Sony PAL, the Free-to-Air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has emerged as the most-watched FTA Hindi GEC in terms of weekly reach, clocking an impressive 192 million viewers during Weeks 14–26 of 2025, according to BARC India data (NCCS 15+), the broadcaster said yesterday.

The channel secured the #1 spot in weekly reach for 9 out of 13 weeks, reinforcing its dominance in the FTA segment and its increasing popularity across Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), a press release from SPNI stated.

Sony PAL’s rise is attributed to its audience-first programming strategy, which features beloved shows such as ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’, ‘Vighnahatha Ganesha’ and ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’.

These shows, already popular in the pay TV ecosystem, were introduced to FTA audiences for the first time, expanding the channel’s reach across diverse demographic segments and solidifying its position in rural and semi-urban households with limited access to paid content.

The channel’s performance signals a shift in Indian television consumption, where quality, familiar content in a free format is helping broadcasters tap into previously underserved audiences. Sony PAL’s offering has struck a chord with viewers looking for entertainment that is both accessible and relatable, especially in the GEC space.

Industry experts credit this growth to SPNI’s sharp understanding of viewer preferences and strategic syndication of its top-tier content, which has allowed Sony PAL to cut through the clutter in a competitive FTA market.

With an expanding footprint and a renewed focus on family-oriented, culturally resonant storytelling, Sony PAL is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the FTA Hindi GEC space, the release added.