GECs
Zee changes programme timings in a bid to improve ratings
In a bid to find some of that old magic with viewers, Zee TV has once again gone in for a change in its programming schedule. One show has been pulled off midway, another introduced in its place and existing shows have had their timings changed. Deewane To Deewane Hai has been pulled off air from 14 November and Hip Hip Hurray, earlier telecast on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, will now be shown only on Fridays.
Aan, a new serial that’s all about old world traditions, has stepped into the 7:30 pm slot on weekdays from 19 November. Produced by Anand Mahendroo’s Advance Entertainment, the weekly soap is directed by Sunil Salgia and stars Dimple Inamdar, Ela Bhate and Sushil Johri and has a repeat telecast at 12:30 pm.
Sarhadein has been shuttled around once again. It has been pulled out of the late night 10:45 pm slot into the 8:00 pm slot from 19 November. Daily soap Ek Tukda Chaand Ka finds itself removed from the prime time slot of 8:00 pm and pushed further back to the 11:00 pm slot.
Zee Telefilms senior vice president Partha Sinha justifies the move thus: “Ek Tukda Chaand Ka has been forwarded to the 11:00 pm slot, as it is aimed at a more mature audience. Since Sarhadein is doing well we have brought it forward to 8:00 pm.”
Sinha claims that Kohi Apna Sa,Choti Maa – Ek Anokha Bandhan are doing well, Nilaamghar is looking up, and Justajoo and Sansaar are picking up slowly. About its interactive experiment Aap Jo Bole Haan To Haan,Aap Jo Bole Na To Na, Sinha says: “We will be doing something to increase the value of Aap Jo Bole Haan…, but the plans are still on the drawing board.”
The juggling exercise is not new to Zee. Barely two months after its relaunch campaign, the channel shifted three shows in October to increase its audience share. Nilaamghar, hosted by the irrepressible Shekhar Suman, was shifted from the weekend (Saturday-Sunday 7:00 pm) to a weekly slot – Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 pm, with effect from 16 October. Sarhadein, earlier telecast at 11:00 pm Mondays to Wednesdays, was shifted to 10:45 pm from 15 October.
At the time, Aap Jo Bole… was cut down from four days a week to two days. Instead of Sundays to Wednesdays, it was telecast only Sunday and Monday from 14 October.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
