English Entertainment
Warner Bros. Discovery launches five new FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus
MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery is dialing up the entertainment quotient with the launch of five brand-new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels from Warner Bros. TV on Samsung TV Plus. This move promises a whirlwind of gripping storytelling, heart-pounding crime, mouth-watering food journeys, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and the most extreme jobs you’ve ever seen—all without spending a penny.
With streaming becoming the go-to for audiences, these channels are curated to offer premium entertainment across Samsung Smart TVs and mobile devices, ensuring viewers can binge-watch their favourite genres wherever they go.
A channel for every passion
House of Crime – True crime fanatics, brace yourselves. This Hindi-language channel delivers nail-biting crime dramas and investigative series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Foodie Hub – Calling all food lovers! From sizzling recipes to behind-the-scenes kitchen drama, this Hindi-language channel serves up everything from street food gems to Michelin-starred magic.
Wild Flix – Animal lovers, rejoice! This Hindi-language channel is your passport to the untamed wonders of the animal kingdom, featuring awe-inspiring zoo stories and heroic animal rescues.
Wheel World – Car and bike enthusiasts, start your engines. This English-language channel is a high-octane paradise packed with restoration stories, thrilling rides, and the best garages in the business.
XXtreme Jobs – If you think your job is tough, wait till you see this. This Hindi-language channel dives into the world’s most dangerous professions, featuring fearless individuals tackling mind-blowing challenges daily.
Commenting on the launch, Warner Bros. Discovery head of distribution and eurosport- south Asia, Ruchir Jain said, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we are passionate about curating diverse and high-quality entertainment for our audiences. With connected TVs on the rise, we’re excited to expand our presence on Samsung TV Plus through these new channels. Our partnership with Samsung will enable us to bring our viewers the very best of WBTV—compelling storytelling, fresh perspectives, and truly global flavours.”
With a strong focus on Hindi programming, these channels are expected to captivate both regional and urban audiences, delivering engaging content in their preferred language.
Samsung TV Plus India head of partnerships & business development, Kunal Mehta shared the excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Warner Bros. Television to Samsung TV Plus. As a leader in FAST, we are committed to bringing top-tier content to our audiences. This partnership expands entertainment choices while delivering even more value and access to our viewers—and opportunities for advertisers.”
With the rapid adoption of connected TVs and the rise of digital streaming, the FAST model has gained massive momentum. According to recent advertising trends, the global FAST market is expected to reach $18.7 billion by 2027, with viewership surging by 150 per cent in the last three years. In India, connected TV adoption has seen a 40 per cent year-on-year growth, making it a prime market for ad-supported streaming content.
Streaming giants are increasingly shifting toward FAST to leverage higher ad revenues, increased viewer engagement, and deeper market penetration. This launch by Warner Bros. Discovery aligns perfectly with this evolving landscape, offering premium, ad-supported entertainment to a rapidly expanding audience.
As streaming habits continue to evolve, advertisers are seeing a 25 per cent increase in engagement rates on FAST platforms compared to traditional TV ads. This shift highlights the growing appeal of free, high-quality content paired with targeted advertising strategies.
The future? With this new launch, Warner Bros. Discovery and Samsung TV Plus are making premium entertainment more accessible than ever. Whether it’s the thrill of a mystery, the joy of a gourmet dish, or the awe of an untamed jungle, these new channels promise a content buffet like no other.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
