GECs
Zee TV scripts a stellar surge in primetime power
MUMBAI: Zee TV has proved that good stories travel fast and ratings travel faster. The channel has hit a three-year high with a 14.7 per cent urban market share in Q2FY26, powered by a refreshed content slate packed with emotion, ambition and sweeping family drama.
Backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, the flagship Hindi GEC now leads all general entertainment channels across Pay and FTA in core primetime. Its winning streak continues in the Pay Hindi GEC genre, where it commands a 40 per cent share of the top ten shows, thanks to the strong debuts of four new fiction titles.
The line-up of Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Vasudha, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan and Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile has clicked with audiences, weaving familiar emotions and modern aspirations into stories that resonate across households. Characters such as Vasudha and Saru have become anchors of positivity and depth, helping Zee TV strike a balance between tradition and contemporary sentiment.
Adding more colour to its fiction catalogue, the channel recently launched Jagadhatri and is preparing for the arrival of Lakshmi Niwas, which promises grounded, compelling storytelling.
Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni, said the success of the slate marks a defining moment for the network, crediting strong viewer connect and a sharp programming strategy for its primetime dominance and market share milestone.
ZEEL chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur, said the channel remains committed to crafting narratives that reflect India’s diverse stories, adding that the audience’s embrace of its new characters reinforces the power of quality storytelling.
While fiction may be driving the momentum, Zee TV is also strengthening its non-fiction space. The channel’s experimental daily format Chhoriya Chali Gaon earned appreciation for its fresh approach, while Kahani Har Ghar Ki, hosted by Juhi Parmar, spotlighted real stories of courage and resilience. Its latest non-fiction show Ideabaaz brings budding entrepreneurs face to face with investors in a pitch-powered format.
With both fiction and non-fiction firing up audience interest, Zee TV’s programming engine shows no signs of slowing down.
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.
