Tag: new shows

Digital i report: Streamers ditch originality for the comfort of repeats

MUMBAI: The golden age of eak TV is officially over, and streamers are reaching for the remote to change channels back to safety. According to Digital i’s latest report, Are You Still Watching?, the number of original series launched across Netflix, Disney+, Max and Prime Video has plummeted from 395 in 2022 to just 279 in 2024—a brutal 29 per cent drop that signals the end of the industry’s spend-happy commissioning spree. Producers have been talking about this in whispers in streamers office corridors, but now data has backed what was being speculated about as a fact.

The shift is as dramatic as it is telling. For the first time since streaming became king, licensed content has overtaken original programming in viewing share, with audiences voting with their eyeballs for the familiar over the fresh. The data shows this crossover happened in Q3 2023, marking a watershed moment for an industry built on the promise of endless new content.

What’s driving this nostalgia kick?

Viewers are apparently more interested in rewatching Grey’s Anatomy for the umpteenth time than diving into yet another dystopian thriller. The medical drama alone racked up more than two billion global viewing hours in 2024, whilst House M.D. continues to diagnose audience boredom with reliable regularity.

This retreat to the familiar isn’t just about comfort viewing—it’s cold, hard economics. Original content costs a fortune and carries enormous risk, whilst proven library titles offer predictable returns. Streamers, facing mounting pressure from investors and increasingly choosy subscribers, are discovering that sometimes the best new content is actually very old content.

Netflix, however, remains the rebel in this conformist crowd. Of its top 25 most-viewed titles in 2024, 14 were based on original concepts—more than any other service. Whilst competitors are playing it safe, Netflix is still betting big on fresh ideas, suggesting the streaming giant believes originality remains its secret weapon for global domination.

The industry’s new obsession with data is reshaping what gets made and what gets axed. Completion rates have emerged as the ultimate judge and jury, with Amazon’s video game adaptation Fallout boasting a stellar 67 per cent completion rate that helped secure its success. Netflix’s The Gentlemen earned renewal with a respectable 61 per cent, whilst the mythology-themed Kaos was cancelled after managing only 47 per cent—a harsh reminder that in streaming, finishing is everything.

The data reveals another trend: shorter is sweeter. Season ones with three to six episodes achieved average completion rates of 48 per cent, whilst bloated 11-15 episode seasons managed a measly 26 per cent. In an attention economy, brevity isn’t just the soul of wit—it’s the key to renewal.

This recalibration reflects a maturing industry learning to balance creative ambition with commercial reality. The battle for viewer attention has evolved into a war for consistent, measurable engagement. Streamers are discovering that keeping audiences watching is harder than getting them to start, and that sometimes the most innovative strategy is knowing when not to innovate at all.

As the dust settles on peak TV’s decline, one thing is clear: in the streaming wars, nostalgia isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s becoming the ultimate weapon.

May 24, 2025
Sony Pictures Networks India ventures into creating ‘Animation For All’

Mumbai: The leading Indian media conglomerate Sony Pictures Networks India unveils seven new shows for global audiences across all ages, produced by YAY! Animations. The fresh slate offers a wide range of content across diverse genres, including action, adventure, sci-fi, drama, fantasy, and horror, which will cater to both adults and teens. Additionally, it features comedy and edutainment content that will appeal to kids across the globe.

The studio’s maiden venture into animation content production made headlines with the release of the 2D-animated series ‘Sudha Murty’s Tales of Wit and Magic,’ which premiered exclusively on Netflix earlier this year and maintained number one position in the charts for multiple weeks across the kid’s category on the platform.

Below is the current slate of content crafted from the storyboard to screens by the studio:

Animation for adults –

● Karna – The Guardian: The show is a unique production, that blends the rich story material hailing from India with the creative prowess by Ascension, a Japanese studio. Directed by Tetsuo Hirakawa, this ambitious and groundbreaking show combines Indian mythology and science fiction. The story takes you on a journey of an ordinary boy who discovers his lineage as the guardian of the three realms.

Episodes – 12

Duration – 22 mins

● Uncanny Short Stories- Satyajit Ray – The show is an animated adaptation of a selection of 13 short stories written by the acclaimed Academy Award Winner – Satyajit Ray. The series delves into supernatural, psychological and macabre elements and explores dark secrets. The original works written in Bengali will be re- produced under the creative supervision of Sandip Ray with background music rendered by the National Award Winner Shantanu Moitra.

Episodes – 13

Duration – 22 mins

● The Besiegement – A horror show that narrates the gripping tale of Victor’s adventurous quest to confront, and vanquish Demon, the ancient ghoul who is responsible for the curse on his family. His true challenge lies in battling this ghoul, creating a spine-chilling atmosphere throughout the series.

Episodes – 10

Duration – 45 mins

● Makeup My Life: The show delves into the insecurities faced by teenage girls and follows the transformative journey of Maya, a timid teenager. It begins with Maya, initially shy and socially awkward, stumbling upon a magical makeup box. Each makeup product she uses unlocks a unique aspect of her personality, leading to her blossoming into a self-assured and confident individual as the season progresses.

Episodes – 13

Duration – 22 mins

Kids Animation –

● W.H.A.T & the Dog – This chase comedy series follows the adventures of a resourceful stray dog as he navigates risky encounters while searching for food, water, shelter, and affection around a house. Inhabited by a human family and their four pets, the house becomes a hilarious battleground where the dog’s determination clashes with the pets’ efforts to keep him at bay. This dynamic results in a blend of rivalry and occasional moments of friendship amongst them all.

Episodes – 78

Duration – 7 mins

● Young Achievers – The show is a thrilling blend of entertainment and adventure brought to life in collaboration with PowerKids Entertainment. This captivating series is designed for children aged 6 years and older, featuring extraordinary young talents excelling in diverse fields, from aviation and skydiving to underwater exploration, spy training, martial arts, and advanced combat operations.

Episodes – 52

Duration – 11 mins

● Omi No. 1 – The show revolves around Omi, a privileged 9-year-old boy who is the sole heir to India’s milk magnate. Omi is pampered by his opulent family of six, while he remains blissfully unaware of the outside world as he enters school life. This sets the stage for comical clashes between his unreal riches and the harsh reality of the outside world.

Episodes – 104

Duration – 11 mins

Sony Pictures Networks India business head, kids and animation Leena Lele Dutta: “At Sony Pictures Networks India, we’re dedicated to pushing creative boundaries, and our animation slate embodies that commitment. We see animation as a universal medium of storytelling that transcends borders resonating across all age groups. All shows are a celebration of captivating narratives, where every frame is an imaginative canvas and every character a vessel of emotion. With this creative venture, we aim to redefine storytelling through animation and inspire hearts globally.”

October 18, 2023
Cartoon Network, Pogo unveil content lineup for Oct-Nov

Mumbai: Kid’s entertainment channels Pogo and Cartoon Network have unveiled their special lineup of shows to be aired during the festive months of October and November.

As a part of this telecast schedule, “Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu” will return on Pogo with new episodes of the series that will air from 18 October from Monday to Friday at 11.15 a.m. “Chhota Bheem” specials will air every day from Monday to Friday, at 8.15 p.m, including a premiere, “Chhota Bheem Aur Chand Pari ki Dastaan,” on 15 October. In November, viewers can tune in to new episodes of “Smashing Simmba,” “Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu,” “Shaktimaan” specials, and the premiere of “Krishna Aur Kans.”

Pogo has also launched an on-air content ‘Gift Wali Diwali’ where viewers need to spot and win cool gifts from the mystery gift box that will open on their TV screens, every day between 12 p.m and 2 p.m as they binge on episodes of “Titoo – Har Jawaab Ka Sawaal Hu” and “Smashing Simmba.” Gifts like mobiles, laptops, tablets, cycles, scooters, headphones, and more are up for grabs.

On Cartoon Network, “The Tom and Jerry Show” Dussehra special will begin from 15 October, 1 p.m onwards. The new episodes of the “The Tom and Jerry Show” will air from Monday to Friday at 3:30 p.m, starting 18 October. The show “Grizzy and The Lemmings” will air between 4-8 November. The channel’s first sci-fi superhero show “Ekans – Ek Se Badhkar Snake” will return with season three.

“We are excited to present an action-packed, entertaining and fun content lineup for the entire family to watch together and enjoy this festive season,” said WarnerMedia South Asia network head for Cartoon Network and Pogo Abhishek Dutta. “We are delighted to bring a combination of specials and new seasons of the most loved shows that are bound to take the spirit of celebration a notch higher.”

October 16, 2021

Zee Marathi marks its 22nd anniversary with 7 new shows

Mumbai: Zee Marathi has announced seven new shows to mark its 22nd anniversary. The regional channel has also unveiled its new look as part of its latest brand positioning. The tagline says – ‘Navya natyanchya bandhu gaathi.. Mi Marathi, Zee Marathi’, reflecting the new beginning of a stronger relationship with the viewers.

The latest promo promises that the new offerings will be in sync with the channel’s progressive identity. “This new Zee Marathi will not only enthrall the viewers with its variety of emotions, but also give them a new perspective on relationship and life through its new offerings,” the channel said in a statement.

Among the seven new shows are ‘Man Zal Bajinda’, ‘Man Udu Udu Zal’, ‘Mazi Tuzi Reshimgath’, ‘Tuzya Mazya Sansarala Ani Kay Hava’, ‘Ti Parat Aliye’ which are set to launch this August. The channel will also present new episodes of its popular show – ‘Ratris Khel Chale 3’ and ‘Ghetla Vasa Taku Nako’. Iconic stars from the Maharashtra region including Shreyas Talpade, Prarthana Behere, Vijay Kadam, Hruta Durgule, Hardik Joshi and many more have been roped in by Zee Marathi to keep viewers entertained.

Speaking about the new positioning, Zee Marathi, business head, Nilesh Mayekar said Zee Marathi has been setting new benchmarks in the industry from the past two decades. “With a new Zee Marathi, we are creating a new world of entertainment for our viewers across the nation – offering a diverse range of characters and unconventional stories that will spark a new conversation in society,” he added.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, cluster head- north, west and premium channels, Amit Shah said, “With its rich legacy of 22 years, Zee Marathi has built an affinity and captured the hearts of consumer segments across generations. Our sharp customer centric approach has enabled us to consistently craft new and engaging storylines featuring progressive themes. This right mix of content has resonated with our viewers across the urban and rural regions, making Zee Marathi a household name across Maharashtra. With its new look and positioning, the channel brings a perfect blend of fresh and renowned faces to our viewers’ screens which will definitely keep our audience engaged. The vibrant packaging will further help us in winning new consumers and forming a deep bond with them in line with our brand promise of Navya natyanchya bandhu gaathi – me Marathi, Zee Marathi.”

The list of new shows on Zee Marathi.

Shows	Actors	Timing	Launch Date
Ghetla Vasa Taku Nako	Pandit Atulshastri Bhagare Guruji	6:30 PM	16 Aug 2021
Man Zal Bajinda	Vaibhav Chavan and Shweta Rajan	7:00 PM	23 Aug 2021
Man Udu Udu Zal	Hruta Durgule and Ajinkya Raut	7:30 PM	30 Aug 2021
Mazi Tuzi Reshimgath	Shreyas Talpade and Prarthana Behere	8:30 PM	23 Aug 2021
Tuzya Mazya Sansarala Ani Kay Hava	Hardik Joshi and Amruta Pawar	9:00 PM	30 Aug 2021
Ti Parat Aliye	Vijay Kadam	10:30 PM	16 Aug 2021
Ratris Khel Chale 3	Madhav Abhyankar and Apurva Nemlekar	11:00 PM	16 Aug 2021

August 13, 2021

Colors Marathi to launch two new shows during festive season

MUMBAI: As part of its Navi Umed, Navi Bharari ethos, Colors Marathi will debut two new shows during the ongoing festive season to provide viewers with wholesome entertainment.

Sukhi Mansacha Sadara will launch on 25 October with a special episode and will air every Monday to Saturday at 9:30 pm. This will be followed by the second new show on 11 November, titled Chandra Ahe Sakshila.

Deepak Rajadhyaksha, programming head at Colors Marathi, said, “We have always believed in narrating stories with a touch of cultural essence which our viewers can resonate with. With the launch of these two shows, it is our earnest effort to keep our viewers’ entertainment quotient high. We are sure that the storyline of Sukhi Mansacha Sadara and Chandra Ahe Sakshila will manage to strike a chord with our audience.”

Presented by PN Gadgil & Sons and powered by Wagh Bakri Tea, CamPure and Suhana Masale, Sukhi Mansacha Sadara highlights the importance of finding real happiness in the smallest of things in a competitive world where everyone is chasing material success. On the other hand, Chandra Ahe Sakshila is a story of love, deceit and betrayal, told from the perspective of an educated working woman whose desire to lead a happy life is destroyed when a man with hurtful intentions enters her life.

These two original series will join the channel’s existing primetime line-up of Raja Ranichi Ga Jodi, Balumamachya Navana ChangaBhala, Jeev Zala YedaPisa, Swamini, Sundara ManaMadhye Bharali and Shubhmangal Online.

October 23, 2020
News18 India Unveils Two New Shows- “Ye Desh Hai Humara” and “Akhada”

MUMBAI: Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in 5 states including MP & Rajasthan and general elections next year, News18 India has launched two new shows – Ye Desh Hai Humara and Akhada. Anchored by Amish Devgan, and Anand Narasimhan, respectively, the new shows are aimed at further strengthening the channel’s programming line-up to raise and address critical issues in the election season.

Ye Desh Hai Humara (Every Sunday at 5:45 PM) is a weekend audience-based debate show anchored by Amish Devgan. The show, at its core, is a fierce contest between two ideologies. It seeks viewpoints of the political leaders on the burning issues for the benefit of the society and the nation. The show also offers an opportunity for the viewers to voice their opinions & concerns.

Akhada (Monday to Friday at 12:45 PM), a news bulletin, kicks off the weekday afternoon primetime on the channel. Through the show, Anand not only covers top stories of the day from across the country, but also presents a face-off between the relevant political parties on key issues.

Breaking away from the clichéd formats, the new shows are designed for enhanced viewer engagement that raise issues important to the society. While Amish Devgan, one of the most popular names in Hindi journalism, does not shy away from taking positions on matters that impact the viewers directly; Anand Narasimhan, a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience, brings a fresh approach to news telling in his inimitable style.

Talking about the new shows, Prabal Pratap Singh, Managing Editor, News18 India said, “At News18 India, it is our constant endeavor to provide constructive and unbiased news. The new shows are another great addition to our repertoire of a balanced yet innovative way of news presentation. Both Amish and Anand, in their unique way infuse vigour and momentum with engaging insights and spirited debates.”

October 17, 2018
Colors Infinity lines up ‘iZombie’ & ‘Arrow’ season 3

MUMBAI: With award winning series Better Call Saul and Fargo reaching the climax of their first season, Colors Infinity has already put in place two popular series for rotation in the line-up.

The two new shows are set to take over the weekend prime time slot on Colors Infinity. An entirely new kind of series in its genre, iZombie will go on air from 22 August at 9 pm, and the popular superhero series Arrow, will hit screens on 23 August at 9 pm.

iZombie is an American television series based on the comic book series of the same name. It is a starkly different kind of show in the zombie genre. This isn’t a story set in a post-apocalyptic world where the lead characters are trying to survive the constant threat of zombies.

In this quirky series the protagonist turns into a zombie, using her predicament to her advantage by helping people.

On the other hand, Arrow is a globally renowned show with the cult comic book hero Green Arrow as the protagonist. Colors Infinity will air the third season of the show.

August 19, 2015
Zee Café lines up new shows, this July

MUMBAI: The viewers of Zee Café are going to be glued to their screens in the month of July. The English entertainment channel is rounding up the band and marching in full swing with a lineup that will consist of everything from drama and mystery to romance and comedy.

Zee Café is starting the parade with season 10 of Grey’s Anatomy starting 6 July, which will reveal the fate of the unconscious Richard Webber as we say farewell to the much loved Christina Yang.

Zee Café has added a brand new show to the programming bouquet, The Mysteries of Laura, which will premiere on 20 July. The comical show follows the life of Laura Diamond, a brilliant NYPD homicide detective who seems rather unassuming but gets the job done while juggling her twin boys and ex-husband.

The Indian discerning viewers will continue to enjoy the popular shows Pretty Little Liars season 6 and Mistresses season 3, which will be aired along with the US. In addition, Zee Café will also air season 3 of Scandal beginning 10^th of July. The Big Bang Hour- a special hour dedicated to The Big Bang Theory – will continue to air season 1-8. The channel will also air season 4-6 of The Middle with 2 back to back episodes starting 13^th of July where the hilarious life of Frankie Heck and her family will take a new turn.

Zee Café will end the parade with a bang, showing The Princess Diaries on 26 July as The Sunday Brunch Special. The movie follows the comical journey of Mia Thermopolis, a shy San Francisco teenager, who is thrown when she learns that she is a real princess.

Zee Café will continue to entertain its viewers with their favourite ongoing shows –Ground Floor season 2, American Idol season 16, Reign season 2, and House of Cards season 3. The channel will air the season Finale of Desperate Housewives on 19 July.

June 30, 2015
DD National to relaunch next week with new look and shows

NEW DELHI: With a new slogan of ‘Desh Ka Apna Channel’, Doordarshan National which is the primary channel of Prasar Bharati is adorning new colours of purple and pink with a fresh palette of programming from 17 November.

The channel will continue to focus on traditional family values – ‘Rishtey’, ‘Nation before Self’, ‘Rashtra Gaurav’ and ‘Trustworthiness – Dilon Mein Vishwas’.

In an exclusive interview to indiantelevision.com, DD director general Vijayalaxmi Chhabra said that the channel had also adopted competitive procurement guidelines which were attracting major producers towards the pubcaster.

She said while DD National had stopped commissioning programmes, it was directly marketing serials to get sponsors for its programmes.

The new look of DD National will be unveiled from 17 November, she said, adding that the vibrancy of the channel would be reviewed from time to time.

She said: “In keeping with our vision for providing wholesome entertainment to audiences across the length and breadth of the country with a public service responsibility, Doordarshan National will be coming with a new look and feel and eight new shows in prime time.”

‘Happy Homes – Khatte-meethe jeevan ke rang’ will start from 17 November at 7.00 pm and is a light comedy of unity in diversity where people speaking different languages and from different regions live together in a colony.

This will be followed at 7:30 pm by ‘Khwabon ke darmiyan – Sach aur sapno se jhoojhti zindagi’, to highlight the struggle to bridge the gap between dreams and reality for women in the fast-changing social context.

After that, ‘Khamosh sa afsana – Jidd aur armano ka fasana’ at 8:00 pm has a fine cast of talented stalwarts like Tom Alter, Roopa Ganguly, and M K Raina who are the central characters in a story depicting the struggle of a daughter fighting to balance her work and managing her disabled parents.

‘Zindagi ek Bhanwar – Rajneeti me mahila ka raaj’ at 9.00 pm is a political drama which aims at reaching out to the aspirations of society and desiring changes in quality of life, followed at 9:30 pm by ‘Dard Ka Rishta – Badalte Sambandhon ki kahani’. The story revolves around disregard of the senior citizens in today’s urbanized societies. Sushma Seth will make a comeback on DD National after almost 30 years with this show.

‘Jab Jab Bahar Ayee – Janmon ka bandhan ya bandhish’ at 10.00 pm is a serial which touches upon a dilemma of husband and wife trying to keep their family together and finding happiness not withstanding their personal differences.

Chhabra said DD National is also building its weekend prime-time with two shows ‘Janmon ka Bandhan’ and ‘Prakriti’. ‘Janmon ka Bandhan – Insaani rishton ka tana bana’ starting 21 November will air from Friday to Sunday at 7.00 pm and is a women-centric family drama.

‘Prakriti – Kudrat ko bachane ki jung’ tracks the story of an ideal forest officer who endeavours to save nature. It is set against the backdrop of scenic Jim Corbett Park. It will air from 22 November, every Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 pm, she said.

November 14, 2014
Star Pravah chalks out marketing strategy to promote new look

MUMBAI: The blue has given away to silver with a red streak and that is how Star Pravah aims to align itself with its parent network Star India. Starting 3 February, the channel came up with a fresh look with a new logo, tagline and a completely different philosophy.

The new tagline ‘Swapnanna Pankh Nave’ (dreams have new wings) is to indicate that the focus is shifting towards a younger female audience. Three new shows launched are also promoting its new philosophy that of encouraging modern young Maharashtrian women to channelise their dreams. “The fiction shows we are coming up with talk about individualism of women. They aren’t regular saas bahu shows. Our story characters will support the tagline,” says Star Pravah creative head Jayesh Patil. The current shows are also going to have tweaks introduced soon to suit the younger CS 15+ SEC A B C audiences as opposed to the earlier universal audience.

The three new shows are Be Dune Daha (produced by Dashmi creations), Lagori Maitri (Endemol India) and The Supriya Sachin show- Jodi Tujhi Majhi (produced by Sachin Pilgaonkar). More shows are slated for a mid April launch. Lagori Maitri has replaced Swapnanchya Palikadle at 8:00 pm while the latter has been shifted to 6:30 pm due to stagnant ratings. Be Dune Daha at 9:00pm has replaced Ambat God which has been taken off air. “We are looking to target a slightly more upscale audience. We have also altered the broadcast design by bringing in different visual grammar and stay away from the traditional way of storytelling,” says Star Pravah channel head Prem Kamath.

Promotions of the new look have already begun in its marketing campaign and will run till mid next week. The focus of the campaign, created majorly by an in-house team, is outdoor and TV and not the usual print medium. Both BTL and ATL activities have been used across Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur for which sources say Rs 5 crore has been spent. “Given the exposure on TV, print wasn’t bringing additional reach,” says Kamath.

ATL activities involve promoting it predominantly on Star Pravah and network channels as well as some other Marathi news channels like IBN Lokmat, ABP Majha and TV9 Maharashtra. Outdoor promotion is focussed in metros and 1 million plus towns in Marathi localities tipping more towards using stations than hoardings. An OBD service has been created inviting people to sample their new shows by making telephonic calls to them which will have recorded voices of the protagonists.

The BTL campaign specifically involves a Mentorship Programme that will begin by 1 March for women who have dreams to achieve something in various fields. Five women from various cities will be selected after a round of entries. They will be brought to Mumbai for a day and given training by mentors from the profession they want to enter. The TG for this outdoor activity is women in the age group 18 to 34 years, both single as well as married. The first edition of this month long activity will be telecast somewhere in April. The radio medium will be used to call out entries for this event.

Although the channel was aiming to refresh itself some time ago, it only took complete shape now. Soon, old shows will be giving way to new, modern and younger shows. Seems like even the regional channels are looking to tap the youth quotient of the country.

February 6, 2014