There are very few television shows that can remain relevant for more than a decade, survive multiple cast changes, and still find a place in everyday pop culture conversations. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is one of them. The StarPlus family drama premiered in January 2009 and has steadily built a legacy centered on relationships, family values, romance, and the changing dynamics between generations. Produced by Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Productions, the show has repeatedly refreshed its narrative while retaining relationships at the heart of its storytelling.
A Show That Turned Generations Into Its Biggest Strength
What makes Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai particularly distinctive is the way its story has resonated with generations. The original chapter revolved around Akshara and Naitik, played by Hina Khan and Karan Mehra. The narrative later shifted its focus to their daughter, Naira, and her relationship with Kartik, portrayed by Shivangi Joshi and Mohsin Khan.
The next major chapter introduced Akshara and Abhimanyu, with Pranali Rathod and Harshad Chopda taking the lead. Each phase developed its own audience, allowing the series to remain familiar while introducing new characters, relationships, and conflicts.
The fourth-generation storyline brought Abhira and Armaan, played by Samridhii Shukla and Rohit Purohit, into the spotlight. Their relationship and the complicated family equations surrounding them became a major part of the show’s recent journey.
The 5,000-Episode Milestone
The show’s longevity reached another landmark in December 2025, when Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai completed 5,000 episodes. It became the first Indian daily fiction show to reach the milestone, underlining just how unusual its television run has been. The occasion was marked through a special celebration and a promo that looked back at the different generations that had shaped the series.
The milestone was significant not simply because of the number of episodes, but because it represented more than 16 years of continuous storytelling. Former leads and newer faces have each contributed to the show’s identity, creating distinct eras that fans still remember.
From Abhira-Armaan To A New Chapter
The show’s story has continued to evolve rather than remaining fixed around one central couple. In 2026, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai entered its fifth-generation chapter, bringing a fresh focus to the younger characters.
The new phase follows Maira as she steps into adulthood, exploring themes of college, friendships, independence, and ambition. At the same time, Abhira and Armaan’s journey takes a different direction as they navigate parenthood and the challenges of seeing their daughter grow up.
This shift once again demonstrates the show’s core storytelling formula: the characters change, but the emotional questions surrounding family, love, and relationships remain central.
Why YRKKH Continues To Stay In The Buzz
The show’s ability to generate conversation comes from its constant movement. New characters, generation leaps, relationships, family conflicts, and emotional turning points regularly give viewers something new to discuss.
At the same time, its established history gives every new chapter a connection to what came before. Fans who followed Akshara and Naitik remember Naira and Kartik, while later viewers became invested in Akshara-Abhimanyu and Abhira-Armaan. This chain of generations has helped Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai create a television universe that continues to expand.
After crossing 5,000 episodes and moving into its fifth generation, the StarPlus favorite has clearly become more than a long-running daily soap. Its biggest achievement may be its ability to keep changing with its characters while preserving the one element that has remained constant since 2009 — the importance of relationships.
