iWorld
JioHotstar bags 200+ Emmy nods
MUMBAI: JioHotstar has struck Emmy gold again. With over 200 nominations at the 77th Emmy Awards, the platform has proved its muscle as the go-to destination for high-calibre global content in India. From brooding anti-heroes and dysfunctional families to culinary showdowns and sharp-tongued satire, the streaming giant’s buffet of premium storytelling is turning heads and racking up accolades.
Leading the charge is The Penguin, waddling in with 24 nominations, including best limited series, and acting nods for Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti. The show also scored big in directing and writing, making it the bird to beat. Sharing the spotlight is The White Lotus, another 24-time nominee, basking in glory with noms for best drama, and its ensemble cast featuring the likes of Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, and Parker Posey.
On the comedy front, Hacks cracked 15 nominations, while culinary chaos came alive with The Bear roaring in with 13, featuring nods for Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri, plus a directing shoutout for the tear-jerker episode “Napkins”.
Not to be left behind, heavy hitters like The Last of Us, Paradise, The Pitt, and Andor brought the drama, with multiple nominations in lead and supporting categories. Comedy staples Abbott Elementary and Only Murders in the Building also made the cut, ensuring laughter wasn’t left off the ballot.
In the limited series and unscripted corners, Dying for Sex and Top Chef brought spice and surprise, while Last Week Tonight with John Oliver reminded us that even satire can win serious awards.
From House of the Dragon to The Grammys, and even Pee-wee, JioHotstar’s growing trophy shelf reflects a shrewd curation of global storytelling with universal bite. As Emmy night looms, one thing’s clear: when it comes to world-class TV in India, this streamer isn’t just playing—it’s winning.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
