GECs
Smile TV gears for cable debut in September
JAIPUR: Zee Telefilms, India’s largest vertically integrated media and entertainment conglomerate, has decided to launch a comedy channel, Smile TV, as part of its cable service from September.
Till recently, Smile TV was available only on the ASC Enterprise and Zee Tele-promoted Dish TV, the country’s first Ku-band direct-to-home television service. The comedy channel has been positioned as a 24-hour fun and entertainment channel with a slew of new programming previously not seen on the Dish TV service.
According to Ashish Kaul, vice-president, corporate brand development, Essel Group (the umbrella entity for all businesses of Subhash Chandra), “The Zee Network has been at the forefront of offering new and varied entertainment to its viewers. Smile TV has the potential to provide novel entertainment to audiences of all age groups as the programming mix of the channel has been developed with a prime objective to bring wholesome fun and entertainment.”
Smile TV is being made available on a free to air mode, which means that the cable operators cannot charge an additional subscription fee from consumers.
Since the channel is digital, it would need a decoder box at the cable operators’ end to be accessed. According to company executives, the boxes are being seeded in the market at the moment.
At a pre-launch press conference here, Zee Telefilms executives said that Smile TV has lined up five new shows of multi-genre entertainment, which include YO YO, Hasya Kavi Sammelan, Ek Minute, Kahaani Mein Twist, and Hasne Bhi Do Yaaro
Though Smile TV aims to garner viewership through fun programming to cater to all age groups, there may be a segment that can cater to adults during late night.
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.
