India’s Most-Watched Show Isn’t What You Think—Meet the Legal Drama That Beat Them All

Streaming Milestone:

In a dramatic turnabout to India's OTT universe, Pankaj Tripathi-starrer Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has headed the list of top-watched original web series of 2025 so far, ahead of biggies like Panchayat, Aashram, Squid Game, and Mirzapur. The courtroom thriller on JioHotstar has been viewed by 27.7 million viewers, according to Ormax Media's Top 50 Streaming Originals list.

Key Highlights:

- Criminal Justice Season 4 was premiered on May 29, 2025, with weekly releases.

- It stars Pankaj Tripathi as Madhav Mishra, an advocate, with Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Khushboo Atre, and Asha Negi

- The gripping storyline revolves around a sensitive custody battle entangled in emotional and legal complexities

- Viewership estimates are distinct individuals who watched an entire program or 30 minutes of programming

- The show surpassed Bobby Deol's Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 (27.1 million views) and Panchayat Season 4 (23.8 million views)

Why it relates:

- Tripathi's poignant portrayal of a tough-talking, soft-hearted lawyer resonated with both urban and rural audiences

- The blending of courtroom suspense, family tension, and ethical dilemma in the program is a refreshing change from action-filled thrillers

- Critical success due to its emotional depth, realism, and understated storytelling

OTT Impact:

The success of Criminal Justice suggests a shift in interest in the audience towards realistic, character-driven narratives. It also solidifies JioHotstar's grip on the Hindi fiction space.

Sources: India.com, LiveMint, Axpert Media, MSN India, Zee News, Ormax Media Report 2025