GECs
Star Utsav returns with a bang and 111 million hearts in just 11 days
MUMBAI: Star Utsav has pulled off a prime-time power move, clocking a staggering 111 million viewers in just 11 days of its 1 April 2025 return to Free Dish, reclaiming its spot as India’s No. 1 Free-to-Air (FTA) channel. The comeback couldn’t have been scripted better driven by its beloved lineup of shows including RadhaKrishn, Rabba Ve, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein.
The channel now proudly wears the crown of the top FTA network and sits as the 4th biggest channel overall in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) combining both Pay and FTA viewership across urban and rural audiences.
“We are humbled by the overwhelming response received for Star Utsav. With our strong portfolio of professionally generated and brand-safe content, we are proud to bring families together through inspiring and entertaining stories. We are committed todelivering the best of entertainment to our audiences and look forward to continuing this incredible journey on DD Free Dish with even more compelling content and meaningful connections,” said a Star Utsav spokesperson.
Star Utsav’s magic lies in its diverse mix from sweeping mythological epics to modern dramas, all deeply rooted in Indian ethos. These stories have once again proved their universal appeal, cutting across regions and age groups.
As part of the JioStar family, Star Utsav continues to blend nostalgia and novelty reinforcing its treasured place in living rooms across the country. With storytelling that strikes an emotional chord, the channel’s FTA resurgence is not just a ratings win, it’s a cultural encore.
Looks like India’s favourite Utsav is back, and this time, it’s festival season all year round.
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.
