Delhi Crime to Aarya: Top 5 Indian Shows That Put India On the Global Map

India’s streaming boom hasn’t just transformed local entertainment; it has pushed Indian storytelling onto the world map. From gritty crime dramas like Delhi Crime produced by Golden Karavan, Ivanhoe Productions, Film Karavan, and Poor Man's Productions to slick thrillers like The Night Manager produced by Banijay Asia, under Banijay Entertainment, several shows have broken language and cultural barriers to earn global acclaim, including prestigious International Emmy nominations and wins. Here are five standout Indian series that made the world take notice:

Delhi Crime
 

Delhi Crime screening on Netflix became the first Indian series to win the Best Drama Series at the International Emmy Awards 2020. Produced by Golden Karavan, Ivanhoe Productions, Film Karavan, and Poor Man's Productions, the show’s raw, sensitive portrayal of a high-profile case, led by a powerful performance from Shefali Shah, struck a chord globally, proving that Indian storytelling can be both hard-hitting and universally resonant.

The Night Manager
 

Produced by Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, The Night Manager which is streaming on Disney+Hotstar earned a nomination at the International Emmy Awards 2024. With Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala and Anil Kapoor leading the cast, the series showcased India’s ability to adapt global formats into high-quality, stylish productions.

Made in Heaven
 

A nuanced exploration of modern relationships and societal expectations, Made in Heaven produced by Excel Entertainment on Amazon Prime Video received a nomination for Best Drama Series at the 2018 International Emmy Awards. Created by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, the show blended personal drama with sharp social commentary, appealing to audiences beyond India.

Sacred Games
 

One of Netflix India’s earliest global hits, Sacred Games produced by Phantom Films earned a nomination at the 2019 International Emmy Awards. Featuring powerhouse performances by Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the series brought a gritty, cinematic edge to Indian web content.

Aarya
 

Produced by Endemol Shine India, part of Banijay Entertainment, Aarya earned a nomination at the International Emmy Awards 2021. Led by Sushmita Sen, the show marked a powerful comeback and highlighted India’s strength in crafting compelling female-led narratives.