Television
Samsung TV Plus launches comedy channel as India FAST play marks 5 years
Kings of Comedy brings Kapil Sharma hits to free streaming platform
GURUGRAM: Samsung TV Plus has launched a new dedicated comedy channel, Kings of Comedy, bringing together some of India’s most popular primetime shows as it celebrates five years of its free ad-supported streaming service in the country.
Available exclusively on Samsung Smart TVs, the channel features back-to-back episodes of hit shows such as Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra and Comedy Nights Bachao, all accessible without subscriptions or logins. The move positions the platform as a stronger player in India’s fast-growing FAST segment, where ease of access and familiar content are key drivers of viewership.
The launch also marks a milestone moment for Samsung TV Plus, which has seen significant traction over the past five years. The service reported a 42 per cent increase in monthly active users in India, while total viewing hours have more than doubled during the same period. It now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages, spanning news, films, entertainment and infotainment.
With Kings of Comedy, the platform is doubling down on Hindi general entertainment, a category that continues to drive mass appeal. The curated channel format allows viewers to access familiar, high-recall shows in a lean-back television experience, without the friction of search or subscription barriers.
“Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV,” said Samsung TV Plus general manager, head of business development Kunal Mehta. “Five years in, our focus remains the same. Take the content people know and make it effortless to access on connected television. No subscription, no friction, just great TV.”
Globally, the momentum is equally strong. Samsung TV Plus recently crossed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, reinforcing its position as one of the leading free streaming platforms worldwide.
As competition intensifies across OTT and connected TV ecosystems, Samsung’s latest move underscores a simple but effective playbook: combine nostalgia-driven content with zero-cost access. With Kings of Comedy, the platform is betting that when it comes to entertainment, laughter and convenience can be a winning duo.
Television
Pankaj Rathod takes charge of History TV18 revenue at Network18
The chief revenue officer adds the factual entertainment channel to an already sprawling broadcast portfolio
MUMBAI: Pankaj Rathod has a bigger brief. The chief revenue officer for English and business channels at Network18 Media & Investments has been handed additional responsibility for leading revenue at History TV18, expanding a portfolio that already spans CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC Bajar, and CNN News18.
Rathod, who has been in the role since October 2025, announced the expanded mandate this week, describing History TV18 as “not just a channel but a powerful storytelling platform that brings together knowledge, curiosity and entertainment in a way few mediums can.”
The pitch to advertisers is straightforward. Infotainment, Rathod argues, sits at a distinctive intersection in an era of fragmented content consumption, offering brands a more meaningful and immersive way to reach discerning, engaged audiences. “Looking forward to building stronger partnerships, unlocking new possibilities for advertisers, and taking this incredible brand to the next level,” he said.
Rathod brings considerable firepower to the role. He joined Network18 in April 2024 as national revenue head for the CNBC universe and CNN News18, before being elevated to chief revenue officer for English and business channels six months later. Prior to Network18, he spent five years at CNBC-TV18, rising to national sales head. Before that, he logged six and a half years at Times Now, where he managed ad sales across BFSI, auto, education, FMCG, and telecom verticals. Earlier stints include TV18 Broadcast, Zee Entertainment, ABP Group, and Tata Infomedia.
It is a career built entirely in media sales, across print and television, spanning two decades and some of India’s most competitive broadcast properties. History TV18 now gets the full weight of that experience. For the channel’s advertisers, that is probably good news.
