The year 2025 proved to be a turbulent one for Indian television, marked by both premature cancellations and the planned conclusions of several popular dramas. The industry witnessed how unpredictable audience tastes and the relentless ratings game can be, leading to the end of eras for many loyal fanbases. As channels prepare for new programming, here is a detailed recap of the shows that signed off this year, exploring the reasons behind their exits.
High-Profile Sequels and Quick Exits
Some of the most anticipated returns to television failed to live up to expectations in 2025. A prime example was Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 4. This sequel, which aired from June to September 2025, featured Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi as Rishabh and Bhagya. Despite the star power, the channel pulled the plug after just 70 episodes. Fans and critics felt the show lacked the original's charm, with many citing forced chemistry between the leads as a key reason for its downfall.
Another sequel that couldn't replicate its predecessor's success was Doree 2. Starring Priyanshi Yadav and Ishaan Dhawan, it premiered in January 2025 and ran until June, completing 109 episodes. While the "Doree-Man" couple had a strong fan following, the sequel ultimately failed to connect. Low TRP ratings, an unfavourable time slot, and a plot that didn't resonate led to its premature end.
Shows That Struggled to Sustain Momentum
Several new shows launched with promising concepts but struggled to maintain viewer interest over time. Dhaakad Beera, starring Neha Rana as the fearless protagonist, aired from July to December 2025 for about 104 episodes. Despite heavy marketing, audiences found the plot repetitive and the narrative weak, leading to consistently low viewership and cancellation after five months.
The prime-time romance Ishani, a spin-off of 'Jhanak', featured Megha Chakraborty and Karamm S Rajpal. It aired from July to October 2025 for 114 episodes. Marketed as a socially relevant drama on women's empowerment, it failed to perform consistently in the ratings, also facing stiff competition in its time slot.
Deewaniyatt, an intense romance thriller with Vijayendra Kumeria and Kritika Singh Yadav, met a similar fate. It premiered in November 2024 and ended in January 2025 after only 79 episodes. Despite a unique concept and a good opening, it couldn't hold audience attention for long.
Planned Conclusions and Wrapping Up Stories
Not all endings were due to failure. Some shows chose to conclude their stories while still in good standing. Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, starring real-life friends Sriti Jha and Arjit Taneja, is a standout example. Debuting in November 2023 and ending in May 2025, it racked up a massive 526 episodes. The makers decided to end the popular show on a high note, giving fans a satisfying and planned conclusion rather than dragging out the narrative.
Similarly, Suman Indori, marking the return of Ashnoor Kaur alongside Zain Imam, aired from September 2024 to April 2025 for 236 episodes. Appreciated for its small-town flavour, the channel decided to wrap it up to freshen up its programming lineup while the audience still held a positive opinion of it.
Other shows that saw planned or necessary endings included Dil Ko Tumse Pyaar Hua (216 episodes), which tackled skin colour bias but wrapped up after the main conflict was resolved to prevent viewer fatigue, and Iss Ishq Ka… Rabb Rakha (215 episodes), which concluded its love triangle story in April 2025 after sliding TRPs.
Concepts That Couldn't Find Their Footing
A few shows with unique ideas launched in 2025 but failed to execute them effectively for the prime-time audience. Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad, focusing on a hate-to-love journey with Abrar Qazi and Afiya Taya Bali, aired from July to September 2025 (106 episodes). Its niche genre couldn't sustain broad viewership, leading to its cancellation.
Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai, an adaptation of the Marathi show 'Tu Chal Pudha', starred Rajshree Thakur and Yogendra Vikram Singh. Airing from January to April 2025 for 130 episodes, its empowering tale of a housewife with dreams was let down by slow execution, causing it to struggle for momentum.
Perhaps the most notable was Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann. Featuring Aditi Sharma as a girl dreaming of becoming an astronaut, it ran from December 2024 to March 2025 (104 episodes). It initially gained attention for its unique storyline but disappointed viewers when it deviated from the protagonist's space journey into a typical love triangle and family drama, leading to declining TRPs.
Other shows that ended their run included Maati Se Bandhi Dor (285 episodes), which lost viewers after significant plot twists, and Durga – Ek Atoot Prem Kahani (112 episodes), whose declining viewership was attributed to slow pacing and repetitive elements.
The television landscape of 2025 highlighted a clear trend: while strong concepts and star casts are crucial, sustaining audience connection with consistent, engaging storytelling is the ultimate key to survival. The year's cancellations and conclusions have undoubtedly paved the way for a new wave of stories aiming to capture the hearts of Indian viewers.
