GECs
Harlequin goes the reality way with ‘Mr Romance’
MUMBAI: Leading publishers Harlequin have found the next ‘Mr Romance’ to grace the covers of its books. Harlequin has teamed up with Oxygen to find the most romantic man in America on the popular reality show Mr. Romance.
Throughout the series, romancers-in- training entered a veritable “romance boot camp” and competed in front of a panel of celebrity judges/guests and romance professionals, including Fabio, Gene Simmons, Fred Willard and TV personality Tina Malave.
Randy Ritchwood, a truck driver from East Orange, NJ known for his street smarts and big heart, out-charmed the other contests and emerged as Mr. Romance. Andrew Larson, originally from Portland, Ore., a devoted outdoorsman and Alaskan Charter Boat Captain, won the Oxygen Viewers’ Choice contest, with over 45,000 fans voting on Oxygen.com.
Both winners were photographed by professional book cover photographer, Michael Alberstat for future Harlequin covers. Ritchwood will grace the cover of The Long Hot Summer by Rochelle Alers (December 2005) as well as an upcoming title from Harlequin’s soon-to-be-launched African-American line in July 2006. Larson, on the other hand, will be featured on the cover of a historical romance Midnight Marriage by Victoria Bylin (January 2006).
“I’m honored to be the modern face of romance. I’m certain that being on the cover of a Harlequin romance will change both my professional and love life,” said Ritchwood.
“Harlequin c
overs have evolved considerably and today’s covers reflect what our readers want — a more realistic, edgy and modern image of romance. Harlequin has pushed the boundaries of women’s fiction and now provides books for all moods including mystery, fantasy, chic-lit, Christian lines and a new line coming this summer for the women in the next stage of their lives,” said Mr. Romance judge and Harlequin creative art director Deb Peterson.
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.
