ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Kuma conquers Turkey as Goquest drama tops ratings and global charts

    Kuma conquers Turkey as Goquest drama tops ratings and global charts

    MUMBAI: Talk about a drama with bite! Kuma (The Other Wife), the breakout Turkish series from Goquest Media, has clawed its way from digital darling to television titan, topping national ratings and stirring conversations far beyond Turkey’s borders.

    Since premiering on Kanal 7, Kuma has consistently ranked among the country’s top six shows, scripted or unscripted. This year, it claimed the No. 1 spot on drama portal Dizilah’s list of 2025’s most talked-about titles. Not bad for a show that only launched on Youtube in April, where it quickly racked up more than 328 million views in five months.

    The show’s leap from online phenomenon to primetime hit is rare, but audiences across Turkey were quick to embrace its heady mix of love, betrayal and family intrigue. Calls for a second season are already growing louder.

    Kuma’s popularity is hardly confined to Turkey. Licensed in more than 19 countries including Israel, Romania, Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria, the series has repeated its ratings triumph wherever it has aired. In Indonesia, demand was so strong that it graduated from an OTT platform to nationwide free-to-air television.

    The drama also marks a milestone for Goquest Media. Produced in collaboration with Stellar Productions and VIP 2000 TV, Kuma is the distributor’s first original title under its make-to-sell model.

    “Kuma’s extraordinary journey from YouTube sensation to Turkey’s top drama is a testament to the power of audience passion,” said Goquest Media, managing director, Vivek Lath.

    With its soaring success and cross-border appeal, Kuma has proved that a strong story travels well. In 2025’s crowded entertainment landscape, this Turkish drama has become a global talking point: one toast at a time, in every language.
     

  • Zee 24 Taas makes noise with Ganpati coverage that wins viewer devotion

    Zee 24 Taas makes noise with Ganpati coverage that wins viewer devotion

    MUMBAI: When Maharashtra welcomed its favourite elephant-headed god this year, Zee 24 Taas ensured no modak went unshared and no mandap went unseen. The channel rolled out wall-to-wall coverage of Ganesh Utsav 2025, blending ritual, revelry and reportage into a festival broadcast that stretched from the narrowest lanes of Pune to the furthest corners of the world.

    The scale was nothing short of spectacular. With live, on-ground reporting from major mandals across urban centres and rural outposts, Zee 24 Taas captured the devotion, colour and cultural vibrancy of the state’s most celebrated festival. Viewers not only saw the grandeur of Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja and Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai mandal but also felt the pulse of smaller towns, where local communities brought their own flair to the festivities.

    And it wasn’t just Maharashtra tuning in. Through robust digital-first initiatives, including live streaming, interactive updates, mobile feeds and social media engagement, the coverage reached audiences across six continents, making it a truly global Ganesh Utsav. Diaspora viewers joined in real time, watching rituals, immersions and mandal visits unfold alongside political developments and community stories.

    Zee 24 Taas also went beyond just visuals, curating special programming that delved into the history, traditions and evolving practices of Ganesh Chaturthi. From exploring how eco-friendly celebrations are reshaping idol-making to telling stories from rural Maharashtra, the shows added depth, giving the festival both cultural context and contemporary relevance. Citizen voices, community stories and ground-level experiences further enriched the mix, ensuring the coverage felt participatory rather than just observational.

    Brands, too, took note. Leading advertisers partnered with the channel to tap into millions of festive viewers, leveraging Zee 24 Taas’ reputation as Maharashtra’s most trusted news destination. Even amid major political events dominating headlines, the channel balanced hard news with devotional fervour keeping audiences informed without diluting the festival spirit.

    The channel’s leadership called it a defining moment. managing editor Kamlesh Sutar described Ganesh Utsav as “a reflection of Maharashtra’s culture, traditions and collective spirit” and praised the team for capturing both the energy of the celebrations and the news pulse of the state. Meanwhile ZMCL CEO Karan Abhishek Singh pointed out how the coverage underscored the network’s commitment to immersive, accurate and engaging journalism extending from television to mobile screens.

    By uniting festival storytelling with timely reportage and global digital integration, Zee 24 Taas has set a new benchmark for what festival journalism can look like. This year’s Ganpati wasn’t just covered, it was celebrated, streamed and shared across the globe. And in the process, Zee 24 Taas showed why, in Maharashtra, it remains the channel where devotion meets credible journalism.

  • Bigg Boss19 plays it twice, wins big on JioHotstar and late-night TV

    Bigg Boss19 plays it twice, wins big on JioHotstar and late-night TV

    MUMBAI: Lights, cameras, and double drama Bigg Boss19 is proving that once just isn’t enough. The reality juggernaut has not only set records on JioHotstar but also flexed its muscles on late-night television, drawing audiences well past prime time.

    On its TV run at 10.30 pm on Colors, the launch episode clocked a robust 1.6 TVR, with the show settling at an average 1.3 TVR through the week. What makes the feat stand out is the staggered release strategy all episodes premiere at 9 pm on JioHotstar before airing on TV an hour and a half later. For most shows, that would mean diminished television numbers. For Bigg Boss, it means twice the buzz.

    Online, the format is already a phenomenon. On JioHotstar, Bigg Boss19 has delivered 2.3 times higher reach and 2.4 times more watch-time than last season, smashing every benchmark. With double platforms, double audiences and double drama, the show has proved that in India’s entertainment universe, Bigg Boss remains the undisputed master of the house.

  • Reality Ranis swap jungle for shore as Season 2 drama washes ashore

    Reality Ranis swap jungle for shore as Season 2 drama washes ashore

    MUMBAI: The Ranis are back and this time, they’re trading leaves for waves. Warner Bros. Discovery has dropped the trailer for Reality Ranis of the Jungle Season 2, and the all-female survival show is moving from dense forests to sandy shores. The first look teases a stormy mix of crashing waves, sizzling rivalries and survival drama as 12 contestants battle for the ultimate crown.

    Season 1 set the tone with fierce jungle clashes, but the sequel looks double the size and twice the fun. The fresh lineup features Samyukta Hegde, Irena Rudakova, Archana Gautam, Sara Gurpal and more all ready to swap comfort zones for chaos. Adding extra spice, Rakhi Sawant storms into the mix, promising unpredictability that only she can deliver. Guiding the spectacle once again is host Varun Sood, whose return ensures fans a familiar yet amped-up ride through the survival saga.

    The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. As Discovery celebrates 40 years globally and 30 in India, the series mirrors its DNA of bold, edge-of-seat storytelling. Reality Ranis Season 2 isn’t just about endurance, it’s about power plays, transformations, and testing limits under the scorching sun. With beach brawls, surprise twists, and a crown on the line, these Ranis are set to prove that survival, like the tide, waits for no one.
     

  • CNN-News18 breaks the news and the gap with rivals in ratings race

    CNN-News18 breaks the news and the gap with rivals in ratings race

    MUMBAI: When it comes to prime-time battles, CNN-News18 is not just reporting the news, it’s making it. The latest BARC data shows the channel miles ahead in the English news race, leaving rivals scrambling to catch up. With a commanding 42.1 per cent market share, CNN-News18 is holding more than just the mic; it’s holding the crown.

    The numbers paint a picture as sharp as the headlines: NDTV 24×7 trails with 26.1 per cent, while Times Now languishes at 17.3 per cent. That means CNN-News18 is 61 per cent ahead of NDTV 24×7 and a staggering 143 per cent ahead of Times Now. The gap is so wide that the No. 1 player is practically operating in a different league, underscoring the channel’s edge in delivering clutter-free, noise-free, credible news.

    This isn’t a one-off spike. Since BARC resumed ratings in March 2022, CNN-News18 has kept its lead for over three years straight proof that in the ever-changing world of television news, consistency still wins. For viewers, the message is clear: when it comes to English news, CNN-News18 doesn’t just set the agenda, it owns it.

  • Avanish Kumar takes charge of government digital business at NDTV

    Avanish Kumar takes charge of government digital business at NDTV

    NEW DELHI: NDTV has named Avanish Kumar as head of digital business (government), tasking him with leading its engagement with ministries, departments, PSUs and state bodies at a time when government advertising and campaigns are becoming increasingly digital.

    Kumar joins from the India Today group, where he spent more than two years as chief manager of government business. There he managed the Business Today “Multiverse” – spanning the magazine, businesstoday.in and BTTV – with a sharp focus on monetising digital assets, building state and central government associations, and positioning the brand as media partner for investor summits and public events. He also worked directly with political parties to craft campaign solutions across platforms.

    Before India Today, Kumar was head of media marketing at Bharat Prakashan, publisher of Organiser and Panchjanya, where he managed pan-India teams and drove digital and content-marketing strategies for clients. He earlier served as business head at Flame Advertising, handling PSU and BFSI accounts, and was instrumental in developing government activations across radio, print, digital and cinema.

    Kumar cut his teeth in the private-sector media houses. At Hindustan Times, he generated advertising revenue across print, digital and radio while monetising flagship events such as the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Mint Energy Conclave and HT Palate Festival. At The Hindu, he focused on government features, supplements and sponsorship deals, working with ministries on campaigns such as “Incredible India”. His early years were spent at Nava Bharat, liaising with ministries and advertising agencies for media plans.

    Across these roles, Kumar has built a reputation as a government-business specialist with deep relationships across ministries, state information departments, investment boards and advertising agencies. His skill set blends digital marketing, media sales and event monetisation – areas critical for broadcasters and publishers as government spending increasingly shifts from print to online.

    At NDTV, Kumar’s brief is clear: maximise public-sector partnerships, align with government communication priorities, and grow digital revenues. His appointment comes as NDTV, part of the Adani group, looks to strengthen its foothold in digital news while navigating a fiercely competitive and politically sensitive landscape.

  • Bihar’s big Baithak stirs poll pot with politics, policy and plenty of punch

    Bihar’s big Baithak stirs poll pot with politics, policy and plenty of punch

    MUMBAI: When Bihar talks, the nation listens and this time, it’s over a Baithak. Bihar Tak, the digital-first news platform from the India Today group, set Patna buzzing today with its flagship event ‘Bihar Tak Baithak’, a no-holds-barred adda of power, policy and politics.

    With Assembly elections looming later this year, the stage was stacked with heavy hitters and fresh voices alike. From JDU’s executive national president Sanjay Jha to BJP’s Nitin Nabin, Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishor to RLM supremo Upendra Kushwaha, the Baithak read like Bihar’s who’s who of political strategy. Cabinet ministers Jeevesh Mishra, Ashok Choudhary, and Santosh Manjhi joined the conversation, alongside development commissioner S. Siddharth, VIP chief Mukesh Sahani, MP Shambhavi Choudhary, and former union minister Shahnawaz Hussain.

    What unfolded was a marathon of candid interviews, debates and panel discussions on governance, development and the state’s election agenda straight talk for a state hungry for answers. “Bihar Tak Baithak reflects our commitment to amplifying voices from the heart of Bihar,” said TAK Channels Milind managing editor Khandekar. “As the state heads towards a pivotal election, the need for transparent, meaningful conversations is greater than ever.”

    The event, watched by an audience both in Patna and online, offered a digital bridge between policy and people, with every exchange streamed on the Bihar Tak Youtube channel. With more than a dozen leaders, ministers and influencers in the hot seat, this Baithak wasn’t just small talk, it was Bihar talking to itself and to India.
     

  • Zee hits a high note with 18.2 percent share and 855m viewers tuned in

    Zee hits a high note with 18.2 percent share and 855m viewers tuned in

    MUMBAI: Zee has struck gold on the small screen and the numbers prove it. The content powerhouse has hit a four-year high in the linear TV landscape, clocking an 18.2 per cent market share and reaching 855 million viewers across 99 per cent of Indian TV households. From metros to remote hamlets, the network has entrenched itself as a fixture in family living rooms.

    The broadcaster’s strategy of weaving culturally rooted storytelling with mass-appeal blockbusters has paid off handsomely. Eight of its channels now reign supreme in their genres from Zee TV’s 15 per cent share in Hindi GECs (its best in three years) to Zee Cinema’s chart-topping premiere of Pushpa 2, the biggest Hindi film debut of FY26. Lifestyle too had its moment, with Zee Zest continuing a three-year winning streak.

    Regional dominance has been equally emphatic. Zee Kannada scored an all-time high 44 per cent share thanks to new launches like Karna, while Zee Tamil surged with Ayali and evergreen favourites like Karthigai Deepam. Zee Telugu notched a staggering 18.1 TVR with Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the biggest Telugu TV premiere in two years. Zee Sarthak maintained its Odia GEC crown for five consecutive years, Zee Talkies led Marathi movies with a 54 per cent category share, and Zee Bangla reclaimed leadership in West Bengal.

    “Eight of our channels leading the pack shows the power of stories crafted with cultural depth but tuned to modern appetites,” said Zee chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur. Zee EVP of network research and planning Rituparna Dasgupta added: “Reaching 855 million people and 99 per cent TV households isn’t just scale, it’s trust. An 18.2 per cent network share cements Zee as a family member in Indian homes.”

    With 50 domestic channels across 11 languages and two new launches, Zee Power (Kannada) and Zee Bangla Sonar, the broadcaster continues to fine-tune its role as both entertainer and cultural mirror, one that India, clearly, can’t switch off.

  • Chhaava conquers TV with 39.2m viewers after Rs 800 crore box office run

    Chhaava conquers TV with 39.2m viewers after Rs 800 crore box office run

    MUMBAI: From storming cinemas to ruling living rooms, Chhaava has proved unstoppable. After notching up a staggering Rs 800 crore at the box office, Vicky Kaushal’s historical epic has broken fresh ground on television, with its World TV Premiere on Star Gold on 17 August pulling in a massive 39.2 million viewers across India the biggest non-franchise TV debut of 2025.

    Timed around Independence Day, the event was more than just a premiere, it was a cultural celebration. For the first time, Chhaava was simulcast in both Hindi and Marathi, bringing the saga of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to audiences in the language of its land. Star Gold doubled down on the spectacle with a special roundtable featuring Vicky Kaushal, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and director Laxman Utekar, along with deleted scenes that gave fans extra reasons to cheer.

    The cast and creators couldn’t hide their excitement at the film’s record-breaking second act. “I’m overwhelmed by the love Chhaava continues to receive,” said Vicky Kaushal, calling it “truly special” that the story reached every home. Director Laxman Utekar hailed the response as proof that “audiences are eager for powerful, rooted stories,” while producer Dinesh Vijan credited the Maddock–Star Gold partnership for helping the epic connect with millions more.

    The emotional high was shared across the board. “This record-breaking premiere proves that hard work and a compelling story will always find its audience,” said Vineet Kumar Singh, while Divya Dutta called the film’s reception “a testament to the power of a good story.” With Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and a stellar ensemble rounding out the cast, Chhaava has cemented its status as one of 2025’s defining blockbusters, a spectacle that’s as at home on TV screens as it was in theatres.

  • Pocket FM dives into kabaddi mat with Patna Pirates partnership

    Pocket FM dives into kabaddi mat with Patna Pirates partnership

    MUMBAI: When stories meet the mat, sparks fly louder than a referee’s whistle. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has inked a strategic partnership with kabaddi heavyweights Patna Pirates for Pro Kabaddi League 2025, signing on as the team’s official entertainment partner.

    The Pirates, three-time PKL champions, embody grit, passion and resilience qualities Pocket FM says mirror its own storytelling ethos. The tie-up will see the platform bring fans closer to their heroes with meet-and-greets, on-ground activations and digital campaigns featuring star players, adding drama beyond the do-or-die raids.

    “Kabaddi, much like our audio tales, is full of drama and emotion,” said Pocket FM SVP and head of brand marketing communications and partnerships Vineet Singh. “Through this collaboration, we aim to celebrate both the game and the stories while building stronger connections with fans across the country.”

    Patna Pirates COO Pawan Rana added, “Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership with Pocket FM opens up new ways to engage and excite them. Just as we fight with passion on the mat, Pocket FM will take that journey beyond the game.”

    For Pocket FM, this is not the first foray into the sports arena. The platform has previously partnered with Jaipur Patriots in Ultimate Table Tennis and with The World of Battle BGMI. But with kabaddi’s soaring popularity and PKL’s Season 12 kicking off this August, its alliance with the Pirates could prove to be its biggest sporting raid yet.