In a defining shift in Indian television viewership this week, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 has surged to the top of the national TV ratings chart, dethroning long-time leader Anupamaa. According to the latest BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) data released Friday, the reboot of the iconic family drama has become the most watched show across Hindi General Entertainment Channels (GECs) for the week ending December 26, 2025.
The refreshed version of the classic Ekta Kapoor soap, now subtitled 2 to reflect its contemporary storyline, has generated impressive traction among audiences. Its rise comes after Bigg Boss 19 briefly topped the charts with its grand finale earlier in December, illustrating a dynamic and competitive ratings landscape on Indian television.
“Kyunki” Reclaims the Glory
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 leapfrogged to number one this week, driven by a series of high-impact plot developments that have reignited viewer interest. Analysts point to the trending Tulsi–Mihir confrontation arc and the Noina subplot as key drivers behind its ratings climb. These narrative twists have resonated with both legacy fans of the original series and newer audiences, blending nostalgia with fresh dramatic tension.
The show’s ascent will be an important turning point for Star Plus and Balaji Telefilms amid fierce competition in 2025. With multiple shows fighting for prime-time eyeballs, Kyunki’s rise underscores enduring audience appetite for long-format family dramas grounded in emotional storytelling.
“Anupamaa” Holds Strong Despite the Slip
Despite relinquishing the top position, Anupamaa continues to maintain robust viewership and remains one of the most consistent performers in the weekly ratings report. The Rupali Ganguly-led drama, widely celebrated for its strong central character and socially woven narratives, now settles into the second spot for this reporting period.
The shift this week reflects the fluid nature of audience preferences, particularly during festive periods and special programming windows. While Anupamaa remains a cornerstone of the weekday television lineup, the renewed interest in Kyunki signals a broader shift in what draws viewers’ attention at the moment. External events such as special telecasts, storyline turnovers, and promotional pushes often influence such oscillations.
Emerging Trends in Weekly TV Ratings
Alongside the top two shows, the weekly rankings indicate several notable movements:
“Tum Se Tum Tak” performed strongly, rising to the third position, reflecting increased traction since its mid-season pivot.
“Vasudha” and “Ganga Maa Ki Betiyan” rounded out the top five, securing fourth and fifth spots, respectively, results that underscore Zee TV’s expanding footprint in the competitive GEC space.
“Laughter Chefs”, previously among the top programs, slipped to the tenth position amid declining viewer interest for its latest episodes.
Industry experts note that the current week’s ratings shakeup illustrates not just the popularity of individual programs but also evolving viewer dynamics influenced by storytelling choices, seasonal content shifts, and promotional activity across networks.
Behind the Ratings Battle
The television ratings battle this year has been particularly volatile. Bigg Boss 19 temporarily claimed the pinnacle in Week 49 with its grand finale broadcast, overtaking even Anupamaa, before ceding ground to Kyunki this week. This pattern highlights the potent draw of both reality programming and classic scripted drama when leveraged effectively.
Meanwhile, producers and network executives are closely monitoring how prime-time fixtures adapt their story arcs to maintain audience interest. The resurgence of Kyunki decades after the original became a cultural mainstay speaks to the continuing power of established brands to reinvent and reclaim viewership in a crowded entertainment environment.
Looking Ahead
As the television season progresses into early 2026, insiders predict further fluctuations in the ratings charts. With holiday programming, awards shows, and potential new entries into the weekly lineup, networks are gearing up for another competitive cycle in the weeks to come.
By – Sonali