GECs
New shows keep the tempo going at Star Plus
MUMBAI: Some observers wondered whether Star India’s management had gone bonkers. Entertainment sweepstakes leader Star Plus was launching a clutch of new high cost shows just before the biggest Indian television spectacle – the cricket World Cup which is likely to eclipse all other television viewing.
But apparently Star India’s management and programming team knows what it is doing. And that has been bolstered by the ratings the newly launched shows have notched up. Kashmeer, Kucch Kar Dikhana Hai, Shararat-Thoda Jaadu Thodi Nazaakat, Karishma Kaa Karishma, all figure in TAM India’s C&S homes Top 50 list for week four, 2003.
The new fare on Star Plus is a mix bag of soaps, serials, game shows. The entire promotional campaign revolving around the new launches seems to have encouraged sampling amongst the viewers.
A Star press release says that the Friday line-up, Karishma Kaa Karishma, opened with a rating of 5.8, Kucch Kar Dikhana Hai with 7.9 and Shararat-Thoda Jaadu Thodi Nazaakat with 6.8 (Source TAM, C&S 4+, 9 cities).
The TAM ratings for week 4 show that Star Plus continues to hold on to the top position and have a grip over the viewers week after week.
To top it all Star Plus in week 4 has managed to capture even more slots of the 50, with its share of the top programmes amongst Hindi entertainment channels going up to 47. Sony Entertainment has the remaining three whereas Zee has drawn a blank.
The 9:00 -10:00 pm shows have also attained all-time high ratings with Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand at 11.0 (as against second placed Sony’s Kkusum at 3.5) on Monday, Kehta Hai Dil with 8.1 (as against second placed Kkusum at 3.5) on Tuesday; and Sanjivani -A Medical Boon with 9.7 (as against second placed Kkusum with 3.8) on Wednesday.
The release states that Star Plus also touched its highest ever all-week 24-hour share of 15.4 per cent in week 4 of 2003 as compared to 15.1 per cent in the week 27 October- 4 November 2002.
The shares for the Monday-Thursday 10:00 – 11:00 pm. slot stood at an astonishing 43 per cent, the release points out. Regional cable with 10 per cent and Sun TV with 6 per cent followed suit.
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.
