List of programmes broadcast by Colors TV

Colors TV is an Indian Hindi-language general entertainment channel that has aired a diverse range of television programmes since its launch on 21 July 2008, initially as the flagship property of Viacom18.^[1] The list of programmes broadcast by Colors TV catalogues all original and acquired content, including family dramas, supernatural thrillers, reality competitions, and comedy shows, organized chronologically or by genre to reflect the channel's evolution in Indian television.^[2] Owned by JioStar—a joint venture between Reliance Industries Limited (holding a 56% controlling stake), The Walt Disney Company (with 37%), and Bodhi Tree Systems (7%)—following its formation in November 2024 and completion in April 2025, Colors TV has become a leading platform for emotionally driven narratives and high-stakes entertainment.^[3][4] The channel's programming emphasizes variety, blending social issue-based stories like the long-running Balika Vadhu (2008–2016), which spanned 2,248 episodes and highlighted themes of child marriage and women's empowerment, with fantastical series such as the Naagin franchise, known for its shape-shifting mythology and thriller elements across multiple seasons.^[5] Notable reality formats have further defined Colors TV's identity, including Bigg Boss, the Hindi adaptation of the international franchise, which the channel has exclusively broadcast since its eighth season in 2014, featuring celebrity contestants and hosted by Salman Khan to achieve peak viewership ratings.^[6] Other standout entries encompass youth-oriented comedies like The Khatra Khatra Show and cooking competitions such as Laughter Chefs, alongside crime dramas and historical epics that have collectively amassed billions of viewer hours.^[2] This comprehensive list not only documents the channel's output but also underscores its role in shaping contemporary Indian pop culture through innovative storytelling and star-driven spectacles.^[7]

Current broadcasts

Drama

Colors TV's current drama lineup as of November 2025 features emotionally charged family sagas and social narratives, airing daily in prime time slots. These ongoing serials explore themes of resilience, relationships, and societal challenges, maintaining strong viewership through relatable storytelling and star casts. Notable ongoing dramas include Binddii (premiered September 17, 2025), starring child actor Divyam Shukla as the brave Samrat, focusing on a young boy's fight against injustice in a rural setting; Manpasand Ki Shaadi (premiered August 11, 2025), led by Neha Prajapati and Karan Wahi, delving into arranged marriages and family dynamics; Mangal Lakshmi (premiered February 27, 2024), with Shradha Arya and Rohit Suchanti, addressing women's empowerment and household conflicts; Mannat – Har Khushi Paane Ki (premiered January 6, 2025), featuring Ayesha Singh as Aishwarya, centered on destiny and family redemption; Dhaakad Beera (premiered July 24, 2025), starring Rakshanda Khan, highlighting child heroism and community bonds; and Ram Bhavan (premiered January 29, 2025), with Mrinal Chandrakant and Aayushi Bhave, exploring ancestral legacies and personal growth.^[2][8]

Mythological series

As of January 2026, Colors TV's ongoing mythological and supernatural series includes Naagin 7 (premiered December 27, 2025), starring Priyanka Chahar Choudhary and Namik Paul, which debuted with a TRP rating of 2.1, securing the second position in the charts.^[9] The channel's previous devotional offerings, such as Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyaag Tandav (ended September 17, 2025), have concluded, with focus shifting to other genres.^[10]

Reality and non-scripted

Colors TV's current reality and non-scripted programming emphasizes celebrity-driven competitions and unscripted entertainment, achieving high engagement through live interactions and weekend specials. Bigg Boss 19 (premiered August 24, 2025), hosted by Salman Khan, continues the franchise's legacy with celebrity housemates facing challenges in isolation, airing daily at 10:30 PM and streaming on JioHotstar, building toward its finale on December 7, 2025. The season features twists like app-based voting and has generated significant buzz with contestants including Amaal Mallik and Vivian Dsena.^[11] Pati Patni Aur Panga – Jodiyon Ka Reality Check (premiered August 2, 2025), a weekend show at 9:30 PM hosted by Bharti Singh, pits celebrity couples like Gurmeet Choudhary-Debina Bonnerjee against fun challenges testing relationships, blending comedy and drama.^[12] Laughter Chefs: Unlimited Entertainment Season 2 (premiered October 19, 2025), airs Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 PM, hosted by Bharti Singh and Krushna Abhishek, with celebrity couples competing in cooking tasks amid hilarious mishaps.^[13][14]

Animated

As of November 2025, Colors TV has no ongoing animated programming targeted at children. Previous efforts like Chhoti Anandi and Baahubali: The Lost Legends have concluded, with the channel prioritizing live-action content.^[2]

Former broadcasts

Drama

The former drama programmes on Colors TV, spanning from 2008 to 2025, encompass approximately 91 ended serials that delved into emotional narratives centered on family dynamics, social injustices, and personal resilience. These shows played a pivotal role in establishing the channel's identity in Hindi television by tackling real-world issues through serialized storytelling, often achieving high viewership and sparking public discourse on topics like gender equality and societal norms. While many were daily soaps with extended runs, they collectively influenced TRP charts, with several maintaining top ratings for years and earning accolades for their impactful content. Among these, Balika Vadhu (2008–2016) stands out as the channel's inaugural major success, starring Avika Gor, Shashank Vyas, and later Toral Rasputra in the lead roles. The series explored the theme of child marriage and its long-term consequences in rural India, spanning 2,248 episodes and concluding on 31 July 2016. It achieved consistent high TRP ratings, often ranking among the top Hindi serials, and was recognized with multiple awards, including the Indian Telly Award for Best Daily Serial and a Producers Guild Award for social sensitivity. Notably, it entered the Limca Book of Records as the longest-running daily fiction soap in Hindi with over 2,000 episodes, highlighting its role in promoting social reforms.^[15][5] Udaan (2014–2019), featuring Spandan Chaturvedi as young Chakor and later Meera Deosthale and Vijayendra Kumeria as adult leads, focused on bonded child labor and women's empowerment in a fictional village setting. Airing until its finale on 21 June 2019 after 1,355 episodes, the show garnered strong TRP performance, frequently crossing 3.0 ratings, and won awards such as the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Drama Series. Its narrative of breaking free from oppression resonated widely, contributing to Colors TV's reputation for progressive dramas.^[16][17] Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki (2016–2021), led by Rubina Dilaik as Soumya and Vivian Dsena as Harman, addressed themes of gender identity, transgender rights, and family acceptance. The series ran for 1,360 episodes, ending on 1 October 2021, and maintained solid TRP figures around 2.5–3.0, earning Rubina Dilaik the ITA Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role. It was praised for its bold portrayal of social taboos, influencing viewer perceptions on inclusivity.^[18] Parineetii (2022–2025), starring Anant V. Joshi, Tanvi Dogra, and Anshul Gauhar, centered on a love triangle involving friendship, betrayal, and marital conflicts. Premiering on 14 February 2022 and concluding on 24 August 2025 after approximately 1,100 episodes, it achieved peak TRP ratings above 2.0 and received nominations at the Gold Awards for its ensemble cast. The show's emotional depth on modern relationships marked a contemporary shift in Colors TV's drama lineup.^[19] Other notable ended dramas include Uttaran (2008–2015), which examined caste discrimination and ambition with leads like Rashami Desai and Nandish Singh, running for 1,501 episodes and topping TRP charts for much of its run; Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon (2012–2014), a romantic tale of a TV actress and a superstar featuring Drashti Dhami and Vivian Dsena, with 648 episodes and high viewership impact; and Sasural Simar Ka (2011–2018), though blending drama with light fantasy elements, focused on family bonds across 1,824 episodes, earning several Indian Telly Awards. These series, among dozens more like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain reboot influences and Dil Se Dil Tak, paved the way for ongoing social dramas by blending entertainment with advocacy.^[5][17]

Mythological series

Colors TV has aired several concluded mythological series since its launch in 2008, adapting tales from Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana, Shiva Purana, and Mahabharata. These productions emphasized divine narratives, featuring elaborate sets depicting ancient realms, intricate costumes inspired by traditional iconography, and VFX for supernatural elements like divine weapons and avatars. The shows often received positive reception for promoting devotional values, with peak viewership during festivals, though some faced criticism for dramatic liberties in scripting.^[20][21] The channel's first major mythological entry, Jai Shri Krishna, premiered on July 21, 2008, and ended on September 15, 2009, produced by Sagar Pictures with a budget emphasizing youthful portrayals through child actors and animated sequences for Krishna's miracles. Key cast included Meghan Jadhav as young Krishna and Kritika Sharma as Radha, drawing from the Bhagavata Purana to depict Krishna's childhood antics, including the serpent Kaliya episode and Raas Leela. The series featured grand sets of Vrindavan recreated in Mumbai studios, traditional costumes with peacock motifs, and garnered cultural acclaim for making epics accessible to children, boosting Colors TV's early ratings.^[22][23][24] Karmaphal Daata Shani aired from November 7, 2016, to March 9, 2018, produced by Swastik Productions with high-scale VFX for cosmic battles and planetary alignments. Juhi Parmar portrayed Sandhya, Shani's mother, while Kartikey Malviya played young Shani, based on Puranic tales of Shani's birth and trials under mentors Vishnu and Shiva from the Shiva Purana. Production involved detailed astrological sets and costumes reflecting celestial themes, receiving widespread devotion for its justice-themed narrative and high TRPs during Navratri.^[25][26][27] Mahakali - Anth Hi Aarambh Hai ran from July 22, 2017, to August 5, 2018, helmed by Peninsula Pictures with extensive VFX for goddess transformations and demon slaying scenes. Pooja Sharma starred as Parvati/Mahakali, alongside Saurabh Raj Jain as Shiva, adapting stories from the Devi Mahatmya in the Markandeya Purana, focusing on Parvati's evolution into the fierce Kali to defeat evil. The show utilized massive battle sets in Film City and opulent Shakti costumes, culturally impacting viewers by empowering female divinity themes and achieving top ratings in its slot.^[28][29][20] Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran premiered on June 2, 2019, concluding on May 24, 2020, produced by Nikhil Dwivedi with immersive Puranic recreations using CGI for divine leelas. Rajneesh Duggal enacted Lord Krishna, with Shiny Doshi as Radha, narrating tales from the Bhagavata Purana like Krishna's discourses and avatars. Production highlighted expansive Gokul sets and scripture-authentic attire, receiving praise for educational value on Hindu philosophy and sustaining viewership amid the pandemic.^[20][30] Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush broadcast from August 5, 2019, to February 10, 2020, by Swastik Productions, featuring large-scale forest and ashram sets with VFX for Ram's exile. Himanshu Soni played Ram, Shivya Pathania as Sita, and twins Krish Chauhan and Harshit Kabra as Luv and Kush, based on the Uttara Kanda of the Ramayana, exploring the twins' upbringing and reunion quest. Costumes drew from epic illustrations, and the series was lauded for family bonding narratives, contributing to Colors' devotional programming legacy.^[31][32][33] The 2020 re-telecast of Mahabharat (original 1988) aired from May 4, 2020, during lockdown, produced originally by B.R. Chopra with timeless sets of Hastinapur and Kurukshetra battles using practical effects. Nitish Bharadwaj portrayed Krishna, Puneet Issar as Bhishma, based on the full Mahabharata epic, emphasizing dharma conflicts. Its high production values and modern relevance in retelling family feuds drew record 77 million viewers, influencing devotional surges.^[34][35][36] Om Namah Shivay re-telecast began June 1, 2020, originally from 1997 by Triangle Film Company, with detailed Kailash mountain sets and ritualistic costumes. Samar Jai Singh as Shiva, Gayatri Shastri as Parvati, drawn from Shiva Purana tales of Sati's sacrifice and Parvati's penance. The production's scale included live devotional music, culturally resonating for its authentic Puranic fidelity and renewed popularity during crises.^[21][37] Other concluded series include Tenali Rama (historical-mythic blend, 2017–2020), Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat (2015–2016, epic ties), and Porus (2017–2018, legendary battles), each adapting scriptural elements with grand VFX and casts like Sidharth Nigam, enhancing Colors' mythological portfolio through 2024. The legacy of these series continues in ongoing productions like Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyaag Tandav.^[38][39]

Comedy

The former comedy lineup on Colors TV featured a mix of sketch-based shows and sitcoms that aired from 2013 to 2025, focusing on satirical humor, celebrity roasts, and everyday life scenarios to deliver light-hearted entertainment. These programs often blended scripted skits with improvisational elements, attracting audiences through relatable characters and guest appearances from Bollywood stars. Unlike the channel's drama offerings, which emphasized emotional narratives, these comedy series prioritized punchlines and physical comedy to provide comic relief. The segment's influence extended to later non-scripted formats like Laughter Chefs, where celebrity-driven humor echoed the celebrity interaction style popularized here.^[2] One of the flagship shows was Comedy Nights with Kapil, which premiered on June 22, 2013, and concluded on January 24, 2016. Hosted by Kapil Sharma alongside a supporting ensemble including Sumona Chakravarti as his on-screen wife, Kiku Sharda as Dr. Mashoor Gulati, and Chandan Prabhakar as Chandu, the format revolved around sketch comedy segments interspersed with celebrity interviews to promote films and events. Notable episodes included the premiere featuring Dharmendra and the 2014 Diwali special with multiple Bollywood icons, which drew massive viewership and helped launch Kapil Sharma's national stardom by showcasing his improvisational wit. The show achieved peak popularity in 2013-2014, consistently topping comedy TRP charts and setting benchmarks for non-fiction programming on Indian television during that period. It ended due to escalating creative differences between Sharma and the channel's management, including disputes over episode frequency and contract terms.^[40][41][42] Following its success, Comedy Nights Bachao aired from September 5, 2015, to January 15, 2017, across two seasons. The first season was anchored by comedians Krishna Abhishek and Bharti Singh, who led a team roasting celebrity guests in a live format similar to stand-up battles. Season 2 shifted to Mona Singh as host, toning down the roast intensity amid backlash. Memorable moments included the 2016 episode with Akshay Kumar and the Housefull 3 cast, where host-guest banter escalated into viral controversies, and the finale roasting of reality TV stars. The show gained notoriety for episodes sparking public debates, such as guest walkouts by John Abraham and Tannishtha Chatterjee over perceived insensitivity. It wrapped up primarily due to declining ratings in the second season and repeated controversies that prompted format changes, though producers denied low viewership as the sole factor.^[43][44][45] Comedy Nights Live, a direct successor to Kapil's show, ran from January 31, 2016, to August 21, 2016. Hosted by Krushna Abhishek as the lead comedian, with Bharti Singh and Sudesh Lehri in recurring roles, it featured stand-up routines, improvised skits, and celebrity chats in a studio setup mimicking a live theater. Highlights included the March 2016 episode with Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor promoting Baaghi, blending action spoofs with audience interaction. The series aimed to fill the void left by its predecessor but struggled with repetitive content. It concluded after seven months owing to poor audience reception and internal contract disputes, with cast members later citing restrictive clauses as a key issue.^[46][47][48] In the sitcom domain, Bhaag Bakool Bhaag debuted on May 15, 2017, and ended on September 29, 2017. Starring Jay Soni as the protagonist Bakool, alongside Hiba Nawab and Shruti Rawat as his two contrasting wives, the show followed a narrative of a man juggling dual marital lives between urban and rural settings. The format drew from classic comedy tropes like mistaken identities and family chaos, with episodes highlighting cultural clashes, such as the Karva Chauth special where Bakool navigates dual fasts. Produced by Sanjay Kohli, it incorporated elements reminiscent of the 1996 film Saajan Chale Sasural. The series was discontinued due to consistently low TRP ratings, failing to sustain viewer interest in the prime-time slot.^[49][50] The channel's most recent comedy venture, Zyada Mat Udd, was a finite sitcom that premiered on March 8, 2025, and concluded on June 15, 2025. Led by Helly Shah, Gaurav Amlani as the undercover heir Gopal/Goldie, and Aishwarya Sakhuja, it centered on aviation-themed humor involving cabin crew antics and passenger mishaps. The format emphasized situational comedy, with standout episodes like the in-flight chaos during a celebrity guest's turbulence spoof generating viral memes on social media. Shehzad Shaikh's authentic portrayal added realism, drawing from his prior cabin crew experience. Despite hints of a potential second season from the cast, the show ended abruptly after three months primarily because of underwhelming TRP performance and limited promotional reach, marking it as a short-lived experiment in fresh comedy narratives.^[51][52][53]

Horror, fantasy and supernatural

Colors TV's foray into horror, fantasy, and supernatural programming has emphasized dark, vengeful entities like shape-shifters, witches, and malevolent spirits, creating suspenseful tales that captivated audiences from 2011 to 2025. These series often revolved around themes of revenge, possession, and forbidden powers, differentiating them through eerie atmospheres and moral ambiguities rather than heroic or devotional elements. The genre produced 14 concluded shows, blending thrilling plots with visual effects to explore the supernatural's impact on human lives. The flagship of this category was the Naagin franchise, spanning 2015 to 2022 across six seasons and exceeding 700 episodes in total, making it Colors TV's most successful supernatural series. Season 1 (2015–2016), starring Nia Sharma as the ichchadhari naag Shivanya alongside Vijayendra Kumeria, introduced a vengeful serpent seeking justice for her parents' murder, blending romance and horror in a shape-shifting narrative that aired 114 episodes.^[54] Season 2 (2016–2017) featured Mouni Roy as Shivangi, a naagin protecting her lover from a cursed legacy, running for 106 episodes and escalating the intrigue with multiple naag forms. Subsequent seasons included Surbhi Jyoti as Bela in Season 3 (2018–2019, 109 episodes), focusing on a naagin's quest against evil forces; Jasmin Bhasin in Season 4 (2019–2020, 79 episodes), involving time-traveling serpents; Hina Khan in Season 5 (2020–2021, 115 episodes), centered on a naagin combating a deadly virus metaphor; and Tejasswi Prakash in Season 6 (2022, 120 episodes), depicting a naagin's battle during a global crisis. The franchise peaked in viewership during 2015–2016, achieving TRPs of up to 6.1 and drawing over 17 million impressions weekly, largely due to its weekend slot and innovative mythology. Fan controversies arose over casting rotations, with debates on Mouni Roy's irreplaceable charisma and criticisms of repetitive plots in later seasons, yet it remained a cultural phenomenon with widespread merchandise and spin-offs.^[55][56] Bekaboo (2023), a 41-episode finite series, starred Eisha Singh as the daayan Bela and Shalin Bhanot as Pratham, unraveling a plot of supernatural possession where Bela, a shape-shifting witch, navigates love and curses in a haunted household. The narrative highlighted conflicts between human desires and demonic influences, with guest appearances by Shivangi Joshi and Zain Imam adding layers of intrigue. It garnered attention for its bold exploration of taboo relationships but faced fan controversies, including backlash against Eisha's intense portrayal of a seductive antagonist, which some viewers deemed overly provocative.^[57][58] Vish (2019), airing 80 episodes, featured Debina Bonnerjee as Vishaili, a vishkanya (poison maiden) seeking vengeance on a corrupt tycoon family, opposite Vishal Vashishtha as Aditya and Sana Makbul as Aliya, a doctor entangled in the supernatural feud. The storyline delved into ghostly apparitions and shape-shifting poisons, with Vishaili and her sister Visha (Krip Suri) embodying vengeful spirits from a tragic past. While praised for its mystical elements, the show sparked minor fan debates over its abrupt pacing and underutilized visual effects.^[59][60] Among the remaining 10 shows, Kawach... Kaali Shaktiyon Se (2016, 74 episodes) starred Mona Singh as Paridhi, a woman combating evil spirits possessing her husband (Vivek Dahiya), emphasizing protective amulets against ghostly threats. Vish Ya Amrit: Sitara (2018–2019, 145 episodes) followed Adaa Khan as Sitara, a vishkanya shielding her family from malevolent kin, blending fantasy with familial bonds. Tantra (2018–2019, 67 episodes) depicted the Khanna family (led by Shweta Kawatra and Manav Gohil) ensnared by black magic in their haunted home, focusing on incantations and exorcisms. Pishachini (2022–2023, 114 episodes) starred Jiya Shankar as Pavithra and Nyra Banerjee as the demoness Rani, in a tale of sibling rivalry amplified by supernatural pacts. Suhagan Chudail (2024, approximately 100 episodes) featured Nia Sharma as the immortal chudail Nishigandha, obsessively collecting mystical adornments for eternal youth while targeting a human suitor (Rohan Gandotra). Kaun Hai? (2018, 32 episodes) served as a horror anthology exploring real-life inspired ghost stories. Other entries like the initial Fear Files segments adapted for Colors (2012–2015) and shorter fantasy arcs in series such as Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal (2023, 60 episodes, with werewolf elements via Gashmeer Mahajani) rounded out the lineup, all concluding by 2025 and contributing to the channel's reputation for edge-of-the-seat supernatural drama.^[61][62][63]

Reality and non-scripted

Colors TV's former reality and non-scripted programming from 2008 to 2025 encompassed a diverse array of talent competitions, survival challenges, game shows, and variety formats that captivated audiences with unscripted drama and celebrity involvement. These shows often achieved high viewership through innovative twists on international formats, fostering intense rivalries and public engagement. While many concluded due to seasonal cycles or shifting trends, they left a lasting impact on Indian television, boosting the channel's TRP ratings and spawning spin-offs. Key examples include flagship franchises like Bigg Boss and Dance Deewane, alongside talent hunts such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi. Bigg Boss, the Hindi adaptation of the Dutch Big Brother series, stands as the cornerstone of Colors TV's reality portfolio, with seasons 1 through 18 airing from 2008 to 2024 and concluding by early 2025. The format isolates contestants in a custom-built house for 3-4 months, where they perform tasks, form alliances, and face weekly evictions based on public and housemate votes, evolving from a bi-weekly prime-time slot in early seasons to daily episodes with live feeds on digital platforms. Hosted initially by Arshad Warsi (season 1), Shilpa Shetty (season 2), and Amitabh Bachchan (season 3), Salman Khan took over from season 4, anchoring the show through its growth into a cultural phenomenon that generated massive social media buzz, with hashtags trending nationally and fan wars spilling online. The franchise consistently delivered strong TRP performance, averaging 1.5-3.0 in urban markets across seasons, peaking at over 4.0 for finales like season 13. Controversies were integral, including physical fights (e.g., Sidharth Shukla and Asim Riaz's clash in season 13), allegations of favoritism toward certain contestants, and legal disputes over evictions, yet these elements amplified its appeal and sustained viewership.^{[64][65][66][67]} Dance Deewane, a multi-generational dance competition launched in 2018, ran for four seasons through 2024, emphasizing participants from juniors (under 10), juniors (10-15), youth (16-20), and seniors (above 20) in age-specific auditions and battles judged on technique and creativity. Hosted by Raghav Juyal (seasons 1-2) and Bharti Singh (seasons 3-4), with judges Madhuri Dixit, Tushar Kalia, and rotating guests like Suniel Shetty, the show awarded Rs 10-20 lakh prizes and focused on inclusive performances blending classical and contemporary styles. It achieved solid TRPs of 1.5-2.5, appealing to family audiences, though minor controversies arose over judging biases in eliminations. Winners included Alok Shaw (season 1, 2018; junior category), Vishal Sonkar (season 2, 2019; youth), Piyush Gurbhele & Rupesh Soni (season 3, 2021; second generation), and Gaurav Sharma & Nithin NJ (season 4, 2024; first generation), who impressed with synchronized routines.^[70][71][72] Other notable ended reality and non-scripted shows included Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (seasons 6-10, 2013-2019), a celebrity dance contest hosted by Manish Paul and judges like Madhuri Dixit and Karan Johar, where winners like Dr. Sid (season 6) and Nora Fatehi (season 9) shone through rigorous rehearsals, averaging 2.0 TRPs but facing criticism for scripted eliminations. Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (seasons 1-13, 2008-2024) pitted celebrities against stunts like animal encounters, hosted by Akshay Kumar early on and Rohit Shetty later, with winners including Bharti Singh (season 9) and Tushar Kalia (season 11), drawing 2.5+ TRPs via adrenaline-fueled challenges and occasional injuries. India's Got Talent (seasons 1-3, 2009-2012), a variety talent hunt hosted by VJ Andy, featured acts from magic to acrobatics, won by acts like Neeraj Sharma (season 1), and peaked at 2.2 TRPs before format fatigue. Comedy Nights with Kapil (2013-2016), a non-scripted celebrity chat show hosted by Kapil Sharma, blended stand-up and skits for 3.0+ TRPs, ending amid production disputes. Rising Star (seasons 1-3, 2017-2019), an interactive singing competition with live audience voting via app, hosted by Diljit Dosanjh and judges like Monali Thakur, crowned winners like Hemant Bhandari (season 1) but wrapped due to declining 1.8 TRPs. Laughter Chefs (season 1, 2024), a celebrity cooking comedy format hosted by Bharti Singh, ended October 4, 2024, hitting 2.0 TRPs through humorous kitchen mishaps. Additional formats like The Anupam Kher Show (2014-2015; celebrity interviews, hosted by Anupam Kher, 1.5 TRP), Khatra Khatra Khatra (2019-2021; prank wars, hosted by Bharti Singh, 1.8 TRP), Hunarbaaz (2021-2022; desi talent hunt, judges like Mithun Chakraborty, winner Md. Shadab, 1.6 TRP), Ace of Space (seasons 1-2, 2018-2019; survival game, hosted by Vikas Gupta, winner Princess Shukla, 1.4 TRP), and quiz shows like Bournvita Quiz Contest (2016, hosted by Derek O'Brien, educational format, moderate ratings) rounded out the lineup, each contributing to Colors TV's non-scripted legacy through unique premises and celebrity draws.^[73][74][75]

Animated

Colors TV ventured into animated programming primarily to attract young viewers with engaging stories rooted in Indian culture and values, featuring a limited number of series in the 2010s before shifting focus. These shows were typically broadcast on Sunday mornings to build a dedicated children's audience on the general entertainment channel.^[76]

Chhoti Anandi

Chhoti Anandi was a 2D-animated series that premiered on January 17, 2016, and concluded after 13 weeks on April 10, 2016, airing every Sunday at 10:00 AM. Produced by HopMotion Animation Studio in collaboration with Sphere Origins, the show followed the adventures of the titular 8-year-old Chhoti Anandi, a brave and wise girl from rural Rajasthan, as she led her group of young friends—known as the Chhote Sipahi—in solving everyday problems while promoting themes of resilience, education, and social awareness. Key characters included Chhoti Anandi (voiced by a child artist in Hindi), her loyal friend Phooli, and mischievous companions like Gopal and Sugna, engaging in light-hearted escapades such as community service and standing against injustice. Targeted at children aged 4-10, it was originally produced in Hindi with no additional dubbing, marking Colors TV's first animated series derived from a popular live-action drama (Balika Vadhu). This initiative represented an early push by the channel to extend family-oriented narratives into animation for younger demographics.^[77][76]

Baahubali: The Lost Legends

Baahubali: The Lost Legends premiered on Colors TV on December 10, 2017, and ran until 2019, with episodes airing every Sunday at 11:30 AM. This 2D-animated series, produced by Arka Media Works and Graphic India, expanded the epic Baahubali franchise with original stories set in the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati, featuring high-stakes adventures involving heroism, betrayal, and mythical battles. Central characters included the young warrior Baahubali (voiced in Hindi by actor Sharad Kelkar), his rival Bhallaladeva, the queen mother Sivagami, and supporting figures like Kattappa and Avantika, who navigated quests against dark forces and explored the kingdom's lore. Aimed at young viewers aged 6-12 while appealing to families, the series was dubbed in Hindi from its original English production, emphasizing action-packed narratives inspired by Indian mythology. It introduced superhero-like themes in animation to Indian TV audiences, building on the live-action films' popularity.^[78][79] These early animated efforts, such as Chhoti Anandi's innovative adaptation of live-action elements, paved the way for longer-running series like the ongoing Pakdam Pakdai.^[76]

Sports entertainment

Colors TV's foray into sports entertainment primarily focused on live combat sports broadcasts, including professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) events, during the channel's early years. These programs aired from 2009 to 2012 and emphasized high-energy bouts in ring or cage formats, attracting audiences with a mix of international talent and Indian competitors. All such shows concluded by mid-2012, marking the end of Colors TV's dedicated combat sports slate. The first such program was 100% De Dana Dan, a hybrid professional wrestling and entertainment series that premiered on August 29, 2009, and ran for 26 episodes until December 20, 2009, airing Saturdays and Sundays at 9 PM. Produced by Endemol in collaboration with World Wrestling Professionals (WWP), it featured scripted wrestling matches blended with comedic segments and challenges, showcasing Indian wrestlers such as Sangram Singh, Ananzi, Tornado, and Goonga in tag-team and singles bouts. The format highlighted athletic displays like suplexes and pins, with events held in arena settings to build crowd excitement. The show discontinued after its initial season, likely due to shifting channel priorities toward scripted content.^[80][81][82] Following this, Super Fight League (SFL) marked Colors TV's entry into unscripted MMA programming, debuting its broadcast deal in 2012 with the first event on March 11 at Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai. Promoted by businessman Raj Kundra and actor Sanjay Dutt, the league aired weekly events starting May 5, 2012, on Saturdays and Sundays at 8 PM, featuring cage-based MMA bouts across weight classes with rules aligned to international standards. Key fighters included international talents like Bob Sapp and James Thompson alongside Indian prospects such as Anup Kumar and Rahul Shetty, with highlights including knockouts and submissions in events that drew over 100 million cumulative views across seasons. As India's pioneering professional MMA promotion, SFL emphasized fighter development through reality-style segments like SFL Challengers. The Colors TV partnership ended after the 2012 season amid financial challenges, including reported losses of $300,000 on the inaugural event and difficulties in sustaining star power.^[83][84][85] The channel's final combat sports offering was Ring Ka King, a professional wrestling series that aired from January 28 to April 22, 2012, spanning 26 episodes on Saturdays at 9 PM. Developed by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and Endemol India, it presented theatrical wrestling matches in a promotion-style format, with storylines involving rivalries and championships. Notable wrestlers included TNA stars like Scott Steiner, Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Chavo Guerrero Jr., and Sonjay Dutt, paired with Indian performers such as Mahabali Veera, Mustafa Bashir, and The Bollywood Boyz (Gurv and Harv Sihra). Broadcast highlights featured intense tag-team clashes and title tournaments, with the premiere episode attracting 14 million viewers. The program concluded after its single season when the television deal with Colors was not renewed, attributed to logistical challenges in talent scheduling and production costs.^[86][87][88]

Aapka Colors

Current programmes

Aapka Colors, the international feed of Colors TV targeting North American audiences, was rebranded to Colors in December 2023 to align with the global branding of the network while maintaining tailored programming with English subtitles for the diaspora community.^[89] Post-rebranding, as of November 2025, the channel primarily broadcasts the current lineup from the main Colors TV channel, including dramas, reality shows, and other genres, with English subtitles and scheduling adjusted to North American time zones (e.g., Indian primetime episodes airing in US evenings PT/ET). It is available via providers like DISH Network in the US and Rogers in Canada.^[90][91]

Former programmes

Aapka Colors, the international feed of Colors TV targeting the South Asian community in the United States and Canada, launched on January 21, 2010, via DISH Network, featuring Hindi-language programming with adaptations such as English subtitles for accessibility and scheduling aligned to North American time zones to ensure no lag in episode airing compared to the Indian feed.^[90][92] The channel's early lineup included drama series, mythological shows, and reality formats mirroring the Indian broadcast but tailored for diaspora audiences through subtitling and prime-time slots in the evenings PT/ET. Many inaugural programmes concluded their runs between 2010 and 2016, with discontinuation primarily due to the natural end of their Indian productions; the channel's rebranding to simply "Colors" in December 2023 further shifted focus away from these legacy titles toward updated content.^[93][94] The following table highlights select former programmes from Aapka Colors' initial years (2010–2023), emphasizing their premiere and end dates on the feed, format, key adaptations, and reasons for discontinuation. These examples represent the channel's foundational offerings, which were subtitled in English and time-shifted (e.g., Indian primetime episodes airing in US evenings) to suit local viewing habits.^[90][95] These programmes exemplified Aapka Colors' strategy of providing culturally resonant content with practical enhancements for non-native Hindi speakers in the diaspora, though limited exclusives existed beyond subtitled reruns and occasional health-focused specials tied to community events pre-2023.^[90] Post-rebranding, the feed transitioned to refreshed lineups, phasing out older titles entirely.^[93]