GECs
Hindi GECs to celebrate New Year with special programming
MUMBAI: Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) are all set to welcome 2016 with a host of special programming. From Star Plus, Zee TV to Colors, while some have lined up special shows, some others have kept their line-up unchanged for New Year’s eve.
Let’s look at what the major Hindi GECs have in store:
Star Plus
To make New Year’s eve special for viewers, Star Plus will be airing the sixth edition of Big Star Entertainment Award 2015. The award function will be aired on 31 December at 7:30 pm.
Star Plus has roped in Vaseline as the presenting sponsor for the show and Panasonic smart phones as the co-powered by sponsor. Some of the other brands that have associated with the special show are Godrej No.1 and Reliance.
Colors
Colors will be playing it safe on 31 December and will be moving away from the traditional award night airing on New Year’s eve. Instead it will be airing the Stardust Awards on 10 January at 7 pm.
Though the channel has kept the programming line-up unchanged on 31 December, it plans to introduce new twist & turns on its current shows. Therefore, under the label of 31 New Year Dhamaka, Colors will start its prime time from 6:30 pm with its shows namely Ishq Ka Rang Safed (6.30 pm), Thapki Pyar Ki (7 pm), Sasural Simar Ka (7.30 pm),Balika Vadhu (8 pm), Udaan (8.30 pm), Chakarvartin Ashok Samart (9 pm), Swarigini (9.30 pm), Meri Ashiqui Tum Se Hi (10 pm) and ending with Bigg Boss Nau New Year special at 10.30 pm.
Zee TV
On New Year’s eve, Zee TV’s primetime dramas namely Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani and Tashn-E-Ishq will welcome 2016 with a star-studded evening showcasing performances by popular faces of Indian television.
With each of Zee TV’s shows seeing twists & turns, the new primetime on 31 December will be from 6 – 11 pm.
It may be recalled that to mark the end of this year, Zee TV aired Jashn-E-Umeed 2015 on 27 December, a two hour special celebration episode, which was aired from 5 – 7 pm. The highlights of the year gone by was presented through thematic acts and hilarious gags by the most popular faces of Indian television.
Sony Entertainment Television
Sony Entertainment Television will welcome 2016 by raising a toast to movies, Bollywood actors and music with the telecast of the Guild Awards 2015, which will be aired on 1 January at 8 pm.
The channel has roped in Renault as the presenting sponsor, whereas Lux and Quick Heal have hopped on board as the co-powered by sponsors.
Life OK
Life OK will be ringing in the New Year with a two-hour special called Comedy Classes – Hansi ka Shree Ganesh on 31 December. Along with the regular cast, other popular comedians and celebrities from tinsel town and television will also be seen in this special, which will air at 10 pm on 31 December.
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.
