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Warner Bros Discovery unveils fresh content slate for South Asia
Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery has revealed its content slate for India, expanding programming on discovery+ and its linear channels, including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC. By year-end, it aims to deliver over 3,000 hours of fresh content, with a focus on Indian originals and global titles. DTamil will also feature top global content like Hollywood films and series dubbed in Tamil.
A Warner Bros Discovery study, conducted by Ormax Media, identified key trends in non-fiction, including national pride, cultural preservation, and vicarious experiences, with strong interest in sub-genres like history, survival, wildlife, and food. Credibility emerged as a crucial factor due to declining trust in digital media, presenting television as a reliable alternative.
Key releases include Secrets of the Buddha Relics on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, hosted by Manoj Bajpayee and created by Neeraj Pandey. Another show, Reality Ranis of the Jungle, premiered on 23 September, hosted by Varun Sood, and features 12 reality stars in an off-grid jungle adventure.
Upcoming shows include Mystery Hunter with Rannvijay Singha, Star vs Food Survival season two with Kartik Aaryan, Shikhar Dhawan, and others, and the sequel Legends of Shiva, set for early 2025. Cult will also return with its second season following My Daughter Joined A Cult.
Expressing his excitement, Warner Bros Discovery, South Asia, head of factual & lifestyle cluster – Sai Abishek remarked, “As the category leaders in the non-fiction content genre, our focus on enhancing viewer engagement and expanding our content offering is paramount. The newly announced India originals and our strategic programming across both linear and streaming platforms are a testament to our commitment to creating cross-platform experiences. The recent revamp of DTamil underscores our focus on bringing the best of global content in regional languages to Tamil audiences. We will continue to bolster our content library and deliver strong and compelling stories that reflect the interests of the Indian viewer and create value across India and South Asia.”
Warner Bros Discovery is rolling out a new content strategy with curated offerings for the festive season across its platforms. discovery+ will feature Chris Brown: A History of Violence (31 Oct) and Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking (Dec ’25), as well as BBC shows like Dynasties S2 (18 Nov) and Frozen Planet II (Jan ’25, TBC).
Discovery Channel will introduce five new series, including Bear Grylls’ Jesus: Refugee and Expedition Unknown S9 with Josh Gates, plus new seasons of Naked & Afraid. Local originals like Star vs. Food Survival will also be featured.
Animal Planet will offer 100-plus hours of new programming, including Deadly Strike, Snake Dynasty, and the year-end special 50 Days: 50 Tales. TLC will air over 100 hours of fresh content, including Halloween, Diwali, and Christmas specials, along with 100 Day Dream Home and Forbidden Love.
Discovery Science will focus on medical science with shows like Dr Pimple Popper and Dinosaur with Stephen Fry. Discovery Turbo will release two new shows monthly, including Custom Carolina and Roadkill Garage. Investigation Discovery will spotlight relationship crimes with Mother, May I Murder? and Married to Evil.
This content strategy aims to expand viewership, offering global content in India and original stories that reflect historical and cultural narratives.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
