GECs
&TV to experiment with socio-mytho genre with ‘Santoshi Maa’
MUMBAI: Spreading its wings across genres, the newest Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) from the Zee Entertainment Enterprises stable – &TV is all set to experiment with the socio-mythological genre. The channel will soon be launching its first series in the genre titled Santoshi Maa.
According to information available with Indiantelevision.com, the show is being produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, which is known for popular fictions series like Bhagyalakshmi (&TV), Swaragini and Sasuraal Simar Ka (Colors) and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (Star Plus).
The channel has roped in veteran actress Aruna Irani, a popular face on &TV, for the show’s promo, which aired on prime time on 28 September.
The promo features Irani as a successful superstar who has achieved fame, luxury and wealth, but is still seeking inner fulfillment and peace. The promo sees her delivering the line, “I have achieved everything in life but not satisfaction.”
In recent years, Indian television has seen many mythological series dominating the prime time on Hindi GECs. Shows like Mahabharat, Santakmochan Mahabali Hanuman, Devo Ke Dev Mahadev and Surya Putra Karn are some of the shows that have managed to grab eyeballs on the small screen. What’s more, given the popularity of the genre in India, last year also witnessed the launch of a separate channel – The Epic Channel, which airs original content in the Indian history, folklore and mythology space.
Santoshi Maa’s launch date on &TV has not yet been revealed by the channel.
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.
