The beloved Indian crime show CID, which originally aired from 1998 to 2018, is making a much-anticipated comeback, bringing back fond memories for many viewers. Well-known for its catchphrase "Daya, darwaaza tod do" (Daya, break down the door), the series showcased the adventures of three relentless policemen—ACP Pradyuman, Inspector Daya, and Inspector Abhijeet—whose escapades took viewers on exhilarating whodunnit journeys. Despite its low-budget production, simplistic plots, and melodramatic acting, CID developed a cult following over the years, and its memorable characters have inspired countless memes and jokes.

As the show's revival draws closer, reactions from fans are mixed; some eagerly await the new episodes while others worry that the original's charm may clash with contemporary crime-drama realism. The creators have begun to release teasers on social media that have already attracted significant engagement, with fans eager to embrace familiar storytelling elements, such as Daya's door-breaking antics and Pradyuman's trademark line, "kuch toh gadbad hai, Daya" (something's not right, Daya).

Fan nostalgia is palpable, especially among those who watched CID during its original run; for many, it was a family-friendly alternative in the crime genre, carefully avoiding graphic content while remaining engaging. Trisha Shah, a content creator from Mumbai, reflected on her love for the show and how it allowed parents to approve its viewing as it shunned violence and inappropriate themes.

The writing team, acknowledging past sensitivities, developed characters without surnames to maintain neutrality, while the show itself often ventured into improbable scenarios, such as ACP Pradyuman's resurrection or Daya expertly handling hazardous situations with flair. BP Singh, the show's producer, humorously described these moments as "believable nonsense" that captivated viewers even if sometimes they seemed improbable.

The appeal of CID can also be linked to its timing; as India's broadcasting landscape evolved in the 1990s, the emergence of local channels catering to Indian cultural tastes led to the rise of original homegrown content. Academic Harsh Taneja highlights how CID mirrored aspects of American shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, targeting a younger demographic that craved crime dramas. In a time when television was the primary source of entertainment, CID captivated audiences and paved the way for subsequent crime shows.

Many fondly recall eagerly awaiting each episode. Priya Ravi, a fan from her childhood, reminisced about how CID inspired her to convince her parents to get a television at home. She now wishes to introduce her own children to the show, viewing its return as an opportunity to teach them about vigilance and safety. With the promise of clean content echoing the original ethos, viewers are hopeful that the cherished trio will light up screens once again, connecting new and old fans alike.