GECs
Zeel repackages content; dubs two Marathi shows in Hindi
MUMBAI: In a first of sorts in the Indian broadcasting space, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) will be dubbing two of its Marathi language shows from Zee Marathi for its Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Zee TV.
The two shows are Julun Yeti Reshimgaathi and Eka Lagnachi Teesri Goshta, which have been titled as Mohe Piya Milenge and Mile Sur Mera Tumhara respectively for Zee TV. The shows will be aired at 5 pm and 5.30 pm respectively for five days a week.
Zee TV business head Pradeep Hejmadi says, “These are Zeel IPs and we tested all the stories, which have been sitting in our library in terms of appeal in the Hindi market. What we found is that there are very interesting connects of these stories in the interim.”
The channel activated the dead early prime time slots, as it is confident of a positive reaction from central India on the shows.
However, Hejmadi is of the opinion that sans any time period, these shows nonetheless have their own run pattern. “We will be looking at sustaining the 5 – 6 pm time band eventually with original programming as well,” he informs.
Additionally, as the eighth season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws to a close on 24 May, Zee TV will be launching a set of shows with new concepts. “With our weekday and weekend bands performing quite decently and our promise of always re-inventing ourselves, we have a slew of new shows lined up to roll,” says Hejmadi.
Not expecting any nasty surprises when Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) rolls out its new television ratings system on 29 April, Hejmadi believes that it is unlikely that industry will witness any major change. “Let’s not forget that the geographies and the methodologies that are being used by BARC are the same. What it should probably allow is greater grid terms into the data. Otherwise I don’t expect any earth shattering figure changes especially for a channel like our size and scale, which appeals to a large audience base.”
The channel has already started rolling out its new slate of shows. First up, on 27 April it launched Zee Rishton Ka Mela, a tactical short drama 10 episode series planned against the backdrop of a vibrant fair. The series will have a run-away bride Dipika, who enters a fair where she meets eight other women including Zee TV’s popular iconic yesteryear faces.
Once the two-week series comes to an end, the channel will launch a show titled Tum Hi Ho Bandhu Sakha Tum Hi. Produced by Shashi Sumit Productions, it will hit television screens from 11 May and will air from Monday to Friday. The show explores dynamics of a modern day joint family.
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.
