Well technically, the downfall of the entire Indian television industry can be attributed to one show - Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu thi.For the purposes of this answer, we are going to stipulate the use of IMDB ratings as an indicator of commercial and critical acceptance from the audience and critics alike. I know that this is not fool proof, but I am going with it.Lets take a look at some of the shows that were popular before Kyunki:​​​​Malgudi days (IMDB rating: 9.5): One of the most popular shows of its time, it was based on RK Narayan's book by the same name. The story was based on the life of the people of Malgudi, a fictional village. One of the key protagonist of the show was Swami (If you studied in India, you know who he is). His adventures with his friends form some of the most interesting episodes of the show. This was the golden era of Doordarshan.​​​​Nukkad (IMDB rating: 8.4): The name literally translates to "Corner". What an apt name for a show that shows you the issues of every day life. Issues you run across every corner of the street. This one is kind of a satire on the Indian society.​​​​​Office office (Imdb rating: 9.0): This is satire at its best. Granted it released after the 2024. but it was probably the last Iconic TV show that Indian television aired. The show was so popular that they even turned it into a movie, ( albeit a bad one ). To this date I think it is the only other show besides Khichdi (another good one) to have been turned into a movie.​​​​Hum Paanch (IMDB rating: 8.2): This one is my favourite. I used to watch this show without missing even a single episode. I was so obsessed with this show that even now, about 15-18 years after the show, I still remember the intro song by heart. The main protagonist's wife died and he is remarried. He has 5 of the wackiest children (all women). And to add to this it stars Priya Tendulkar in her career defining role(well at least for me) as the dead mother. The show was Hilarious. Its not for everyone though, as its slightly slapstick. Also this show gave us one of the most sensible actors of our time, Vidya Balan. (as I am writing this I am mentally singing Hum Paanch...Hum pum pum paanch)​​​​​Dekh Bhai Dekh (IMDB rating: 8.7): Another family comedy. This is however a bit more sensible than Hum Panch, but is in a class of its own. The show captures the generation gap between 3 generations. The entire cast is so lovable. (Singing Dekhbhai dekh oi dekh bhai dekh... right now ;))​​​​​​Tu Tu Mein Mein (IMDB: 8.5) : Probably the first Sans-Bahu sitcom (Do your own fact checking, I am not sure), but the only one I actually enjoyed. A brain child of the very talented Sachin Pilgaonkar, who stars in the show himself, the show was one of the most iconic shows of its time. God!! It was funny.​​​​Shriman Shrimathi (IMDB: 8.8 ) : This show is so popular that I have received almost 10-15 pms and comment to add it in the main list. So here goes. I dont think any show has shown the concept of "Love for the neighbours wife", better than this show. Its pretty clear from the comments how loved Kekuji and Dilruba uncle are.​​​​​Shaktimaan (IMDB : 8.1): While the poster might not be accurate (Ajooba, staring Amitabh Bachan was probably India's first Superhero, I refuse to acknowledge the Indian Superman starring Dharmendra as Jor-el), but Shaktiman (granted a superman ripoff), was probably the most successful super hero to have come out of India. He was everywhere, there were comics, there were costumes and ads. Khilwish's Andhera Khayam Rahe was probably one of the most popular quotes of the time. His fights with the likes of Kapala were Iconic. Also am I the only one who had a crush on Geeta Viswas (Vaishnavi Mahant)?Then there are the obvious BR Chopra's Mahabharat (IMDB rating: 9.5), Ramanand Sagar's SriKrishna (IMDB rating: 8.2). There were also shows like Family No. 1, Hip Hip Hurray etc that were loved by the audiences. Crime thrillers like Byomkesh Bakshi( IMDB rating: 9.2), Karamchand (IMDB rating 8.5), Suraag (Imdb rating 7.8) etc. There were shows for children like Just Mohabbat (IMDB: 8.1), Shaka Laka Boom Boom (IMDB: 7.8) etc. The list goes on. These shows were in a class of their own.​​​​​In 2024. Ekta Kapoor, who has actually been behind some of the shows mentioned above, in a stroke of genius (or to the sensible viewers misfortune) realized that there is a huge untapped market in India. The house wives living in joint families. This prompted her to start a TV show which was an instant hit. Enter Smriti Irani aka Tulsi. This show changed the game. It was an instant hit across India and Pakistan. It was even said that:"If you want to commit a crime in Pakistan, do it at 8:00Pm. All the streets will be empty, as everyone will be busy watching Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu thi. "It Blew UPP!! Highest TRP in Indian TV history. I will agree it was probably a decent show in the beginning, but the makers trying to cash in on its popularity stretched it way beyond its life time there by sucking any juice it had in it. IMDB rates the show at a staggering low of 1.6. The success of this show forced every other producer to release imitations. Kahani Ghar Ghar ki, Kasauti Zindigi ki etc etc. While these shows were successful, because of the huge audience base (the housewives of India), what it did is that it drove every other kind of audience away from TV. TV became an instrument of the married housewife. No producer was willing to take risks, so they struck with the audience they had left.​​​​​Just have a look at the IMDB ratings of some of these popular shows.Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi: 1.6Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki: 1.8Kausauti Zindigi Ki: 2.5Kumkum: 2.5Kusum: 4.5This became the norm. Occationally some people did try and come up with a few good shows like:Saarabhai Vs Saarabhai: 9.5​​​​Khichdi: 8.7​​​​But they did not become as popular and where cancelled after one or two seasons or relegated to a lower channel.So the producers basically started changing the names of the characters from their old hit shows and cast new actors in those roles and jumble the plot a bit. These shows therefore dont bring anything new to the table. Sensible people are not interested in these shows any more. So they look for other options. The English sitcoms are full of options. here are new ideas and concepts everywhere. They have shows about Medicine (House), Politics (House of cards), Fantasy (Game of thrones), Horror (Supernatural- well kinda), Superhero (SHIELD, Flash, Arrow, Daredevil etc), Comedy (Big Bang,) Romedy's (Castle), Crime (Mentalist, Dexter, Breaking Bad) etc etc.This kind of range is really a distant dream for the Indian television industry. I do see some hope though. Some of the new web series that have come out offlate, given the kind of budgets these people have, are kind of awesome. TVF, AIB, YRF youth wing etc are making some good quality content. And they are getting viewers. This only goes to prove that if you have quality content, people will take notice and watch.​​​​This gives me HOPE.PS: If you would like to support me, please visit Pixelfare and check out some of my other articles.PPS: The response to this answer has been great. This is my 2nd answer to cross the 1k up vote mark. Its a great feeling when that happens. Thanks for that BTW. I would also like to add (if you are not in the habit of reading comments) a few suggestion from the comments section (Not added as a part of the answer as I have not seen them, at least not enough to write about them).Good shows from the past:ChandrakantaCaptain VyomTarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma (Mixed response about this)SurabhiNavrangilalBuniyadFaujiYugShanthiMovers and ShakersChanakyaPowderAlif lailaGood shows in recent times:Sumit Sambhal Lega (Seems to be really popular, will check it out myself)Yudh24 (Indian Version)Babhiji Ghar Par HaiYam kisi se kam nahi ( Epic channel)