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Sony Entertainment Television
Sony Entertainment Television
Sony Entertainment Television
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Sony Entertainment Television (abbreviated as SET) is an Indian Hindi-language general entertainment pay television channel that was launched in 1995 and is owned by Sony Pictures Networks, a division of Sony Pictures.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

This channel was launched on 8 October 1995 which started airing many dramatic and reality shows.[2] It also started airing all Disney Channel shows and Disney movies until 2003. It also aired CID and Crime Patrol.[3][4][5] In 2006, Sony made an adaptation of the famous show Big Brother, Bigg Boss.[6] It also made an adaptation of American show Fear Factor, Fear Factor India but all these shows were moved to Colors TV.[citation needed]

The channel also started international broadcasting, under the name Sony Entertainment Television Asia (SET Asia). The 'Asia' name was dropped effective from December 2016.[7]

In 2001, it changed its logo to a green colour. In November 2016, it changed its logo to a purple colour. In 2022, it changed its logo to match that of SonyLIV.[8]

Programming

[edit]
Main article: List of programs broadcast by Sony Entertainment Television

Associated channels

[edit]

Sony SAB

[edit]

Sony SAB is an Indian Hindi-language general entertainment pay television channel owned by Sony Pictures Networks.[9][10]

Sony Pal

[edit]

Sony Pal (stylised as Sony पल) (Hindi for Moment) is an Indian pay television channel that was launched on 1 September 2014. It was initially aimed at women with women-oriented Hindi-language programming, now focused on family-oriented programming.[11][better source needed] The channel is owned by Sony Pictures Networks.[12] The channel is available on Dish Network and Sling TV in USA.[13]

Sony Kal

[edit]

Sony Kal is an Indian-based international television service owned by Sony Pictures Networks. It was launched on 28 January 2022, and distributes Indian soap operas and other television programs in the United States and Canada. It is available on platforms such as Xumo, Sling TV, and TCL.[14][15][16]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sony Entertainment Television

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sony Entertainment Television (SET), also known as SET India, is a leading Hindi-language general entertainment channel in , owned and operated by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, . Launched on October 8, 1995, as part of SPNI which reaches over 700 million viewers in , it offers a diverse lineup of programming, including fictional dramas, reality competitions, comedy shows, and mythological series, targeting family audiences with innovative storytelling and high-production-value content. Since its inception, SET has pioneered several trends in Indian television, introducing the country's first major reality show formats such as Boogie Woogie in 1996 and the iconic game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in 2000, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, which revolutionized prime-time viewing and boosted interactive entertainment. The channel has expanded its portfolio over nearly three decades, blending homegrown originals like Indian Idol and Super Dancer with adaptations of global hits such as Shark Tank India, while also producing influential dramas like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain and historical epics including Punyashlok Ahilyabai. As part of SPNI's broader network of 27 channels and the digital platform SonyLIV, SET continues to drive viewership growth, reporting strong financial performance with a net profit of ₹839 crore in FY24 for its parent company. SET's impact extends beyond broadcasting, as it has fostered talent discovery through talent hunts and supported diverse narratives that reflect Indian culture, from urban comedies like to socially relevant stories in series such as . With a focus on premium content and digital integration, the channel remains a cornerstone of Hindi entertainment, consistently ranking among India's top general entertainment channels (GECs) by viewership metrics.

Overview

Launch and Ownership

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) was launched on October 8, 1995, as one of 's pioneering premium Hindi general entertainment channels, marking the entry of Sony Pictures Networks India into the Indian broadcasting market. Established by Entertainment, a division of the Japanese multinational conglomerate Sony Group Corporation, SET quickly positioned itself as a key player in the nascent private landscape, which had been dominated by state-run broadcasters until the mid-1990s. From its , the channel focused on delivering a blend of general content tailored for urban Hindi-speaking audiences, incorporating a mix of Indian-produced dramas, reality formats, and international programming to introduce global storytelling perspectives to Indian viewers. This hybrid approach helped SET differentiate itself by emphasizing innovative narratives and high-production-value shows, setting benchmarks for quality in the Hindi market during an era of rapid in India's media sector. Ownership of SET has remained under the umbrella of Sony Pictures Entertainment since its launch, with the operating entity undergoing a corporate in 2022 from Sony Pictures Networks Private Limited to Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited, while continuing to trade as Sony Pictures Networks for consumer-facing purposes. Culver Max Entertainment functions as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, ensuring full control by the parent company without any external joint ventures or acquisitions altering its structure as of 2025. The channel's leadership is currently headed by Gaurav , who serves as Managing Director and of Culver Max Entertainment, overseeing strategic operations for SET and its sister channels. Headquartered in , , , at the Sony Pictures Networks facility in Malad West, SET maintains its core operations from this central hub, which supports content production, distribution, and across the country. This location underscores the channel's deep integration into 's entertainment ecosystem, facilitating proximity to creative talent and industry stakeholders in the .

Broadcast Details and Availability

Sony Entertainment Television operates as a 24/7 Hindi-language general pay television channel, broadcasting in standard definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) formats. The HD feed is transmitted at resolution, aligning with the standard for HD channels in , which provides enhanced visual clarity through interlaced scanning of 1080 lines. This format supports the channel's diverse programming while maintaining compatibility with prevalent digital broadcast standards in the country. The channel primarily airs content in , with English subtitles available on select programs to broaden accessibility. It targets urban Indian families seeking engaging, family-oriented , as well as the through international carriage on various platforms. Owned by Culver Max Entertainment (formerly India), Sony Entertainment Television emphasizes creative and cross-genre storytelling to appeal to this demographic. In , the channel is widely available via major cable operators, direct-to-home (DTH) services such as (channel 111 for SD, 112 for HD), (channel 130 for SD, 128 for HD), and (channel 112 for HD), as well as IPTV providers. It forms part of premium entertainment bouquets and is offered on an a-la-carte basis at approximately ₹19 per month for SD and ₹25 for HD, subject to network capacity fees and taxes; the service is ad-supported, supplemented by sponsorships from brands targeting family viewers. Internationally, it reaches audiences in regions with significant Indian populations, such as the and , through dedicated feeds carried by cable and satellite providers. Technically, the channel transitioned to HD broadcasting on May 28, 2012, enabling higher-quality delivery for DTH and cable subscribers equipped with HD set-top boxes. This upgrade improved production workflows, including the adoption of advanced formats like for seamless HD content creation and transmission. As of 2025, while explores advanced standards like for digital terrestrial , Sony Entertainment Television continues to prioritize HD compatibility without integration of , which remains a U.S.-centric standard.

History

Formation and Early Development (1995–2005)

The establishment of Sony Entertainment Television (SET) occurred amid India's evolving media landscape following the 1991 reforms, which dismantled barriers to foreign investment and spurred the growth of private satellite broadcasting. , seeking to capitalize on this opening, adopted a strategy of blending international appeal with localized Hindi content to attract urban Indian viewers, marking its entry as one of the early multinational players in the general entertainment category. Launched on October 8, 1995, the channel initially focused on imported programming to build familiarity. SET's debut original production, the horror anthology series Aahat, premiered shortly after the channel's launch in October 1995, signaling Sony's commitment to producing homegrown content tailored to Indian tastes. However, the channel faced significant hurdles in the nascent cable TV ecosystem, where distribution was fragmented and penetration remained low due to the predominance of state broadcaster in most households, alongside emerging competitors like Star Plus, which had established a foothold with family-oriented programming since 1991. These challenges were compounded by limited infrastructure, as cable networks were still expanding unevenly across urban and semi-urban areas, restricting SET's initial reach to affluent, cable-subscribed demographics. By the late , SET began diversifying its slate to include more narrative-driven formats, introducing daily soaps and family dramas in 1998 with shows like Heena, which explored interpersonal relationships and resonated with evolving viewer preferences for serialized storytelling. This shift helped solidify the channel's position, culminating in steady audience expansion; by 2005, flagship programs were drawing approximately 48 million viewers for high-profile events, reflecting SET's growing influence in a market increasingly dominated by private channels.

Growth, Rebranding, and Key Milestones (2006–Present)

In 2006, Sony Entertainment Television marked a pivotal shift toward high-engagement reality programming by launching two major adaptations of international formats. The channel premiered , an Indian version of Big Brother, on November 3, 2006, hosted by , which featured celebrities and commoners competing in a confined house environment over 85 days. Earlier that year, on March 10, 2006, it introduced Fear Factor India, hosted by , where contestants faced extreme physical and mental challenges inspired by the American series, airing as a 13-episode stunt-based show that emphasized adrenaline-fueled content to attract younger urban audiences. These launches represented a strategic pivot from traditional to interactive, formats, boosting viewer participation and ratings during a competitive era for general entertainment channels. The channel's visual identity evolved through several rebrands to align with modern aesthetics and . From 2001 to 2016, Sony Entertainment Television utilized a green logo, symbolizing freshness and vitality amid its growing focus on original content. In November 2016, coinciding with its 21st anniversary celebration during an episode of , the channel adopted a , refreshing its branding to convey progressiveness and cultural depth while maintaining core elements like the stylized "S." This change was part of a broader network-wide update emphasizing vibrant, contemporary visuals. By October 24, 2022, during the festival, Sony Entertainment Television underwent another rebranding, introducing a simplified, gold-accented with , including dynamic animations and a cropped "S" design shared across Sony's portfolio for unified on-air identity. These updates enhanced compatibility with streaming platforms and , supporting the channel's expansion into hybrid viewing experiences. Corporate developments further shaped the channel's trajectory. In December 2016, the international version of the channel dropped "Asia" from its name, becoming simply Sony Entertainment Television to reflect a globalized branding strategy beyond regional qualifiers. A significant came with the 2021 announcement of a proposed merger between and , valued at approximately $10 billion, which received conditional regulatory approval in 2022 and aimed to consolidate content production and distribution for entertainment. Although the deal was terminated in January 2024 due to unmet financial conditions, the subsequent legal dispute was settled in August 2024; the prolonged negotiations influenced by prompting investments in premium originals and digital synergies during the uncertainty. In August 2024, leadership saw a notable reshuffle when Neeraj Vyas, Business Head for Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, Sony Pal, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster, exited after nearly three decades to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, signaling a transition toward new creative directions under incoming executives. Expansion efforts during this period strengthened the channel's focus on homegrown programming and technical upgrades. By the late 2000s, Sony Entertainment Television increased its emphasis on original fiction, incorporating partnerships like ' weekend shows starting in January 2010 to diversify from acquired content and target family demographics. This strategic ramp-up in indigenous productions helped solidify its position in the GEC market. Additionally, on , 2012, the channel launched its high-definition feed, enabling sharper visuals for key shows and movies, initially available through DTH and cable platforms to cater to growing HD adoption in urban . These enhancements, combined with reality format successes, propelled sustained growth, reaching over 700 million viewers across platforms by the mid-2020s.

Programming

Genres and Format

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) focuses on a mix of and programming, with forming the core of its content strategy, encompassing family sagas, romantic narratives, and social-issue-driven stories. Other key genres include competitions, sketches, and thrillers, which together provide a balanced slate aimed at diverse audiences. The channel's daily broadcasting format is structured around viewer habits, with from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM primarily dedicated to soap operas and flagship reality shows that drive peak engagement. Weekends feature programming and anthology episodes to capitalize on family viewing, while afternoon slots from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM often include reruns of popular series for repeat accessibility. This scheduling emphasizes high-impact slots for new episodes, ensuring consistent narrative continuity in fiction content. SET's production model relies heavily on in-house capabilities through , which handles scripting, filming, and for the majority of its output to maintain quality control and brand alignment. The channel also fosters collaborations with established production houses, notably and producer , for specialized fiction and reality formats that leverage external creative expertise. Over its history, SET has transitioned from featuring imported international content in the —such as dubbed American soaps—to prioritizing original Indian productions by the mid-2000s, reaching a point where nearly all airtime consists of locally created material by 2025. This evolution underscores a strategic emphasis on family-oriented narratives infused with social themes like , relationships, and cultural values, reflecting broader shifts in Indian television toward relatable, homegrown .

Notable Shows and Series

Sony Entertainment Television has produced several long-running hits that have become staples of Indian television, particularly in the crime drama genre. CID, which premiered in 1998, ran until 2018 for 1,547 episodes, and was revived in 2024, continuing into 2025 with over 1,600 episodes total, followed the investigations of a team of police officers led by ACP Pradyuman as they solved complex criminal cases, blending procedural elements with dramatic storytelling. The series gained immense popularity for its formulaic yet engaging format, including signature lines like "Walther PPK, James Bond ki, yeh toh CID ki hai!" and influenced public perceptions of law enforcement, often cited as India's longest-running detective show. Similarly, Crime Patrol, airing since 2010 and continuing into 2025 with its season "26 Jurm, 26 Cases" and over 2,000 episodes across various seasons, dramatizes real-life crime stories to raise awareness about social issues such as domestic violence and cybercrimes. Hosted initially by Anup Soni, the show has been praised for its educational value, serving as an "eye-opener" to millions by highlighting preventive measures against criminal activities. In the realm of reality television, Sony has hosted enduring staples that have shaped entertainment trends. Indian Idol, launched in 2004 and running through 16 seasons by late 2025, features aspiring singers competing for a , judged by music industry luminaries like and . The program has launched careers for winners such as and , fostering a nationwide passion for music and democratizing access to stardom through public voting. Complementing this, The Kapil Sharma Show, which aired on Sony from 2016 to 2017 for its first season (approximately 125 episodes), showcased comedian Kapil Sharma's satirical sketches and celebrity interviews, becoming a cultural phenomenon that blended humor with Bollywood glamour. Its light-hearted take on everyday life and star-studded episodes provided comic relief during prime time, significantly boosting Sony's viewership and influencing in . Recent dramas on the channel continue to explore diverse narratives, maintaining Sony's commitment to engaging fiction. , the fourth installment in the popular romantic series, premiered on 16 June 2025 and aired until 19 September 2025, following intertwined lives of protagonists navigating love and family dynamics in modern . Another show, Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai Mata Ne Bulawa Hai, launched on 22 September 2025, centers on devotion and miracles surrounding the goddess Mata, appealing to audiences with its spiritual and emotional depth. These shows reflect Sony's evolution toward contemporary themes while honoring traditional values. The collective impact of these programs underscores Sony Entertainment Television's role in Indian pop culture, with long-running shows like CID and Crime Patrol accumulating thousands of episodes collectively by 2025 through their sheer volume and replay value. For instance, CID and Crime Patrol have heightened public vigilance on safety issues, prompting discussions on real-world crime prevention, while and have spurred talent discovery and comedic crossovers in media, embedding themselves in everyday conversations across households.

Sister and Associated Channels

Sony SAB

Sony SAB is a Hindi-language general pay television channel owned by Culver Max (formerly Sony Pictures Networks ), serving as a comedy-focused sister network to Sony Entertainment Television. Originally launched as SAB TV on 23 April 1999 by Gautam and Markand under their Sri Adhikari Brothers production company, the channel initially targeted a niche audience with humorous content. Sony Pictures Networks acquired SAB TV in March 2005 for approximately ₹58 crore (US$13 million), integrating it into its portfolio while retaining its comedic roots. The full rebranding to Sony SAB occurred in September 2011, introducing a refreshed identity that emphasized family-oriented humor under the umbrella. The channel's programming niche centers on light-hearted family comedies and sitcoms, with around 80% of its content comprising fictional, relatable humor that avoids heavy or . This approach includes shows featuring everyday scenarios, ensemble casts, and clean, feel-good narratives designed to foster bonding and positive emotions. Sony SAB's emphasis on such programming distinguishes it from more drama-oriented channels, prioritizing entertainment that resonates with viewers seeking uncomplicated laughs. Key operational features of Sony SAB include its use of cost-effective production models, which enable consistent output of high-volume episodic content without compromising quality, making it accessible for broad distribution. The channel is carried on the same cable, , and digital platforms as Sony Entertainment Television, ensuring wide availability across . In October 2022, Sony SAB received a logo refresh as part of a network-wide for all channels, featuring a modernized with vibrant accents and simplified to enhance visual appeal. Sony SAB primarily targets urban middle-class families, appealing to a demographic spanning children, young adults, and elders through inclusive, value-driven stories. Its audience composition includes a significant share from socio-economic classes B and C in metros like Mumbai and Gujarat, where viewership is notably strong. The channel has achieved peak weekly viewership in the range of 50-60 million, solidifying its position as a leading general entertainment channel, particularly highlighted by its ranking as India's top GEC in 2019 with over 33% of viewers aged 35 and above.

Sony Pal

Sony Pal was launched on September 1, , as a general entertainment channel specifically targeting women, particularly homemakers in the age group of 15-34 years from socio-economic classes B, C, D, and E. The channel aimed to inspire and empower its audience through relatable stories that celebrated womanhood and addressed everyday challenges faced by women. With as its , Sony Pal positioned itself as a platform for content that resonated with female viewers, focusing on themes of , dynamics, and personal growth. At its inception, the channel's programming consisted primarily of original Hindi-language daily soaps centered on , interpersonal relationships, and family-oriented narratives, designed to foster emotional connections and promote positive role models for its core demographic. These shows featured identifiable characters navigating issues like marital harmony, career aspirations, and societal expectations, aligning with the channel's philosophy of "Yeh Pal Hamara Hai" to highlight meaningful moments in women's lives. Although initial original productions faced challenges and the channel later incorporated reruns from the broader network to sustain viewership, the foundational emphasis remained on content tailored to female perspectives, with a significant portion delivered in original format. Sony Pal achieved rapid growth in its early years, integrating production resources from its parent network, Sony Entertainment Television, to leverage established storytelling expertise and cost efficiencies. By 2016, the channel had emerged as a top performer among Hindi general entertainment channels, particularly leading in rural markets and surpassing competitors like Zee Anmol in reach and impressions. This milestone reflected its successful pivot to accessible, family-focused content that broadened its appeal beyond urban audiences. The channel's reach has continued to expand, attaining over 192 million unique viewers in the second quarter of (Weeks 14–26), securing the number one position among Hindi GECs for multiple weeks according to BARC data. This extensive accessibility, primarily through distribution, has made Sony Pal a key player in entertainment, with advertising revenue heavily influenced by (FMCG) brands that target its predominantly female and homemaker audience. FMCG advertisers, accounting for a substantial share of the channel's ad spends—such as Benckiser holding 22% in certain periods—capitalize on its demographic alignment to promote household and .

Sony Kal

Sony Kal is a Hindi-language free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel launched by Sony Pictures Networks (now Culver Max Entertainment) on January 28, 2022, specifically targeting the North American market with a focus on the South Asian diaspora. As the first South Asian FAST channel in the United States, it provides linear programming accessible via streaming platforms, offering 24/7 access to popular Indian entertainment content without requiring a traditional cable subscription. The channel's debut marked Sony's strategic entry into the FAST space for overseas audiences, emphasizing culturally resonant programming to connect non-resident Indians (NRIs) with familiar storytelling from India. The channel's content primarily consists of reruns and dubbed versions of soap operas and series originally aired on Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Sony Pal in India, including family dramas, romantic narratives, and comedies such as Chidiyaghar, Baalveer, and Encounter. This lineup features award-winning and highly viewed shows like Mann Mein Vishwas Hai and medical dramas, all in Hindi with English subtitles to cater to diverse diaspora viewers. By curating over 20 iconic series direct from Sony Pictures Networks India, Sony Kal delivers a mix of timeless and recent episodes, prioritizing emotional and cultural depth over new productions to evoke nostalgia and continuity for its audience. Distribution of Sony Kal is optimized for accessibility in the and through major streaming services, including (as a free addition to international ethnic packages), , TCL Channels, LG Channels, and Plex, allowing viewers to access the channel via smart TVs, mobile apps, and online portals without additional fees beyond base subscriptions where applicable. This multi-platform approach ensures broad reach, with the channel available on TCL Channels in both countries starting from August 2022 and on starting from October 2022. As a dedicated bridge for NRIs, Sony Kal's strategy centers on filling a gap in linear Hindi soap opera availability abroad, serving as Sony's inaugural international channel focused exclusively on this format to foster cultural ties and daily viewing habits among the South Asian community in . By offering free, ad-supported access to premium content that mirrors domestic Indian viewing experiences, the channel aims to enhance engagement and retention among diaspora families, positioning itself as an essential hub for entertainment outside .

International Reach and Digital Presence

Global Distribution

Sony Entertainment Television's international operations began with the launch of its dedicated feed, known as SET Asia, in 1995 to serve audiences outside . This feed, which carried Hindi-language programming, underwent a rebranding in December 2016, dropping "Asia" from its name in select international territories while retaining the SET Asia moniker in broader usage. Today, the channel operates under India (SPNI) as its primary international arm, broadcasting to audiences in over 150 countries across multiple regions. The channel's distribution emphasizes key diaspora markets, with tailored feeds available on various cable, satellite, and IPTV platforms. In the United States, Sony Entertainment Television is accessible via Sling TV's programming package, offering live Hindi content to South Asian viewers, as well as through Dish Network's international lineup. In the , it reaches households via Sky's ethnic channels bouquet, catering to the large Indian expatriate community. The represents another core market, where the channel is carried by , the region's leading pay-TV provider, under a longstanding carriage agreement renewed in 2018 that includes SET alongside other SPNI properties. Availability in is supported by a multi-year content deal with Group from 2022, integrating Sony's entertainment slate into local pay-TV and streaming services. To accommodate diverse audiences, international versions of the channel feature adaptations such as time-zone shifted schedules to align with local viewing habits in regions like and the . Subtitle options are provided in English for English-speaking markets and in for MENA territories, enhancing accessibility for non-Hindi speakers within the South Asian . SPNI maintains 19 dedicated international feeds distributed across over 60 platforms globally, ensuring broad penetration in areas including , the , , , and . The channel's global footprint supports a substantial international viewership, contributing to SPNI's overall reach beyond India's 700 million domestic viewers, though specific overseas metrics are not publicly detailed. Following the announcement of a proposed merger between SPNI and in 2021—which aimed to consolidate distribution but was terminated in January 2024—no formal co-distribution partnerships with Zee have been implemented for .

Streaming and Online Platforms

, launched in 2013 as India's first over-the-top (OTT) streaming service, serves as the primary digital platform for Sony Entertainment Television (SET), offering exclusive on-demand access to its programming. The app has surpassed 100 million downloads on alone, reflecting its widespread adoption among viewers seeking SET content beyond traditional television. Key features include of SET channels, catch-up viewing for recent episodes, and a library of exclusive originals derived from or inspired by SET formats, such as the crime thriller Undekhi, which explores themes of privilege and justice in multiple seasons. The platform operates on a model, providing free access to select content with advertisements, while premium subscriptions unlock ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and full access to SET episodes shortly after broadcast. As of November 2025, the LIV Premium monthly plan is priced at ₹399 in , supporting multi-device streaming and encompassing the latest SET shows alongside originals. This structure has enabled to integrate seamlessly with SET's broadcast schedule, allowing users to watch live TV or revisit episodes for enhanced flexibility. Complementing the app, SET maintains a robust social media presence, particularly on under the handle @SETIndia, which boasts 187 million subscribers as of late 2025. The channel features short clips and full episodes from SET programming, generating over a billion views annually and driving engagement through viral highlights from popular series. This digital extension amplifies SET's reach, fostering interactive fan communities while funneling traffic back to for deeper immersion.

Impact and Reception

Ratings and Popularity

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) has solidified its position as a prominent player in 's general channel (GEC) landscape, consistently ranking among the top 5 pay channels by viewership metrics from BARC India throughout 2025. In recent weeks, such as Week 39, the channel achieved a weekly minute (AMA) of 69 thousand in HSM urban markets (MF 15-50 ABC), trailing leaders like Star Plus (171 thousand) and Colors (132 thousand) but demonstrating steady engagement in a competitive market. slots, particularly those featuring non-fiction formats, have driven higher performance. The channel's popularity stems from its broad accessibility and content appeal, reaching millions of viewers weekly across urban and rural . This domestic footprint is amplified by international distribution targeting the , which extends SET's audience through platforms in regions like the , , and . Such reach underscores SET's role in driving India's (SPNI) overall viewership, where the network collectively engages hundreds of millions weekly. Financially, SET significantly bolsters SPNI's performance, serving as a core revenue generator through and subscriptions amid a challenging broadcast environment. For FY25, SPNI reported a net profit of ₹456 , a 46% decline from ₹843 in FY24, attributed to rising operational costs and a 4.6% drop in total revenue to ₹6,338 . Despite these headwinds, SET's contributions highlight its market resilience. Post the 2024 termination of the proposed merger with , SPNI, including SET, has navigated stagnant growth, with FY25 reflecting broader industry pressures rather than expansion. Year-over-year viewership trends show modest gains in select quarters, fueled by hits like , but overall face erosion from digital rivals such as , which captured larger shares of younger demographics in 2025.

Awards and Cultural Influence

Sony Entertainment Television's programming has garnered numerous accolades, reflecting its contributions to Indian television. Shows like CID have secured multiple wins at the Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards, including honors for actors , , and in categories such as Best Actor in a Leading Role. Similarly, (KBC) has received multiple nominations and wins, including top placements in the Best Reality Show (Game/Quiz) category at the ITA Awards in 2024, with host recognized for Best Anchor. From 2004 to 2009, the channel served as the official broadcaster for the , underscoring its central role in celebrating television excellence. The channel has significantly influenced Indian by pioneering formats. In 1996, Sony Entertainment Television launched , India's first dance-based reality show, which introduced interactive, talent-driven content and inspired a wave of similar programs across the industry. Its dramas have addressed social issues, particularly , through narratives like Ek Nayi Pehchaan (2013), which explored mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamics to promote progressive family roles. More recent shows, such as , highlight inspirational stories of women overcoming societal barriers to pursue careers like civil services. These efforts have contributed to broader cultural shifts, encouraging discussions on and resilience in daily life. Sony Entertainment Television has played a key role in launching and boosting celebrity careers, enhancing the Hindi television landscape. Comedian Kapil Sharma rose to national fame through Sony's comedy platforms like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Comedy Circus, leading to his long-running The Kapil Sharma Show. Actor Salman Khan hosted the game show 10 Ka Dum (2008) on the channel, achieving high TRPs and solidifying his transition into a prominent television personality. Since its 1995 launch, the channel has helped drive the growth of Hindi TV's market share, with Sony Pictures Networks India holding approximately 36% in Hindi-speaking markets by the early 2020s through innovative formats and diverse content. Despite its achievements, the channel has faced occasional criticisms for in its crime anthology series Crime Patrol. A 2013 special episode reenacting the gangrape case drew backlash for exploiting tragedy through dramatized visuals, prompting debates on ethical storytelling in media. In response to such concerns and broader industry trends, Sony Pictures Networks has advanced diversity initiatives, earning silver awards in 2025 for Best Program and Best Diversity & Inclusion Program at industry recognitions. These efforts emphasize inclusive narratives and employee to foster equitable representation on and off screen.

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