Tamil Serials

Tamil television drama or Tamil serials are a genre of Tamil-language television produced in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia. All major TV networks in India. Most of Tamil serials produce in Tamil Nadu a variety of Soap opera series including family drama, comedy, romance, history stories, horror, devotional, fantasy stories and many others.

Tamil serial started to broadcast television series in the 1990s. Today's format of 100–500 episodes started in the 2000s. The television series industry has played a pivotal role in increasing Tamil popularity in India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and Tamil diaspora. They are also broadcast in other parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia and North America.

They are usually shown on Tamil television channels and start at 12 pm to 3 pm (afternoon), 6 pm to 8 pm (evening) and 8 pm to 11 pm (primetime and night). A series will run for about 3 or 4 years. It may air 5 or 6 episodes a week, the pattern usually being Monday through Friday or Monday through Saturday.

'' Anandham'' (2003–2009) was the first Tamil TV drama to cross 1,000 episodes and concluded with 1,297 episodes. '' Kolangal'' (2003–2009) was the first Tamil serial to cross 1,500 and ''Chandralekha'' (2014–2022) was the first Tamil serial to cross 2,000 and concluded with 2315 episodes.

''Mayavi'', It was the first Indian & Asian 3D series. '' Nadhaswaram'', This serial on 5 March 2014 achieved the feat of being the first TV drama in Indian and Tamil television to be aired live. This was done to commemorate the show's 1000th Episode on 5 March 2014. By airing a 23-minutes 25seconds long live telecast in a single shot, the TV drama has earned a place in the Guinness World Records. '' Marmadesam'', was an extremely successful tele-serial. It was ranked first in viewership among the television programmes telecast from Chennai in 1997. '' Chithi'', It holds the credit of most watched regional Language television program in India ever.

History

Tamil language series are chiefly produced in Chennai, following the liberalization of private television in India in the 2000s. The first Tamil languages TV show was Oliyum Oliyum. It was movie song compilation program on television popular during the 1980s.

Format

Tamil Nadu

Tamil television serials are usually helmed by one director, written by one screenwriter, thus having a distinct directing style and language, unlike American television series, where often several directors and writers work together. Series are likely to have only one season, with 1–500 or 1–1000 episodes. Mini series may be longer, with 100 to 200 episodes, but they also run for only one season.

The broadcast time for flagship dramas is 12 pm - 3 pm to 6 pm - 11 pm, with episodes on 5 to 6 consecutive nights : Monday–Friday or Monday–Saturday and weekends. Different dramas appear on each of the nationwide networks, Sun TV, Zee Tamil, Kalaignar TV, Colors Tamil, Zee Tamizh, Jaya TV, Raj TV, Polimer TV, Puthuyugam TV, Vendhar TV, Mega TV, Makkal TV, DD Podhigai, Dramas in prime slots are in the telenovella format, rarely running over 500 episodes.

Sun TV channel consistently remains the top rated Tamil channel and one of the top rated Indian television channel.

Singapore and Malaysia

The broadcast time for flagship dramas is 22:00 to 23:00, with episodes on Four consecutive nights: Mondays to Thursday, Friday, and weekends. Different dramas appear on each of the nationwide networks MediaCorp Vasantham, Astro Vaanavil, TV2 and Astro Vinmeen HD.

Most Malaysian and Singapore produce a variety of Drama series including Comedy Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Teen and fantasy. Series are likely to have one to three season, with 1–80 episodes. Mini series may be longer, with 1 to 16 episodes, they also run for one to three season.

Some popular contemporary dramas in Singapore include: ''Vettai'', '' Nijangal'', ''Vettai: Pledged to Hunt'', ''Sundharam Kudumpathinar'', '' Annamalai'', '' Ragasiyam'', '' Vetri''.

Some popular contemporary dramas in Malaysia include: ''Kalvanai Kandupidi'', '' Manmadha Bullets'', ''Avatharam'', '' Zombie Kadhali'', ''Pasanga series'' and '' Jeeyum Neeyum''.

Sri Lanka

The broadcast time for flagship dramas is 19:00 to 21:00, with episodes on weekends nights. Different dramas appear on each of the nationwide networks Shakthi TV and Nethra TV. Sri Lankan Tamil channel Shakthi TV, Vasantham TV and Nethra TV channels aired syndicated television shows from Indian Tamil language, and has been well received.

The first serial produced in Jaffna was ''Marmakkulal''. It was premiered on 2017 aired on IBC Tamil. This Show was produced by IBC Tamil and director by Apayan Ganesh. It was first Tamil languages series from Sri Lanka aired more than 100 Episodes.

Some popular contemporary Original dramas include: 7K, Chinnathirai, Gowthami.

Contemporary series

Series set in contemporary times usually run for one season, for 100–1000 episodes of 22 minutes. They are often centered on a family story, with love ties and relationships being in the focus. Characters are mostly idealised, with Tamil female protagonists described as the ideal women, and can focus on ethics and social issues in rural areas. The daily dramas are also usually set in contemporary times, describing a family conflict or family relationships, centered on Tamil women, who sacrifice themselves for family happiness.

Some popular contemporary dramas include: '' Chiti'', '' Anandham'', ''Kalki'', ''Kasalavu Nesam'', '' Annamalai'', '' Metti Oli'', ''Thangam'', '' Thirumathi Selvam'', ''Deivamagal'', '' Kolangal'', '' Azhagi'', '' Athipookal'', '' Uyirmei'', '' Sembaruthi'', '' Yaaradi Nee Mohini'', '' Mella Thiranthathu Kadhavu'', '' Thendral'', '' Kana Kaanum Kaalangal'', ''Office'', ''Madhurai'', '' Marmadesam'', '' Kadhalikka Neramillai'', '' Nandini'', '' Nayagi'', ''Chinna Papa Periya Papa'', '' Nadhaswaram'', '' Sathya'', ''Azhagiya Tamil Magal'', '' Roja'', ''Magarasi'', '' Thalattu'', '' Pandavar Illam'', '' Abhiyum Naanum'', '' Vanathai Pola'', '' Kannana Kanne'', '' Anbe Vaa'', '' Thamizhum Saraswathiyum'', '' Kaatrukkenna Veli'', '' Thendral Vandhu Ennai Thodum'', '' Pandian Stores'', ''Amudhavum Annalakshmiyum'', '' Sundari'' and '' Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal''.

Music

Theme music and background music sets the overall tone of the Tamil series. Most series will start off with one to three minutes of opening theme music during the opening credits. Other series will have at the very least a catchy melody in the beginning, displaying the drama's name that lasts a few seconds, and then one to two minutes of ending theme background music during the closing credits. Background music is placed and used at strategic points of the episode to set the mood of that particular show.

Original soundtracks (OSTs) are made specifically for each series and play an important role in Tamil dramas (mostly in Singapore and Malaysia). They are generally recorded by professional playback singers and tend to enhance the reputation and popularity of dramas. OSTs help to heighten a situation, accentuate a mood, provide relief, or serve as background to an interior monologue.

Production

They are often mass-produced under large production banners, with companies like AVM Productions, Saregama, Radaan Mediaworks, Vikatan Televistas, Global Villagers, Venus Infotainment, Avni Telemedia, Balaji Telefilms, In House Productions, Kavithalayaa Productions, Vision Time India Private Ltd., Thiruselvam Theatres, Sathya Jyothi Films, running different language versions of the same serial on different television networks or channels.

Crew

Actors and actresses

In the 2000s, it become customary to cast popular Kollywood Actors mostly Actress in series. Initially, this generated mixed reactions. It has been the normal in the Tamil television industry for actresses who initially played heroines in Kollywood films to get after married acting in Television serials such as Radhika Sarathkumar, Khushbu, Devayani, Ramya Krishnan, Meena, Mounika, Kutty Padmini, Gautami, Sukanya, Sri Priya, Kausalya, Ranjitha, Sanghavi, Archana, Nalini, Nirosha and Sonia Agarwal. Also, if an actress acts in a TV series, she has lost her name as a film actress (Big Screen) and some criticized her as a small screen actress. Also differences between small screen and big screen were seen in 2000s.

Nowadays, this has become a very common feature in Tamil dramas as the public does not differentiate between a film actress and a television actress. And some small screen actresses have also found success by playing heroines in films. Their critical reception is still mixed, however, some of them, like Devadarshini, Sivakarthikeyan, Nivetha Thomas, Santhanam, Vijay Sethupathi, Priya Bhavani Shankar and Vani Bhojan, became successful as Film actors and actresses.

There were also instances of children taking up careers as child actors or actresses. Actors who played child actors grow up to play lead roles or supporting roles in television series. such people include actress like Sujitha, Neelima Rani, Hemalatha, Raveena Daha, Gabriella Charlton and Sreethu Krishnan.

Directors and scriptwriters

Directors and scriptwriters of Tamil dramas are rarely as well known as actors are. An overwhelming majority of scriptwriters and directors are men. who mostly only write about women subject stories.

In the starting Time, Most of Television director coming from film industry. such people include directors like K. Balachander, who directed more than 20 series (''Rayil Sneham'', ''Jannal'', ''Premi'', '' Shanthi Nilayam'', '' Anni)''; Balu Mahendra, the director of ''Kathai Neram''; Sundar K. Vijayan, the director of ''Guhan'', ''Kadavulukku Kobam Vandhadhu'', '' Alaigal'', '' Annamalai'', ''Lakshmi'', '' Muthaaram''; Bharathiraja, the director of '' Thekkathi Ponnu'', ''Appanum Aathalum'' and ''Muthal Mariyathai''.

In the 2000s, many new male and female directors made their debut. Acknowledged TV directors include Thirumurugan, who directed and writer '' Metti Oli'', '' Nadhaswaram'', '' Kula Deivam'' and '' Kalyana Veedu''; V. Thiruselvam who directed and writer '' Kolangal'', '' Madhavi'' and '' Ethirneechal''. Thirumurugan and V. Thiruselvam was also propelled to fame through his works '' Metti Oli'' and '' Kolangal'' & '' Ethirneechal'', which became one of the highest rated dramas in Tamil Television history. Naga, the director of '' Marmadesam'', '' Chidambara Rahasiyam'' and '' Ramany vs Ramany''.

Some female directors have risen to prominence, such as Kutty Padmini, She directed, writer and product more than 50 series (''Kittigadu'', ''Naveena Nakeeran'', '' Kalasam'', '' Suryaputhri'', '' Romapuri Pandian'', '' Ramanujar'' and '' Thenpandi Singam''); Rohini, who directed ''Chinna Chinna Aasai'', and Sripriya who directed ''Viduthalai''. The most well-known producers include Actress Radhika Sarathkumar and Khushbu.

Streaming

Tamil streaming opened in the late-2010s. They are Hotstar (Later Disney+ Hotstar), Sun NXT, Voot, ZEE5, YuppTV, MX Player, SonyLIV, aha Tamil and ALTBalaji.

Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar)

The first Tamil original Comedy drama for Hotstar, As I'm Suffering From Kadhal, aired on 16 June 2017. Triples became the second Tamil drama aired in the platform. Canadian remake, '' Vertige'', of Tamil drama, '' Fall'', ranked Top 5 in Indian.

Disney+ Hotstar is the also streaming platform to buy substantial amounts of Tamil television series. '' Kana Kaanum Kaalangal'', '' November Story'', '' Live Telecast'', '' Mathagam'', '' MY3'', ''Label'', '' Heart Beat'', '' Uppu Puli Kaaram'' and '' Goli Soda Rising'' are among the Disney+ Hotstar productions that gathered success in Tamil as well as many other Indian languages.

SonyLIV

Iru Dhuruvam was first Tamil original drama for SonyLIV, first season released on 29 September 2019 with nine episodes. second season was released on 24 February 2023 with ten episodes. SonyLIV is one of the streaming platform to buy substantial amounts of Tamil television series and films. '' Victim'', ''Tamil Rockerz'', '' Vaazhl'', '' Kasada Tabara'', '' Naduvan'', '' Appathava Aattaya Pottutanga'', '' Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam'', '' Sivaranjiniyum Innum Sila Pengalum'', '' Pandrikku Nandri Solli'', '' Clap'', '' Seththumaan'' and '' Anel Meley PaniThuli'' are among the SonyLIV productions that gathered success in India.

ZEE5

'' America Mappillai'' was first Tamil original drama for ZEE5, aired on 14 February 2018. '' Kallachirippu'' became the second Tamil category drama aired in the platform. The series was aired on 23 July 2018 and eventually ended up on 30 July 2018 with only 8 episodes.

In 2023 Ayali series was released on 26 January 2023, Bharathy Singaravel of ''The News Minute'' gave 4 stars out of 5 and wrote "Ayali, despite a few flaws, is receiving the praise it well deserves. It gives hope that the Tamil web series genre will choose nuanced storytelling over trying to stretch out cinematic mass moments for its actors."

Netflix

Since late 2020s American streaming service Netflix has been producing original Tamil-languages dramas and movies available on its platform. Netflix created its first original Tamil anthology drama series, ''Paava Kadhaigal'', with the release date on 18 December 2020.

Amazon Prime

In 2018 American streaming service Amazon Prime has been producing original Tamil dramas and movies available on its platform. '' Vella Raja'' was first Tamil original drama for Amazon Prime and aired on 2 December 2018. Breathe became the second Tamil-Hindi drama aired in the platform.

'' Suzhal: The Vortex'', The first Tamil web series has been released on Amazon Prime Video in over 30 languages through subtitles and has been dubbed in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, English language, English, French language, French, German language, German, Italian language, Italian, Japanese language, Japanese, Polish language, Polish, Castilian Spanish, Latin Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese language, Portuguese and Turkish language, Turkish.

aha Tamil

In 2022 ''Akash Vaani'', The first Tamil web series has been released on aha Tamil from 11 February 2022. Then ''Irai (TV series), Irai'' was released on 18 February 2022, ''Ramany vs Ramany 3.0'' was released on 4 March 2022, ''Kuthukku Pathu'' was released on 13 May 2022 and Madurai Paiyanum Chennai Ponnum as released on 14 February 2025.

Broadcast

Tamil TV dramas are popular overseas in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia. They are also broadcast in other parts of Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. The popularity of Tamil TV dramas in India markets is on the rise. Tamil serials are also dubbed in Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali language, Bengali, Kannada, Odia language, Odia, Marathi language, Marathi and Hindi. And most serials air with English, Sinhalese and Malay language, Malay subtitles.

India

Kerala

In the Indian state of Kerala, Tamil series are popular and broadcast at prime time including '' Kolangal'', ''Anandham (TV series), Aanandham'',''Vani Rani (TV series), Vani Rani'', ''Lakshmi Stores'', ''Chandrakumari'', '' Nandini'', ''Maya (2018 TV series), Maya'', ''Jothi (TV series), Jothi'' etc. were aired on Surya TV. ''Tamil Kadavul Murugan'', ''Chellamma (TV series), Chellamma'', ''Eeramana Rojave (TV series), Eeramana Rojave 2'' and ''Muthazhagu'' were aired on Asianet (TV channel), Asianet in non-prime time.

Most Tamil series have been remade into on Surya TV, such as ''Parvathi'' in 2002 which was a remake of the serial Chithi (TV series), ''Chithi'', ''Minnukettu'' a remake of '' Metti Oli'', ''Nilavilakku'' a remake of '' Thirumathi Selvam'', ''Aniyathipraavu (TV series), Aniyathipraavu'' a remake of '' Vanathai Pola'', ''Sita Ramam (TV series), Sita Ramam'' a remake of ''Sevvanthi (2022 TV series), Sevvanthi'' and ''Bhavana (TV series), Bhavana'' a remake of ''Kayal (TV series), Kayal'', ''Kaliveedu (TV series), Kaliveedu'' a remake of ''Roja (Tamil TV series), Roja'', ''Anandharagam'' a remake of ''Anandha Ragam (TV series), Anandha Ragam'', ''Athira'' a remake of ''Marumagal (TV series), Marumagal'', ''Kanalpoovu'' a remake of '' Ethirneechal'' etc. Asianet (TV channel), Asianet also remade four Tamil TV series. ''Santhwanam (TV series), Santhwanam'' and ''Santhwanam 2'' are remakes of '' Pandian Stores'' and ''Pandian Stores 2'' respectively, ''Kaathodu Kaathoram'' a remake of ''Eeramana Rojave (TV series), Eeramana Rojave'' and ''Chempaneer Poovu'' a remake of ''Siragadikka Aasai (TV series), Siragadikka Aasai''. Additionally Asianet adapted 3 Tamil reality shows. ''Start Music Aaradhyam Paadum'', ''Cook With Comedy'', ''Enkile Ennodu Para'' are adapted from ''Start Music (TV series), Start Music'', ''Cooku With Comali'', ''Oo Solriya Oo Oohm Solriya'' respectively.

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil series have gained popularity and the Tamil series, '' Chithi'', '' Kolangal'', ''Anandham (TV series), Aanandham'', ''Selvi'', ''Arasi'', ''Annamalai'',''Vasantham'', ''Surya'', ''Pasam'', ''Chellamay'', ''Kalyanam (2009 TV series), Kalyanam'', ''Lakshmi'', ''Vani Rani (TV series), Vani Rani'', '' Nandini'', ''Priyamaana Thozhi'' and ''Maya (2018 TV series), Maya'' were aired on Gemini TV, RVS TV, Zee Telugu and Vanitha TV.

Most Tamil series have also been remade into Telugu language versions such as ''Devatha'' which was a remake of the serial '' Thirumathi Selvam'', ''Aparanji'' a remake of ''Thangam'', ''Sravani Subramanyam'' a remake of '' Thendral'', ''Jabilamma'' a remake of ''Deivamagal'', ''Saadhana'' a remake of ''Kayal (TV series), Kayal'', ''Uppena (TV series), Uppena'' a remake of '' Ethirneechal'' and ''Geethanjali (Telugu TV series), Geethanjali'' a remake of ''Sevvanthi (2022 TV series), Sevvanthi''.

Karnataka

Tamil series have also been remade into Kannada versions such as ''Rangoli'' was a remake of the serial ''Kolangal'', ''Chikamma'' a remake of ''Chithi'', ''Bangara'' a remake of ''Thangam'', ''Thangaali'' a remake of ''Thendral'', ''Mangalya'' a remake of '' Metti Oli'', ''Chandra Chakori'' a remake of ''Deivamagal'', ''Janani (TV series), Janani'' a remake of '' Ethirneechal'', ''Sangarsha (TV series), Sangarsha'' a remake of ''Ayutha Ezhuthu (TV series), Ayutha Ezhuthu'' and ''Sevanthi (2019 TV series), Sevanthi'' a remake of ''Roja (Tamil TV series), Roja''. The Udaya TV and Star Suvarna channels air Tamil series remade in the Kannada language.

The first Tamil TV series broadcast on 2021 in Karnataka after long time was Ee Bandhana (dubbed version of ''Magarasi'') on Udaya TV, Then Nannaseya Hoove (dubbed version of ''Poove Unakkaga (TV series), Poove Unakkaga'') aired.

West Bengal

Tamil series '' Nandini'', ''Maya (2018 TV series), Maya'', ''Arundhathi'', ''Abhiyum Naanum (TV series), Mishti O Ami'', ''Lakshmi Stores, Laxmi Store'', ''Magarasi, Bidhilipi'' and ''Jothi (TV series), Onno Roope Nandini'', were broadcast on Chennai-based Sun TV Network group started a Bengali GEC named as Sun Bangla on 2 February 2019. which also broadcasts in India and Bangladesh.

'' Pandian Stores'' was remade on 31 August 2020 on Star Jalsha, one of the leading Bengali language, Bengali-language television channels in India, under the name ''Bhaggolokkhi''.

Maharashtra

;Marathi-language
Tamil series have also been remade into Marathi language, Marathi. The Chennai-based Sun TV Network group started a Marathi GEC named as Sun Marathi in January 2021. It will be Sun group's fourth entry in South Indian market. shows like '' Nandini'' been dubbed in Marathi language to reach towards peoples of Maharashtra.

Tamil series have also been remade into Marathi versions such as Premas Rang Yave in 2023 which was a remake of the serial ''Anandha Ragam (TV series), Anandha Ragam'' and Shabbas Sunbai a remake of '' Ethirneechal''.

;Hindi-language
Chithi drama was The first Tamil TV series was remade in Hindi language as ''Chhoti Maa...Ek Anokha Bandhan'' aired on Zee TV on 3 August 2001. Then Pavitra Rishta a remake of '' Thirumathi Selvam'', Maayke Se Bandhi Dor a remake of '' Kolangal'', ''Shubh Vivah'' a remake of '' Metti Oli'', ''Pandya Store'' a remake of '' Pandian Stores'', and ''Pyar Ka Pehla Naam: Radha Mohan'' a remake of '' Yaaradi Nee Mohini''.

Odisha

The first Tamil TV series broadcast in Odisha was Perazhagi. The show was renamed as ''Labanya'' and it aired on Colors Odia. Then Maangalya Sandhosham aired. Mu Bi Ardhangini, an Odia language adaptation of the Tamil drama series '' Yaaradi Nee Mohini'', was released on 9 July 2018 on Zee Sarthak.

Bhojpuri language

Bandhan Toote Na, Bhojpuri language remake of Tamil drama, '' Yaaradi Nee Mohini'', aired on Zee Ganga on 20 September 2021 to 18 November 2022.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka Tamil channels air Tamil series, and also dub and subtitle in the Sinhalese language. The first Tamil Language serial to be dubbed in Sinhalese was '' Chithi''. Tamil television series are extremely popular in Sri Lanka, with ratings higher than the traditional List of Tamil-language television channels, Tamil Nadu TV series that Sri Lankan Tamils watched. Most Tamil serial airs in Tamil language with Sinhalese subtitle.

Singapore and Malaysia

In Singapore and Malaysia Tamil Channel airs Tamil Series and subtitle in the English and Malay languages. Among the most popular series are Vettai (TV series), ''Vettai'', '' Nijangal'', Ennuyire (TV series), ''Ennuyire'', Annamalai (2014 TV series), ''Annamalai'', Ragasiyam (season 2), ''Ragasiyam'' and Neeya (TV series), ''Neeya''.

Other countries

Tamil Series and television shows are also popular among the Tamil diaspora. Tamil television shows are aired on certain cable television channels in various countries such as the Tamil Malaysians, Malaysia, Singapore Tamils, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Arab states of the Persian Gulf, Tamil South Africans, South Africa, Réunion, Tamil Mauritian, Mauritius, Seychelles, Fiji, Guyana, Burma, Trinidad and Tobago, the French West Indies, Western Europe, Australia, Tamil Canadians, Canada and Tamil American, the United States.

As ''Mayavi (TV series), The Iron Handed Phantom – Mayavi'', the series aired dubbed in South Korea, China (in Mandarin language, Mandarin) and Australia. It also aired in Europe. It was also dubbed in other Indian languages like Hindi, Marathi language, Marathi, Bengali language, Bengali, Malayalam, Telugu, Gujarati language, Gujarati and Rajasthani language, Rajasthani for all the others Indian channels.

In 2007 Mayavi won the Seoul International Drama Awards, Special Prize Award in the Drama category at the Seoul International Drama Awards.

Running time

An episode of a popular Tamil television drama from the 2000s is usually between 30 and 60 minutes in length (including advertisements), which is much longer than a typical episode of an Indian or Western European series.

Storytelling of Tamil TV series

* Tamil TV series, especially Family and Melodrama series.
* The leading roles do not die in Tamil TV series. When he dies, it means the series will end.
* Most of Tamil TV series tell the story of Women's struggles.
* Each episode of Tamil TV series is quite small, unlike East Asia and North American TV series of 20–22 minutes.¨Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law, and ex-lover are bad-tempered people.
* The poor are proud; the rich are arrogant. Even at home, the rich always appear with the perfect outfit and make-up.
* Generally, TV series are shot in Filmset.

Most Popular Tamil Serials of all time by Viewership

Audience measurement, Viewership ratings are provided by one companies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (city), Pondicherry: Broadcast Audience Research Council. The company was incorporated in 2010. It is based in Mumbai, India.

* Chithi (1999- 2001):
** Starring: Radhika Sarathkumar, Sivakumar, Yuvarani, Deepa Venkat
** Chithi became one of the most watched Indian soap opera and most watched Tamil program at that time. In week 26 of 2000, it was one of the most watched Indian serial with 4.67 TVR. Overall in 2000, it was the seventeenth most watched Indian television program with 4.45 TVR. From 30 April 2001 to 6 May 2001 and the following week it was at fourth position in All TV homes ratings with 4.7 TVR. On 3 October 2001, it garnered 5.55 TVR.
* Metti Oli (2002- 2005):
** Starring: Delhi Kumar, Thirumurugan (director), M. Thirumurugan, Chetan (actor), Chetan, Kaveri (Tamil actress), Kaveri, Gayathri Shastry
** It garnered a peak rating of 50.3 TVR overall in its runtime. The final episode garnered 45 TVR for Sun TV.
* Kolangal (2003- 2009):
** Starring: Devayani, Ajay Kapoor, V. Thiruselvam, Deepa Venkat
** It was one of the highest-rated Indian and Tamil soap opera which garnered ratings ranging between 23 and 26 Television Viewer Rating, TVR. Between 20 December 2004 to 13 January 2005 it had a rating of 25.68 TVR. In September 2007, it maintained its top position with 21.58 TVR.
* Nadhaswaram (2010- 2015):
** Starring: T. S. B. K. Mouli, Thirumurugan (director), M. Thirumurugan, Poovilangu Mohan, Srithika Saneesh, Srithika
** After Metti Oli, Nadhaswaram was the most successful serial of Thirumurugan. It was lauded for its realistic rural storyline and how it deals with family complications. It received highest ratings of 22 TVR during its climax week. This serial also achieved the feat of being the first Indian soap opera to be aired live. This was done to commemorate the Soap opera's 1000th episode on 5 March 2014.
* Deivamagal (2013- 2018):
** Starring: Vani Bhojan, Krishna (TV actor), Krishna, Rekha Krishnappa
** This series was the most popular and the watched serial in its time. In the first eight weeks of 2017, the series was the highest-rated primetime Tamil television series. In weeks 42 and 43 of 2017, it was at second position. The climax week garnered the highest ratings of 21 TVR.
* Nandini (2017- 2018):
** Starring: Nithya Ram, Khushbu, Rahul Ravi, Malavika Wales
** Nandini was the most expensive Tamil TV serial of all time. The supernatural drama has managed to win the hearts of the viewers with its intriguing storyline. The show was at first position in week 42 of 2017 and the following week. In week 52 of 2018, it was at first position with 18.47 million impressions.
* Ethirneechal (2022- 2024):
** Starring: Madhumitha Hirannaiah, Madhumitha, Kaniha, G. Marimuthu
** Ethirneechal gradually gained more popularity and viewership in May 2023 by its screenplay, and mainly for the natural and realistic acting. The series attracted all age groups mainly 2k kids by its Powerful Storyline of Women Empowerment. In July 2023, the series was the most watched Tamil-language television series with 11.55 TVR.In October 2023, it was at the peak ratings of 11.54 TVR. In Barc Era, This is the first ever Tamil Television Series to become No.1 in TRP ratings at 9:30 pm slot all over Tamil Nadu.

List of longest-running Tamil language television series

This is a list of the longest-running Tamil Language television series, ordered by number of episodes the show has aired. This list includes only programs aired three years and above.

Top Rated serials year by year

2025 (U+R)

2024 (U+R)

2023 (U+R)

See also

* List of Tamil soap operas
* List of Tamil-language television channels
* Lists of Tamil-language media in Malaysia
* Television in Sri Lanka
* List of Tamil-language films

References

{{WorldTV

Tamil-language television series,
Asian drama
Television genres
Television drama