We Indians don’t like to be left behind on the retail and entertainment map, which is why most gadgets and movies get here as soon as they can. So why should there be an exception when it comes to our telly viewing? Fortunately, English entertainment channels like Big CBS Love and AXN have taken note and telecast shows like Under the Dome and The Voice simultaneously.
And Star Network has caught on, with a new channel launched on last month called Star Premiere HD. They promise 26 new shows, some in their freshman seasons (like The Blacklist and Agents of Shield) and others that already have an established viewership (like Homeland). “We are the only ones who are showing (the series) at the same time, besides Canada. Even in the UK, the American shows premiere after two weeks. Also, we have tied up with Fox, Sony, Disney and Warner Brothers, offering the best of the four networks on one platform,” offers Kevin Vaz, president of English cluster, Star India.
Following suit
The channel goes into a weekly show mode, akin to American television and the shows on the channel will air within 12-24 hours of their launch in the US. “Just like in the US, these shows will have a break during Christmas and the network will run same episodes for those who have missed out the beginning,” says Vaz, adding that all shows will run till May, and will be followed by a new set from the US cable and networks. About Star World, which also has new shows, he says the two channels target different audiences.
“Star World has long running series like Master Chef and One Tree Hill, which people want to see every night. Star World Premiere HD caters to global Indians who are well aware of the upcoming shows,” adds Vaz.
Indian appeal
He promises “the best of drama and comedy.” So you have the latest seasons of counter-terrorism thriller Homeland, Castle, White Collar and Person of Interest and the comedy Modern Family. “The audience here like gripping stories. Blacklist is a great attraction. Betrayal has become a big hit,” he signs off, adding that, “So far the feedback has been exceptional.”