GECs
PAL in demand Sony’s free channel strikes gold with GRP and reach gains
MUMBAI: Sony PAL is no longer flying under the radar, it’s soaring. The Free-to-Air Hindi GEC from Sony Pictures Networks India has emerged as the fastest growing player in the Hindi-speaking markets, making its mark with a potent mix of classic crowd-pullers and strategic programming.
According to BARC data (NCCS 15 plus, HSM U+R, Week 14 to 17, 2025), Sony PAL clocked a record 15.6 per cent weekly reach in Week 17 more than any other FTA Hindi general entertainment channel. If that wasn’t enough to raise industry eyebrows, the channel also posted a 51 per cent jump in GRPs over just four weeks, securing its place in the country’s living rooms and lounge-time routines.
So, what’s fuelling this prime-time leap? The answer lies in a nostalgic but effective playbook: shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show television’s equivalent of comfort food now offered on the FTA platter for the first time. These fan-favourite titles have become PAL’s not-so-secret sauce for drawing multi-generational audiences.
While other networks chase trends, Sony PAL is doubling down on familiarity and family-friendly fare, positioning itself as the channel of choice for all-day, every-age entertainment. With its strategic shift to unlock premium legacy content for free access, the channel is not only expanding reach but also reasserting relevance in a saturated GEC space.
In a rapidly changing TV landscape, Sony PAL’s performance proves that good old storytelling when delivered smartly still has the power to win hearts, TRPs, and market share.
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.
