GECs
Old shows new highs as Sony PAL tops FTA charts with 109 million viewers
MUMBAI: Who says old favourites can’t cause new waves? Sony PAL, the Free-to-Air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), is proving that prime-time nostalgia can power modern ratings. The channel has clocked a sharp surge in viewership, becoming the fastest-growing FTA GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), and is now the undisputed leader in reach and resonance.
According to BARC (Week 19, 2025), Sony PAL now reaches 109 million viewers that’s 17 per cent weekly reach, the highest among FTA Hindi GECs. And it’s not just mass appeal the channel’s got serious metro cred too. Among urban Hindi-speaking audiences aged 15 plus, Sony PAL pulled in a robust 41 GRPs, outperforming FTA peers. Even more striking? Urban male viewers gave it 63 GRPs, confirming that Sony PAL isn’t just a family favourite, it’s also prime time for the bros.
What’s fuelling this FTA frenzy? Familiar faces and full-fat entertainment. Iconic shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show have migrated to free-to-air for the first time, a strategic play that’s expanded their fan base and made quality content accessible without a paywall.
By combining smart content curation with a no-subscription model, Sony PAL has tapped into India’s deep appetite for nostalgic, family-friendly storytelling all while scooping up serious ratings gold.
In a landscape where eyeballs are fickle and attention spans fleeting, Sony PAL has managed to hit the sweet spot comfort viewing with mass reach, delivered for free. Now that’s what you call a PAL for the people.
GECs
Sony PAL to air Sankat Mochan Hanuman from May 4 at 9 PM
Mythological series brings Lord Hanuman’s tale of devotion and courage back to TV
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is set to bring back the timeless mythological series Sankat Mochan Hanuman, with its premiere scheduled for May 4 at 9 PM. The show revisits the legendary journey of Lord Hanuman, offering viewers a chance to reconnect with one of Indian mythology’s most revered figures.
Centred on themes of devotion, courage and righteousness, the series traces Hanuman’s unwavering loyalty to Lord Ram and his fearless stand against evil. With its mix of dramatic storytelling and visually rich sequences, the show aims to deliver both entertainment and spiritual resonance, appealing to audiences across age groups.
The narrative unfolds as a larger-than-life saga, positioning Hanuman as the ultimate protector and a symbol of strength and selfless service. His journey, rooted in faith and duty, continues to strike a chord with viewers, making the series as relevant today as ever.
The cast features Gagan Malik as Lord Ram, Debalina Chatterjee as Sita, Nirbhay Wadhwa in the titular role, and Saurav Gurjar as Raavan. Their performances bring depth and authenticity to characters deeply embedded in Indian cultural memory.
With its return to television, the show is positioned as more than just a rerun. It taps into a renewed appetite for mythological storytelling, blending nostalgia with timeless values.
As audiences increasingly seek content that resonates beyond entertainment, ‘Sankat Mochan Hanuman’ offers a familiar yet powerful narrative, reminding viewers that stories of faith and courage never really go out of style.
