BARC Ratings Week 1, 2026: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Stays No. 1, Naagin 7 Roars With a Massive Opening

By ultapaltakhabar Jan 8, 2026 0

The first BARC ratings of 2026 are here, and television is buzzing—Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi dominates again, Naagin 7 storms into the top two, while Anupamaa faces its toughest competition yet.

The television battleground is officially back in action. The BARC India Ratings for Week 1 of 2026, released today on January 8, paint a promising picture for Indian General Entertainment Channels (GECs). With strong launches, steady performers, and fierce competition across Star Plus, Colors TV, and Zee TV, the new year has opened with momentum, optimism, and plenty of surprises.

From legacy giants reclaiming glory to fresh launches making thunderous entries, Week 1 proves that 2026 could be one of the most competitive years for Indian television in recent times.

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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Is Unstoppable

Taking the No. 1 position yet again is Star Plus’ Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, which had already dethroned Anupamaa in the final week of 2025. The iconic daily soap has now proven that its success was no fluke.

Holding firmly onto the top spot across GECs, the show has started 2026 with authority. The nostalgia factor, strong emotional storytelling, and loyal audience base are clearly working in its favour. Industry insiders now believe Kyunki is not just a temporary leader—it could define Star Plus’ 2026 strategy.

Naagin 7 Makes a Power-Packed Entry

The biggest headline-grabber of the week is undoubtedly Naagin 7 (Colors TV). The supernatural franchise has once again delivered, opening with a massive TVR of 2.1, instantly grabbing the No. 2 position.

For a show that launched as the last big offering of 2025, this is nothing short of spectacular. The emphatic opening confirms the franchise’s undying popularity and strong recall value. Naagin 7 has entered 2026 with huge expectations—and if Week 1 is any indication, it’s here to dominate.

Anupamaa Faces Real Competition

Anupamaa (Star Plus), long considered the undisputed queen of Indian television, also registers a TVR of 2.1, tying with Naagin 7. While the numbers are still strong, the positioning tells a different story.

For the first time in years, Anupamaa finds itself not comfortably alone at the top. With Kyunki ahead and Naagin 7 breathing down its neck, the competition is officially on. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Anupamaa can reclaim its former dominance.

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Star Plus Continues to Rule the Top Tier

Star Plus remains a powerhouse with multiple shows performing strongly:

Udne Ki Aasha records impressive numbers with 1.9 and 1.7 TVRs across its one-hour slots, proving that extended screen time hasn’t diluted audience interest.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai maintains its upward trend with a TVR of 1.8, showing stability after last week’s growth.
Jhanak registers a TVR of 1.2, holding steady amid stiff competition.
Shehzaadi Hai Tu Dil Ki clocks 1.1, but will need stronger traction moving forward.

Star Plus’ lineup clearly shows depth, with multiple shows contributing consistently to the channel’s dominance.

Zee TV Shows Hold Strong Ground

Zee TV has quietly but confidently maintained its footing in the race:

Tumm Se Tumm Tak stands tall with a TVR of 1.9, continuing its rock-solid run.
Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan and Vasudha both score 1.7, placing them comfortably in the mid-high bracket.
Jagadhatri records 1.4, sharing space with competitive Star Plus and Colors TV offerings.
Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile clocks 1.2, while Saru secures 1.1, indicating room for improvement.
Jagriti closes the chart with a TVR of 1.0, alongside Colors TV competitors.

Zee TV’s performance reflects consistency rather than explosive highs—something that often pays off in the long run.

Colors TV: Highs and Lows

Colors TV enjoys a mixed week, balancing blockbuster success with shows that need urgent attention:

Naagin 7 is the channel’s biggest win, clearly leading the pack.
Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment S3 scores a TVR of 1.8, proving that non-fiction continues to attract family audiences.
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki and Aarti Anjali Awasthi both register 1.4, showing decent traction.
Tu Juliet Jatt Di records 1.3, a respectable number but one that needs growth.
Mangal Lakshmi and Mangal Lakshmi – Lakshmi Ka Safar both settle at 1.2, indicating steady but unspectacular performance.
Binddii – Dil Se Daring and Seher Hone Ko Hai both post 1.0, placing them in the danger zone.

Colors TV will likely push narrative twists and promotional strategies hard in the coming weeks to improve underperforming shows.

Sony SAB’s Evergreen Winner

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (Sony SAB) once again proves its timeless appeal with a TVR of 1.8. Even after years on air, the comedy continues to pull in loyal viewers and remains one of Indian television’s safest bets.

Winners, Watchlist, and Worries

Big Winners of Week 1, 2026:

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Naagin 7
Anupamaa
Udne Ki Aasha
Tumm Se Tumm Tak

Shows to Watch Closely:

Tu Juliet Jatt Di
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Aarti Anjali Awasthi

Shows Under Pressure:

Mangal Lakshmi
Mangal Lakshmi – Lakshmi Ka Safar
Saru
Binddii – Dil Se Daring
Shehzaadi Hai Tu Dil Ki

Also Read: https://ultapaltakhabar.com/zee-tvs-saru-takes-an-emotional-turn-saru-returns-to-mumbai-draws-a-bold-line-with-ved-to-chase-her-dreams/

A Promising Start to 2026

Overall, 2026 has kicked off with enthusiasm and healthy competition. Naagin 7’s powerful debut has shaken the charts, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has asserted dominance, and Anupamaa now faces real resistance at the top.

With channels actively tweaking storylines, introducing twists, and pushing aggressive promotions, the coming weeks are expected to be intense. If Week 1 is any indication, television audiences are in for a dramatic, competitive, and highly entertaining year ahead.

Stay tuned to UltaPaltaKhabar.com for weekly BARC updates, TRP analysis, and inside gossip from the world of Indian television.

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