humor is loud but never vulgar. It was ahead of its time because it used jealousy and attraction as comedy drivers in the nineties. Younger viewers may find the production old-fashioned, but the comic timing still works. If you enjoy retro content, try it on YouTube.

13. Khichdi (2002, Hindi)

Release: 2002
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: STAR Plus
Where to Watch Now: Not Confirmed but can watch on YouTube
Cast: Supriya Pathak, Rajeev Mehta, Vandana Pathak

Khichdi uses absurd humor. Characters behave illogically on purpose. If you like unexpected jokes without explanation, Khichdi fits. If you prefer logical writing, skip it. It became famous for unique lines and deadpan delivery. It does not have verified OTT streaming for the original sitcom. Many episodes are preserved on YouTube.

14. Yes Boss (1999, Hindi)

Release: 1999
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10 (IMDb list)
Originally Streamed On: SAB TV
Where to Watch Now: Airtel Xstream Play, Plex catalog and can watch on YouTube
Cast: Rakesh Bedi, Kavita Kapoor

Yes, Boss is an office sitcom where a husband and wife hide their marriage from their boss to avoid trouble. The comedy is simple and situation based. It reflects older Indian television style where writing was straightforward. Modern audiences may find it slow, but it is a decent retro sitcom. Airtel Xstream Play and Plex have catalog listings which is better than nothing for a 90s show. YouTube has episodes as well.

15. Maddam Sir (2020, Hindi)

Release: 24 February 2020
IMDb Rating: Not Confirmed
Originally Streamed On: Sony SAB
Where to Watch Now: SonyLIV
Cast: Gulki Joshi, Yukti Kapoor

Maddam Sir mixes police procedural with light humor. It focuses on a team of female cops who solve cases with empathy. It works for viewers who want something between crime and comedy without heavy violence. The tone is clean and family friendly. It does not try to be intellectual. It just entertains with simple plots and positive messaging.

Recommendations by Taste

For clever and smart humor:
Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Office Office

For family-friendly viewing:
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Gullak, Panchayat

For retro comedy lovers:
Dekh Bhai Dekh, Shrimaan Shrimati, Yes Boss, Khichdi

For romance based light comedy:
Jijaji Chhat Par Hai

For stand-up and celebrity talk:
Comedy Nights with Kapil, The Great Indian Kapil Show

For kids and sci-fi fun:
Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai

Read more: Top 15 Best South Indian Movies of 2025

FAQs

Q1. Which is the best comedy shows in India right now
Panchayat and Gullak have the strongest ratings and wider appeal today.

Q2. Which old comedy shows are worth watching
Dekh Bhai Dekh, Shrimaan Shrimati and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai are classics.

Q3. Where can I watch Panchayat online
Panchayat is on Amazon Prime Video.

Q4. Which comedy shows are suitable for family
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Gullak and Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai are good options.

Q5. Which comedy shows have the highest IMDb
Gullak and Panchayat have the highest ratings among recent releases.

Conclusion

Indian comedy shows are diverse. Some are sarcastic. Some are emotional. Some are loud and silly. This list highlights fifteen shows that still get attention in 2026. I included correct release dates, channels, IMDb ratings and verified platforms. Retro shows will not look polished because production was limited, but writing and acting still hold value. For modern realistic comedy choose Panchayat or Gullak. For nostalgia watch Dekh Bhai Dekh or Shrimaan Shrimati on YouTube. For celebrity based humor watch Kapil’s shows. Comedy in India covers many tastes.