GECs
Sony strengthens its international format IP portfolio in India
Mumbai: Following the success of “Shark Tank India,” Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is looking at introducing some of its most popular formats such as nine-time Emmy award-winning show “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Raid The Change,” and “Can’t Touch This” in India.
“These three formats are not just well-liked by audiences worldwide, but also bring an array of brand and product placement opportunities,” said the media company in astatement.
SPT is one of the key players in the Indian reality television space, with its bouquet of marquee shows such as “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC) and “Shark Tank India.” KBC is the Indian version of the Emmy award-winning game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” SPT also has a vast repertoire of scripted formats such as “Damages,” “The Big C,” “The Nanny,” “Mad About You” and “Chosen” which cater to audiences of different demographics and tastes.
“Shark Tank India” is a show that focuses on India’s booming start-up economy and became a big hit in Indian households, captivating the attention of non-business linked members, including men, women and youth alike. Launched in 2001, as “Tigers of Money” in Japan, created by Nippon TV, the format is distributed in over 40 countries by SPT.
“With the evolution of content consumption patterns across the globe, media, and entertainment leader SPT has been playing an important role in growing and adapting to the new landscape. For over a decade, SPT has been bringing pathbreaking unscripted and scripted formats and shows that have enthralled audiences globally, including India,” said the statement.
“The most significant aspect of curating unique entertainment offerings for the Indian audience is to take the right programming decisions at the right time to be able to connect with the masses,” said SPT South Asia VP for sales and distribution Sonika Bhasin. “We aim to create a space for innovation by bringing our popular international formats to India, which will add value to our clients’ platforms and have high success rates. We are optimistic about the scope of extending our iconic formats to leading broadcasters and OTT platforms who are equally committed to bringing global properties to the native audience.”
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.
