Pankaj Tripathi's ‘Criminal Justice: A Family Matter’ Becomes India's Most-Watched OTT Show of 2025

With 27.7 million viewers in just six months, the courtroom drama dominates India’s streaming landscape, leaving behind Ashram, Panchayat, and even Squid Game S3.

In a year brimming with powerful OTT releases, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter has risen above them all to claim the title of India’s most-watched streaming original in the first half of 2025, according to a recent report by Ormax Media. With a staggering 27.7 million unique viewers, the show has reaffirmed Pankaj Tripathi’s place as a formidable force in the Indian entertainment industry.

Streaming exclusively on JioCinema (JioHotstar), the fourth season of the popular franchise premiered on May 29, 2025, with a gripping three-episode launch. Helmed by Rohan Sippy and produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India, the season sees Tripathi reprise his beloved role as the disarmingly clever yet humble lawyer Madhav Mishra, caught in the crosshairs of a tense family murder case.

What makes Criminal Justice S4 stand out is its ability to blend courtroom drama with emotional depth. The new season brings together a dynamic cast, including Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Asha Negi, and Khushboo Atre, who navigate themes of parental control, adolescence, and fractured relationships with nuanced performances.

The show’s weekly episodic release strategy worked wonders, gradually building tension and hooking viewers across the country. In its debut week alone, the series pulled in 8.4 million views—marking the strongest opening for any Hindi OTT original in recent memory. By Week 5, its total viewership had reportedly crossed 34 million, placing it in the top five most-viewed Indian series post-COVID.

Critics have praised the show’s writing, its layered characters, and Tripathi’s magnetic screen presence. The finale, in particular, drew emotional reactions from fans, many calling it the most heartfelt closure in the franchise’s history. The series has not only won the numbers game but also earned critical acclaim and cultural impact, sparking conversations around justice, class, and family ties.

As OTT platforms continue to shape India’s entertainment future, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter is a shining example of how quality storytelling, strong performances, and smart release strategy can still win big in the age of content overload.

With this milestone, JioCinema cements its position as a major player in India’s streaming wars, while Pankaj Tripathi proves—once again—that authenticity, when paired with a compelling narrative, always finds its audience.