GECs
‘KBC 8’ to roll out in August
MUMBAI: One of Sony Entertainment’s biggest property, knowledge-based show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is back and hopefully with a spike in viewership this time! In season eight of the game show, Cadbury continues to be the title sponsor and is powered by Idea.
KBC, the Indian adaptation of the original format, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, catapulted Star Plus’s popularity and boosted Sony’s viewership once upon a time. In season seven, it completely surprised viewers with a new avatar in terms of format, level of audience engagement, prize money and so on, but did not go well as expected in terms of ratings.
In order to gain more attraction this time, the channel has started to create buzz well in advance. Big Synergy director Anita Kaul Basu revealed that the show will go on-floors in July and on-air sometime in August. She further revealed that there will be a few changes in the format as well but that is all on ideation stage currently. “It is too early to talk on this. We have a lot of ideas as to how to go about it, but we haven’t given a nod to any,” said Basu.
Basu who has given a new dimension to Indian television by producing KBC believes one needs to keep re-inventing to bring in the fresh perspective. Whether it is in terms of format or creative, with every season it has enthralled the audiences with its content.
Hosted by inimitable host, Amitabh Bachchan, this season has kicked off with the line – “Iss manch se koi bhi khali haath nahi jaata”. Registrations for the same have already started from 5 May where questions are asked regularly on Sony at 9pm every night.
Potential participants have to answer these correctly in order to have a chance to be on the hot seat. This season, aspiring contestants have access to two new platforms to reach the hot seat: They can download the KBC official app and register by sharing the correct answer, their age and gender. Also registration is possible via sending an SMS to 5252525 with the correct answer along with necessary details.
Idea users can register themselves simply by sending an SMS from their Idea mobile. Additionally, viewers can also opt for registration through BSNL landline phones or via Idea IVRS code. Alternatively, viewers can log on to kbcsony.com to register for their shot at the ‘Hot Seat’.
In an earlier interaction, MSM CEO NP Singh had agreed to the fact that KBC needed some innovation with every season. “We have to continue to innovate and so we have brought several innovations in KBC. Though it was well received in the beginning, eventually it settled down at a lower number. But that doesn’t mean there is fatigue with the format of the show. We will do something more when we bring KBC the next time.”
Sony SVP head- marketing Gaurav Seth believes that the show is a reflection of the hopes and aspirations of millions of people who are looking at transforming their lives. He said, “This year we are attempting to bring the show closer to our viewers by engaging various mediums through which they can enhance their chance to be on the much coveted hot seat. We are confident that once the season gets underway, it will strike a deep emotional chord with the entire country, like never before.”
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.
