English Entertainment
AXN, Star World to unveil new shows next week
MUMBAI: While the number of new launches have dwindled in the past two weeks, the few upcoming programmes this week promise to be action packed.
Continuing it’s spree of new launches, Star World will be rolling out a personality-based show Cover Story, while AXN will be airing the second season of CSI, CSI Miami.
The first episode of Cover Story , hosted by Hindustan Times editor and television personality Vir Sanghvi will go on air on Sunday (14 September) at 10:00 pm.
A Star Plus production, Cover Story will be a celebrity-driven show, which will feature the usual Page 3 suspects – including politicians, filmstars sportspersons and so on.
The inaugural episode will feature Smriti Irani aka Tulsi Virani of Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The teasers of her rendezvous with Sanghvi are already creating some ripples among the viewers.
The second season of CSI, CSI Miami, will premier on 17 September at 10:00 pm. Starring NYPD alumni David Caruso and Kim Delaney, the show has garnered highest rating of any network drama premiere in the US and is the winner of 2003 People’s Choice award for the favourite television new dramatic series.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
