Netflix's OTT shake-up: Mismatched, The Royals & more return: Safe bet or big gamble?

It’s official, Netflix is turning the dial back up with the announcement of renewed seasons for four of its most talked-about Indian originals: Mismatched, Black Warrant, Maamla Legal Hai, and The Royals. The streaming giant is calling it a celebration of fan love and storytelling diversity. But as the OTT space evolves and audiences grow more discerning one can’t help but ask: are all these renewals a reason to rejoice or a risky game of second chances?

Let’s break down what’s coming, how these shows fared in their previous outings, and whether these new seasons are welcome progressions or potential missteps.

Mismatched S4: Young Love’s Final Chapter

If there’s one series that’s managed to bottle the chaos of college life, the ache of first love, and the pursuit of identity, it’s Mismatched. Starring internet darling Prajakta Koli and heartthrob Rohit Saraf, the show has ridden high on the shoulders of Gen Z fans since its debut. Over three seasons, we’ve seen Dimple and Rishi evolve from awkward acquaintances to passionate partners and eventually, individuals on diverging journeys. But let’s be real, while Mismatched won hearts with its honest storytelling and soul-touching tracks like “Aise Kyun” and “Ishq Hai”, Season 3 left many fans… well, mismatched in opinion. The storyline felt like it was stretching thin, with some even accusing it of dragging its feet emotionally and narratively.So the announcement that Season 4 will be the final season? Honestly, a relief.

In Mismatched, it’s impossible to overstate the charm of Prajakta Koli as the fierce, coding prodigy Dimple and Rohit Saraf as the gentle, romantic Rishi. Their chemistry has carried the show through its highs and lows. The supporting cast, including Vihaan Samat, Taaruk Raina, Devyani Shorey, and Muskkaan Jaferi have become Gen Z icons in their own right, often dominating social media discourse and fan edits.

As producer Ronnie Screwvala aptly puts it, “It’s been amazing to see how their story sparked conversations.” And ending the show on a thoughtful note rather than milking it endlessly is a commendable decision. It’s a sign that the makers are listening. Hopefully, this last chapter gives Dimple and Rishi the send-off they and the fans deserve. A justified final bow could seal the franchise as a classic if done right.

Black Warrant S2: Prison, Power, and Promises

If Mismatched was a soft hug, Black Warrant came in like a punch to the gut. Gritty, gripping, and unafraid, the show dramatized the real-life memoirs of Tihar Jail’s former jailer Sunil Gupta. The result? A chilling portrayal of life behind bars and the twisted webs of justice.

Zahan Kapoor stunned audiences with his performance as Sunil Kumar Gupta, and the show’s realistic lens on incarceration and authority sparked serious conversations. It didn’t just entertain, it unsettled. It made you think. So yes, a second season makes absolute sense. But here’s the kicker: follow-up seasons in Indian OTT dramas have a track record of failing to live up to their debut.

Creator Vikramaditya Motwane is fully aware of this challenge. “The love and appreciation we’ve received has been overwhelming,” he says. Now, the onus lies on him and his team to maintain that momentum without slipping into sensationalism or repetition.

Maamla Legal Hai S2: Courtroom Chaos Returns

In a world obsessed with high-stakes thrillers and romantic sagas, Maamla Legal Hai quietly carved a niche for itself. A courtroom comedy set in Delhi’s Patparganj District Court? Sounds odd on paper, but on screen, it worked like a charm. Ravi Kishan led the quirky ensemble that delivered punchlines with as much ease as they argued bizarre cases. The first season was praised for its breezy format, good-hearted humor, and the relatability of bureaucratic mayhem. Over in Maamla Legal Hai, Ravi Kishan leads with his impeccable comic timing as VD Tyagi, while Naila Grewal, Nidhi Bisht, and Anant Joshi bring freshness and relatability to their quirky lawyer roles.

Now, Season 2 is filming and the cast is only getting stronger with the addition of Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua and content queen Kusha Kapila. It’s refreshing to see the show double down on its USP: charm, chaos, and courtroom comedy. That said, with new faces come new expectations. Comedies are harder to sustain season after season, and tonal shifts can easily go awry.

The Royals S2: A Risky Return to the Crown

Ah, The Royals. Where do we even begin? Billed as a glitzy tale of modern-day Indian royalty, Season 1 promised drama, decadence, and dynasties. What it delivered, however, was a mixed bag or rather, a bag of confusion. The plot was called out for being disjointed, the writing received harsh criticism, and Bhumi Pednekar’s portrayal was widely trolled online. Reddit threads were ablaze with “Why does this show exist?” debates. Yet somehow, amidst all the backlash, the show trended in 58 countries. The only shining lights? Ishaan Khatter, who brought a quiet intensity, and the iconic Zeenat Aman, whose presence elevated the scenes she appeared in. Season 2 is a bold move by Netflix. It shows confidence, maybe even overconfidence in a show that’s polarizing at best. But perhaps there’s an opportunity here: a redemption arc. If the creators take feedback seriously and rework the narrative, The Royals could surprise us. Or crash and burn. No in-between.

What’s the Bigger Picture Here?

In India’s ever-expanding OTT universe, content is no longer king, consistency is. And that's where things get tricky. The track record for Indian web series often follows the same tired pattern: a brilliant first season, a decent second, and a forgettable third. Audiences are savvy now. They’ve got choices, opinions, and very little patience for shows that overstay their welcome. Which is why understanding when to end a story is just as important as knowing how to tell it. Netflix seems to be learning that with Mismatched, wisely choosing to bow out at Season 4. But with The Royals, the platform is clearly betting on curiosity and controversy. Meanwhile, Black Warrant and Maamla Legal Hai fall somewhere in between promising continuations, but only if they avoid the pitfalls of complacency.

There’s a fine line between building a franchise and flogging a dead horse. In the age of instant feedback and bingeable storytelling, showrunners have a tightrope to walk: balance nostalgia with novelty, fan service with fresh arcs. Every renewal is a risk. It’s a gamble not just on viewership, but on legacy. And as the Indian OTT space grows increasingly competitive, it’s no longer enough to simply get people to watch. The goal now? Make them care.

But at the same time, not every show needs to be a masterpiece, sometimes, being delightfully "mid" is exactly what pulls people in. There’s a strange comfort in watching shows that aren’t groundbreaking but still oddly entertaining. They become guilty pleasures, the kind you binge on a lazy Sunday without needing to think too hard. Be it the over-the-top drama, questionable plot twists, or simply the eye candy, these shows create their own niche.

In the end, maybe that’s what makes this latest wave of renewals interesting. It’s not just about second chances for the characters, it’s about redemption arcs for the shows themselves. Let’s just hope they stick the landing. Because if there’s one thing OTT audiences have taught us, it’s this: we remember the endings more than the beginnings.

So let us know in the comments section as to what do you feel about the sequels, and parts of these shows and do they deserve a second chance?

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of IndiaForums.com, its editors, or its affiliates. Readers are encouraged to form their own views.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of IndiaForums.com, its editors, or its affiliates. Readers are encouraged to form their own views.