YouSay 2024 Must-Watch Web Series: The Best Series of the Year You Need to See!

Web series have carved out a unique niche on OTT platforms. This year has seen a diverse array of genres including crime, thriller, comedy, suspense, and political series made their way to viewers. Unlike films that conclude in about two to three hours, each episode of a series usually spans around an hour. Some series comprise 8 episodes, while others extend to 10. Hence, committing that much time means the series needs to offer something exceptional. Here we present such noteworthy series through this special feature, showcasing the best that have been released so far this year. 

#90’s – A Middle Class Biopic

Starring veteran actor Sivaji alongside Vasuki Anand, this series stands out as one of the year’s premier releases. Helmed by Aditya Hasan, it resonates deeply with every middle-class household and is currently available for streaming on ETV Win. The narrative orbits around Chandrashekar (Sivaji), a mathematics teacher in a government school, residing with his wife Rani (Vasuki), and their children Raghu (Prashanth), Divya (Vasanthika), and Aditya (Rohan). Despite his profession, Chandrashekar insists on his children attending a private school and maintains a strict stance on their education. He harbors high hopes for Raghu, particularly aiming for him to district first in his 10th-grade examinations. Does Chandrashekar’s ambition come to fruition? What unfolds between Raghu and his classmate Suchitra (Snehal Kamat)? And what’s the deal with the upma served in Chandrashekar’s household? The series delves into the convergence of perspectives between children and adults within a middle-class family, offering a captivating exploration. To uncover the answers, one must dive into the series itself.

Fallout

Ideal for aficionados of Hollywood series, this American web series draws its inspiration from a game. Set 219 years ahead in time, the director delves into the aftermath of such a lengthy period on Earth. Currently reigning atop Netflix’s ratings, the series delves into how Americans safeguard themselves from radiation aftermath subsequent to a nuclear apocalypse. What ripple effects did the nuclear detonation unleash? Such is the narrative trajectory of this compelling series.

Heeramandi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali makes his OTT debut with ‘Heeramandi,’ starring Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari. The series, which recently premiered on Netflix, is now trending in the top 10. The narrative centers on Mallikajan (Manisha Koirala), who operates a brothel in Heeramandi. Her reign is challenged by Faridan (Sonakshi Sinha), who seeks to take over the district. The story unfolds the ensuing power struggle, the roles played by Mallikajan’s daughters, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sharmin Segal, and who ultimately prevails in this dramatic confrontation.

Lootere

‘Lootere,’ streaming on Hotstar, has garnered positive feedback from OTT viewers. Inspired by a true incident from 2017, the series was developed by Jai Mehta. Featuring Deepak Tijori and Avanish Pandey, the storyline revolves around Somali pirates hijacking an Indian cargo ship. The narrative explores the negotiations led by Vikrant Gandhi, an Indian national, with the pirates, and whether Captain AK Singh and his crew managed to safely escape the pirate’s clutches. This is the central theme of the series.

Parasyte: The Grey

Don’t miss out on ‘Parasyte: The Grey‘ if you’re a fan of horror and science fiction. Available in Telugu on Netflix, this series, curated by Director Yeon Sang-ho, promises an adrenaline-pumping experience. Brace yourself for a tale where extraterrestrial parasites invade human bodies, taking over their minds and triggering horrifying physical mutations, especially in the head area. As humanity grapples with this sinister infiltration, an elite task force steps up to confront the looming danger. Their relentless efforts to combat the parasitic menace take center stage, driving the pulse-pounding narrative forward.

Poacher

Superstar Mahesh Babu’s adored web series, ‘Poacher,’ directed by Richie Mehta, unfolds amidst the verdant beauty of Kerala’s forests. Featuring Nimisha Sanjayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, and Kani Kusruti, the story revolves around a ruthless group of poachers who brutally slaughter 18 elephants for their precious tusks. In response, a determined team led by forest ranger Neel Banerjee swiftly mobilizes to apprehend the perpetrators. The gripping narrative delves into the enigma surrounding the identity of the elephant killers, the origins of the ivory trafficking network, and the mastermind orchestrating it all. As the story unravels, the intricate tapestry of deception is gradually exposed, culminating in the capture of the elusive culprit.

Inspector Rishi

This year brings yet another intriguing addition to the world of OTT with the web series ‘Inspector Rishi‘. With Naveen Chandra, Sunaina, and Srikanth Dayal taking the lead roles, this series is currently available for streaming on Amazon. Amidst the influx of new content on OTT platforms, ‘Inspector Rishi’ emerges as a nationwide trend-setter. Set in the Tennakad forest, the story revolves around the mysterious death of a photographer named Robert. Clues point towards foul play, prompting Inspector Rishi (Naveen Chandra) to investigate the scene. Drawing from his experiences with similar cases in the past, Rishi navigates through the enigmas surrounding the case. How does Rishi unravel the truth? Could there be unseen forces at play behind these deaths? That’s the crux of the tale.

Save The Tigers 2

In the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved series ‘Save the Tigers,’ Abhinav Gomatam, Priyadarshi, and Krishna Chaitanya step into the spotlight under the direction of Arun Kothapalli. For those in search of a series filled with laughter, ‘Save the Tigers Season 2’ is a definite must-watch. The story kicks off with the sudden disappearance of the leading lady, Hamsalekha. As suspicions arise, the police point fingers at Priyadarshi, Chaitanya Krishna, and Abhinav Gomatam, implicating them in her abduction. What unfolds next lies at the heart of this gripping narrative.

Maharani Season 3

The web series ‘Maharani‘ has garnered significant craze on OTT platforms. Catering to fans of political thrillers, this series provides excellent entertainment. With two seasons already released and proven to be super hits, the third season has also arrived this year, making a successful impact. Directed by Subhash Bhawe, this series stars Huma Qureshi in the lead role. As for the plot, it revolves around Rani Bharati, who becomes the Chief Minister in the climax of the second season and faces challenges upon returning to Bihar.  What did she do in her absence of power? Will she reclaim her authority? That’s the story.

Indian Police Force

For enthusiasts of terrorism and police procedural genres, the ‘Indian Police Force‘ series delivers riveting content. Bollywood luminaries Siddharth Malhotra, Vivek Oberoi, and Shilpa Shetty take center stage in this series helmed by director Rohit Shetty, now available for streaming on SonyLIV. The narrative kicks off with a series of bomb explosions in Delhi, claiming the lives of nearly 240 individuals. Tasked with unraveling this case are CP Vikram Bakshi (Vivek Oberoi), DCP Kabir Malik (Siddharth Malhotra), and Tara (Shilpa Shetty). Who is behind these devastating attacks? What motivates them? How do the police crack the case? The answers unfold in the gripping saga of ‘Indian Police Force.’

Thulasivanam

If you’re in search of an inspiring tale centered around a young man, ‘Thulasivanam‘ is a must-watch. Directed by Anil Reddy and featuring Siddharth Gollapudi, this series is currently available for streaming on ETV Win and has been garnering considerable viewership. Thulasi, a determined young man, harbors aspirations of making it big in cricket and diligently strives towards his goal. However, familial challenges pose formidable obstacles to his dreams. Did Thulasi manage to fulfill his cricketing ambitions, or did he come to terms with his circumstances? The answers unfold in ‘Thulasivanam,’ portraying a compelling journey of determination and resilience.

Red Queen

For aficionados of Hollywood action dramas, this series is a must-watch. Starring Vicky Luengo and directed by Coldo Serra, it’s currently available for streaming on Amazon. The storyline follows a cunning woman who rises to lead the European Police Force. However, amidst her ascent, a murder takes place in her home, and her heiress is abducted. Who is orchestrating these harrowing events? Dive into the gripping narrative to uncover the truth.

Cherans Journey

‘Cherans Journey’, a web series from Tamil cinema that has garnered acclaim across languages, is directed by Cheran himself. Starring Sarathkumar, Prasanna, Aari Arjuna, and others, this series is currently available for streaming on SonyLIV. The storyline revolves around Ashok, the proprietor of a car manufacturing company, who conducts interviews to select five individuals for a pivotal role. What criteria did Ashok employ to choose among the candidates? How did he oversee the lives of these five individuals? What hurdles did they encounter? And who ultimately secured the position? Explore the intricacies of the narrative to uncover the answers.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

This series, available for streaming on Amazon, stands out as one of the finest additions to the OTT landscape this year. Starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, and helmed by director Karin Evans, it follows the story of a couple who are undercover spies. Opting to keep their marital status concealed until their mission concludes, they face a dilemma when each is tasked with eliminating the other. What unfolds next in this gripping tale?

Perilloor Premier League

Streaming on Disney Hotstar, this series features Nikhila Vimal in the lead role. The narrative revolves around Malavika, who harbored affection for Srikuntan since their school days, a sentiment that persists into adulthood. Unexpectedly, she ascends to the presidency of the village Perilloor. Meanwhile, Srikuntan, displaying favoritism towards affluent girls, neglects Malavika. What unfolds in their story? Did Malavika and Srikuntan unite in marriage? And what drove her to assume the role of village president?

Cubicles Season 3

The initial two seasons of ‘Cubicles‘ enthralled OTT audiences, and Season 3, launched earlier this year, sustained the same level of intrigue. Continuing from where Season 2 left off, it’s now streaming on SonyLIV. The storyline follows Piyush, who ascends to the position of team leader. What obstacles does he encounter in this newfound role? How does he navigate the dynamics with his team members? And does he prevail over challenging circumstances?This is the story.