StarPlus

When it was first launched on 15 December 1991,[1] StarPlus was an English language entertainment television channel showing international television shows from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, with Zee TV being the Hindi-language counterpart.[3]

On 1 July 2000, after Star ended its relationship with Zee TV, Star Plus was transformed completely into a Hindi-language channel (from 1998-30 June 2000, Star Plus was a bilingual tv channel consisting of Hindi and English Programmes),[4] with Star World becoming the network's English-language counterpart channel[5] and the company's CEO Sameer Nair and programming chief Tarun Katial introduced a number of new shows, which helped to solidify the channel's position as the leader in the Hindi-language television broadcasting area.[6][7][8]

It launched in the United States in November 2004.[9]

The channel's high-definition feed was launched on 15 April 2011.[10] It carries the same schedule as the SD feed, but with different commercials. Star Plus HD was set to launch in both the United Kingdom and Ireland by the end of 2011,[11] but it was delayed until 5 July 2012.[12]

On 6 October 2017, Canada's ATN Channel lost rights to Star programming, with viewers directed to the new streaming service Hotstar, which was recently introduced in the Canadian market.[13]

On 4 January 2019, Star similarly shut down its linear channels in the United States, in favour of the Hotstar service.[14][15]

In the early 2000's, Star Plus was at third position in terms of revenue and viewership after Zee TV and Sony Entertainment Television while none of the series were in top 10.[20] With the launch of Indian Hindi version of Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the series became an instant hit becoming number one show followed by the launch of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, in the same day which became second most watched after it which soon beat the latter to number one position while Star Plus soon became the most watched channel.[20] This followed Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii in October 2000 and later Kasautii Zindagi Kay a year after it and many more produced under Balaji Telefilms which made Star Plus to achieve the highest viewership during that time making the channel at no.1 position since.[21][22] Most of the series (80-90%) aired in the channel during that period were produced by Balaji Telefilms.[23] 70% of the revenue for the production house was obtained from Star then.[21] After 2006, their top rated shows started to decline in viewership and were axed one by one by the channel.[24][25] However during 2008, differences arouse between Star India and Balaji due to termination of their serials over declining ratings, cancellation of joint venture for regional content in South India and as a result the agreement of Balaji buying Star's stake was terminated.[26][27] Both suffered some downfall after it.[28] However after two years, they patched up and Tere Liye was the show produced after it in 2010.[29][30] During the slight downfall in viewership in the end of 2000's the no.1 position dominated by it for nine years continuously was beaten by the rival channel Colors TV in April 2009 for the first time pushing it to second position.[31][32][33] During last week of May 2009, it was beaten by Zee TV for the first time in nine years, pushing it to third position.[34]

The Star Parivaar Awards is an award presented for the various characters and programs of the channel under various categories annually by the channel, held usually during mid of the year. It was produced by Anil Jha and Sol productions. The first ceremony was held on 3 July 2003 at Mumbai.[40] The award ceremony which used to be held annually since 2003 was not held since 2019.[41]