Few Indian web series capture rural life with the warmth, humor, and cultural nuance of Panchayat.
Created by TVF and streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the show introduces us to Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), a city-bred engineering graduate serving as a panchayat secretary in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh.
Bolstered by strong performances from Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta, Chandan Roy, Faisal Malik, and Sanvikaa, Panchayat blends wit, heart, and social insight into a heartfelt slice-of-life drama.
As of June 2025, the series spans four seasons, each uniquely charming.
Discover all Panchayat season ranked from best to least loved! Here’s my definitive ranking, with breakdowns of what makes each season stand out, and where they stumble.
Panchayat Season Ranked:
4. Season 4 (2025) – Political Pivot with Mixed Results
Rating: 2.75/5 | Streaming Date: June 24, 2025
This season shifts focus toward the village panchayat elections, with candidates Manju Devi (Neena Gupta) and Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar) doing battle.
With more weight on political strategy than satirical humor, Season 4 feels heavier than its predecessors.
Strengths
Strong performances: Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek remains real, and Durgesh Kumar shines as Bhushan’s schemer. Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta’s on-screen chemistry continues to impress.
Wit remains in fleeting moments—like the laddoo argument and MLA barbs—ensuring glimpses of the show’s trademark humor.
Captures grassroots politics with authenticity, as reflected in audience praise on X: it “beautifully captures the political machinery in all its chaotic glory.”
Drawbacks
Pacing issues: Scenes drag on too long, losing the brisk charm we previously loved .
Humor recedes into the background, while emotional beats don’t quite resonate.
A cliffhanger finale leaves you hanging without satisfying closure.
Summing Up
If you’re invested in Phulera’s characters, Season 4 still offers emotional moments, even if it lacks earlier seasons’ comedic spark.
It may not be your favorite, but it keeps you engaged.
3. Season 3 (2024) – A Bittersweet Transition
Rating: 3.5/5 | Streaming Date: May 28, 2024
Season 3 continues election threads—this time focusing on Bhushan and Pradhan Ji’s power play.
Abhishek keeps up his diploma studies while balancing school and civic duty.
A punchy mix of laughter and pathos, though not as integrated as Seasons 1 and 2.
Strengths
Authenticity shines: rural settings and genuine characters prevail.
Standout scenes include the haunted tree mystery and the Fakauli market fight. Reviewers applaud the chemistry and visually arresting cinematography.
Explores grief and social themes—especially Prahlad’s emotional arc—bringing emotional gravitas.
Drawbacks
Critics say the season emphasizes emotion over humor, leading to an unbalanced tone .
Some character arcs (like Prahlad’s dip) felt less consistent.
Subplots like Abhishek’s budding romance felt undercooked.
Summing Up
Season 3 navigates between heartfelt and lighthearted storytelling.
If you appreciate emotional depth wrapped in village charm, this season delivers.
2. Season 2 (2022) – The Emotional Peak
Rating: 4/5 | Streaming Date: May 18, 2022
In this breakout season, Abhishek starts engaging with Phulera’s folks, adapting to new responsibilities while tackling absurd bureaucratic challenges.
What stands out is how it refines the balance between heartfelt emotion and humor.
Strengths
Poignant humor: standout scenes include wedding chaos and Abhishek’s street challenges.
Strong emotional moments: Prahlad’s grief adds real depth.
Excellent comic timing: Jitendra Kumar is effortlessly relatable, and Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav shine brightly.
Sharp writing: crisp dialogue punctuated by subtle jokes and heroic moments. Nostalgic nod to Malgudi Days earned praise.
Drawbacks
A few slower scenes drag pacing slightly toward the end.
Repetitive narrative beats—like Abhishek’s village reluctance—feel familiar.
Summing Up
Season 2 deepens emotional stakes without losing comedic cheer. It’s perfect for fans seeking heartfelt, character-rich storytelling.
1. Season 1 (2020) – The Series’ Heart
Rating: 4.5/5 | Streaming Date: April 3, 2020
The debut season remains Panchayat at its purest—Abhishek’s fish-out-of-water journey, village quirks, flat tires, and political antics combine to reshape expectations around OTT comedies.
Strengths
Flawless ensemble performance: Jitendra Kumar’s deadpan is matched only by Raghubir Yadav and Neena Gupta’s chemistry.
Episodes brim with relatability: power cuts, office politics, absurd meetings.
Cinematography lends rustic charm; the score complements scenes perfectly.
Genuine warmth: user reviews compare it to a cozy, rural hug.
Drawbacks
At times, pacing can feel slow—though fans say that reflects the village rhythm.
Minimal drama and restraint might underwhelm action-seeking viewers.
Summing Up
Season 1 introduced viewers to Phulera’s soulful charm.
It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and timeless—welcoming anyone into this joyful universe.
Why Panchayat Continues to Captivate
At its core, Panchayat celebrates simplicity, community, and the human heart. Against OTT’s usual flash and drama, it remains rooted in everyday truth and humor.
The cast—Chandan Roy’s Vikas, Faisal Malik’s Prahlad, Neena Gupta, and Raghubir Yadav—pop with life.
The writing turns small moments into profound statements.
Final Verdict
Ranking Panchayat is no easy task, but Season 1 wins for its fresh voice.
Season 2 is a close runner-up for emotional growth, Season 3 a heartfelt midpoint, and Season 4, while ambitious, can feel too heavy.
Still, every season holds charm—and a shared passion for Phulera’s beating heart.
Where to Watch
All seasons are now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re new, start from Season 1 and savor the journey. Season 4’s cliffhanger is sure to build anticipation for a potential fifth season.
Conclusion
Panchayat remains India’s warmest portrayal of village life—simple, funny, and deeply human.
Whether you’re in it for quick laughs or quiet reflection, Abhishek’s tale reminds us that even the slowest lanes can hold the richest stories.
Let me know your favorite season in the comments or on X—let’s keep celebrating the world of Phulera!
Lead Image: Prime Video, Mint
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