GECs
StarOne’s flagship show ‘Laughter Challenge’ ends on a high note
MUMBAI: Star One’s flagship show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (TGILC) clocked an all-time high of 10.2 TVR in its final appearance, making it the eighth most watched show among Hindi viewers in the C&S homes.
In fact, TGILC is the highest rated comedy show in the last three years, according to Tam data . In the 15 weeks of its total run, the show reached 19.8 million viewers. And in Star One’s TG (CS ABC 4+ 8 metros 1Mn+), it rated 13.52 TVR.
The show recorded the highest ratings in Mumbai, delivering 17.61 TVRs in the C&S 4+ TG. While Delhi enjoyed 12.08 TVR, Kolkata recorded 7.45 TVR.
Apart from getting Star One on track in terms of the upward climb, the show also managed to outwit competition in the
10 -11 pm slot with the TGILC leading in the time band with a huge margin.
Interestingly, TGILC has been a very low cost proposition, with industry estimates pegging the total cost of the show including marketing at below Rs 200 million.
Says Star one programming head Ravi Menon, “The numbers clocked by TGILC is a clear indication on how the show has gained popularity steadily with the audiences. Secondly, it also is a statement which proves that one does not need international formats to create television blockbusters, but well thought through home grown formats also deliver at par if not better.”
Menon further added that the laughter challenge is a classical example of a home grown format and the show has actually brought about a revival of stand up comedy in India.
The success of the comedy-based shows ( The Great Indian Comedy Show and The Great Indian Laughter Challenge) in attracting high ratings has inspired Star One to continue investing in this genre. Replacing TGILC in the Friday 10 pm – 11 pm slot will be another humour-based show titled The Great Indian Laughter Champion starting tonight (16 September) for the next 13 weeks.
Explains Menon, “The Great Indian Laughter Champion is an enriched form of the TGILC. The humour will be more refined and tongue- in-cheek. I expect this show also to clock and consolidate at around 10 TVR. “
Star One aims at increasing penetration in semi-metros by capitalising on the laughter challenge equity. The agenda ahead is to take the laughter challenge brand on-ground weaving concepts around the central theme of the show in time to come.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
