16 American TV shows with loyal fan base in India

'The Big Bang Theory'

There was a time when one had to surf the Internet in order to catch up with the latest shows on American television. But of late, all that has changed. English channels in India now telecast some of them at the same time as in the US. In fact, the number of such shows is increasing. HitList points out some of the most loved American shows in the country.

'The Big Bang Theory'

Year it was launched: 2007
Seasons aired so far in India: One to seven (currently on)
What's it about: If you thought nerds are boring, this superbly crafted sitcom points out the exact opposite. A tongue-in-cheek look at the world inhabited by scientists, the show celebrates the eccentricities of lead character, Sheldon Cooper.

'House Of Cards'

Year it was launched: 2013
Seasons aired so far in India: Season one and two (currently on)
What's it about: Starring accomplished actors like Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in lead roles, the story - with politics as its backdrop - pits them against each other. The multi-awards winning show is an adaptation of a novel by the same name.

'The Newsroom'

Year it was launched: 2012
Seasons aired so far in India: Season one and two
What's it about: Focusing on TV journalism, the plot revolves around those who make a newsroom click. With Jeff Daniels and Emily Mortimer in pivotal roles, the show takes you through the dynamics of a commercially unsuccessful, but ethically supreme TV channel.

'Games Of Thrones'

Year it was launched: 2011
Seasons aired so far in India: One, two and three
What's it about: Is there anything that this show does not touch upon? Be it pain, lust, love, mercy, loyalty or religion, every episode takes you on a unique journey. Set in a mythical world, the show's meticulously sketched characters have garnered a massive fan following.

'Hannibal'

Year it was launched: 2013
Seasons aired so far in India: One and two (currently on)
What's it about: This psychological thriller follows the relationship between Hannibal Lecter, one of the most fascinating cinematic villains of all time, and an FBI investigator.

'Grey's Anatomy'

Year it was launched: 2005
Seasons aired so far in India: One to nine
What's it about: It revolves around the lives of doctors, capturing the drama inside the operation theatre as well as outside. Apart from chronicling how these characters save others' lives, the show also throws light on their lows.

'How I Met Your Mother'

Year it was launched: 2005
Seasons aired so far in India: One to eight
What's it about: With Josh Radnor, Neil Patrick Harris and Cobie Smulders headlining the cast, this series follows the lives of a group of friends who are characterised by their eccentric yet engaging lifestyles.

'Mad Men'

Year it was launched: 2007
Seasons aired so far in India: One to six
What's it about: Set in an advertising agency of the '60s, the show primarily emphasises on a character named Don Draper. Along with his struggles with his past, the series also explores his work, his ladyloves, his colleagues and their dysfunctional lives.

'Two And A Half Men'

Year it was launched: 2003
Seasons aired so far in India: One to 10
What's it about: After Ashton Kutcher replaced Charlie Sheen as the protagonist of this celebrated sitcom, the main character is seen dealing with life post a bad divorce. Due to its phenomenal success, it has had 10 seasons so far and the eleventh one is in the pipeline.

'Suits'

Year it was launched: 2011
Seasons aired so far in India: One, two and three
What's it about: The protagonist in this show enjoys the gift of an unfailing memory. Being a college dropout against his choice, he ends up working for an established lawyer who decides to puts this exceptional skill to good use.

'Modern Family'

Year it was launched: 2009
Seasons aired so far in India: One to five (currently on)
What's it about: A uniquely funny take on three families that are going through the usual struggles of life. With seamless storylines and endearing characters, this show's popularity comes as no surprise.

'Dexter'

Year it was launched: 2006
Seasons aired so far in India: One to eight
What's it about: The show is centred around Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter pattern analyst for Miami Metro Police Department. What's interesting is the fact that Dexter also leads a secret life as a serial killer, hunting down criminals who slipped through the cracks of law.

'Homeland'

Year it was launched: 2011
Seasons aired so far in India: One, two and three (currently on)
What's it about: Based on the Israeli TV series Hatufim, Homeland peeks into the world of intelligentsia where things aren't what they seem to be. With the Iraqi War as the backdrop, the show hinges on terrorism and the people who carry out similar attacks.

'Castle'

Year it was launched: 2009
Seasons aired so far in India: One to six (currently on)
What's it about: With a storyline where a novelist helps a crime detective crack homicide cases, this drama will not only surprise you but also entertain you. If the show Dexter was about the killer, this one is about the guys on the other side of the fence.

'Criminal Minds'

Year it was launched: 2005
Seasons aired so far in India: One to nine (currently on)
What's it about: A fast-paced crime shows, Criminal Minds has built its own identity as it focusses on the criminal's profile, called the unsub or ‘unknown subject', rather than the crime itself. Also, a high-profile unit tries to understand criminal behaviour to curtail crime.

'The Vampire Diaries'

Year it was launched: 2009
Seasons aired so far in India: One to five
What's it about: Set in a supernatural world where vampires have extraordinary powers, a love story forms the crux of the storyline, though it also has a fair share of adventure and the good-versus-evil tussle throughout the series.