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Zee Kannada
Logo used since 2025
CountryIndia
Broadcast areaNationwide
NetworkZee Entertainment Enterprises
HeadquartersBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Programming
LanguageKannada
Picture format
Ownership
OwnerZee Entertainment Enterprises
Key peopleRaghavendra Hunsur (CCO)
Sister channelsList of Zee channels
History
LaunchedMay 11, 2006 (2006-05-11)[1]
Links
WebsiteZee Kannada on ZEE5
Availability
Streaming media
ZEE5(India)

Zee Kannada, stylized as Z Kannada, is an Indian Kannada-language pay television general entertainment channel owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, launched on 11 May 2006 as the third mainstream Kannada satellite channel.[2] Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, it is among the most popular Kannada-language channels.[3]

History

Before Zee Kannada was launched, Zee Telefilms once operated "Asianet Kaveri",[4] a Kannada-language regional channel launched in June 2000 in a joint venture with Asianet. The channel was later shut down in July 2002 after failing to gain momentum in its intended region, although Zee originally planned to relaunch it under the "Alpha" banner.[5] Later on 11 May 2006 at 05:00 (IST), as part of its Zee South initiative, Zee Telefilms launched Zee Kannada as its second entry in the South Indian market after Zee Telugu.[6] It was originally intended to launch twenty days earlier but was delayed to pay homage to Dr. Rajkumar, following his death on 12 April.[7]

In July 2009, Zee Kannada premiered three format shows, namely Yariguntu Yarigilla, Gunagaana, and Gramophone.[8] The channel recolored its light-blue logo as seen in the main Zee TV at the time in blue and red, as part of a major rebrand which also included the plan to introduce programming aimed at audiences aged between 15 and 34.[9] Zee Kannada launched a new brand identity, named Bayasid'dha Bāgilu Tegiyōṇa, and a high-definition channel in November 2018 at a grand ceremony during the Zee Kannada Kutumba Awards 2018.[10]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Zee Kannada aired reruns of its prominent series, but relaunched in another new format on 1 June 2020 with fresh premieres of new episodes after the Karnataka state government permitted the channel to resume shootings of its series on 25 May.[11] On 15 April 2024, Zee Kannada underwent a major rebrand, with a new marigold-inspired design interface meant to "capture the heart and soul of Karnataka".[12][13] The channel changed its logo along with all of its sisters on 8 June 2025, with the logo itself being unveiled at the 23rd Zee Cine Awards.[14]

Sister channels

Zee Kannada News

On 25 January 2022, the Zee Media Corporation launched Zee Kannada News, a sister channel of Zee Kannada, as a digital-only channel.[15] The channel was announced to be converted into a linear one in March 2023 in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, launching the following month.[16][17]

Zee Power

Zee Power is a Kannada-language hybrid entertainment television channel airing a mix of films and television series, aimed primarily towards younger audiences.[18] It was launched on 1 March 2020 as Zee Picchar as the Kannada-language counterpart of Zee Cinema, with the Hit Dinada Feeling slogan and as part of Zee's expansion in South India.[19][20][21] Zee Picchar was first seen on promotional videos aired on the main Zee Kannada channel on 9 February 2020.[22] The channel was rebranded as Zee Power in August 2025.[23][18]

Programming

Current broadcasts

Drama series

Premiere dateNameAdaptation ofRef.
9 March 2026 Krishna Rukku Tamil TV series Veera
2 July 2025 Karna Hindi TV series Rajaa Betaa
29 May 2023 Amruthadhare Hindi TV series Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
16 January 2024 Lakshmi Nivasa
18 March 2024 Shravani Subhramanya Telugu TV series Ammayi Garu
17 June 2024 Brahmagantu Tamil TV Series Seetha Raman
1 September 2025 Shree Ragavendra Mahatme
27 January 2025 Na Ninna Bidalare
8 December 2025 Adi Lakshmi Purana Bengali TV series Parineeta

Former programming

Drama series

Original releaseSeriesLast airedAdaptation of
8 February 2016 Naagini 7 February 2020 Hindi TV series Naagin
13 March 2017 Jodi Hakki 5 July 2019 Marathi TV series Tujhyat Jeev Rangala
12 June 2017 Subbalakshmi Samsara 3 April 2020 Marathi TV series Majhya Navaryachi Bayko
28 May 2018 Kamali 7 October 2022 Telugu TV series Mutyala Muggu
3 December 2018 Paaru 16 March 2024 Telugu TV series Muddha Mandaram
11 March 2019 Gattimela 5 January 2024 Telugu TV series Varudhini Parinayam
15 July 2019 Radha Kalyana 3 April 2020 Telugu TV series Maate Mantramu
9 September 2019 Jothe Jotheyali 19 May 2023 Marathi TV series Tula Pahate Re
17 February 2020 Naagini 2 3 March 2023
7 December 2020 Sathya 10 August 2024 Odia TV series Sindura Bindu
9 August 2021 Hitler Kalyana 14 March 2024 Hindi TV series Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega
20 March 2023 Bhoomige Bandha Bhagavantha 4 August 2024 Hindi TV series Neeli Chatri Waale

Reality and Award shows

References

  1. "Zee Group to launch Kannada channel". Zee News. 11 May 2006. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021.
  2. K Raghu (10 May 2006). "Zee Kannada launch today". DNA.
  3. "Zee Kannada marks 14 years of grand success". Medianews4u.com. 12 May 2020.
  4. "Zee TV plans to launch two new regional channels". Exchange4Media. 2 February 2001. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  5. N Vidyasagar (12 July 2002). "Zee shuts down two channels". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  6. "Zee expands South presence with Zee Kannada launch". Indian Television. 11 May 2006. Archived from the original on 30 October 2006. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  7. "Zee Kannada goes on air today; Malayalam channel next on Zee agenda". Exchange4media. 11 May 2006. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  8. Tanwar, Sangeeta (8 July 2009). "Zee Kannada puts its weight behind format shows". Afaqs!. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  9. "Zee kannada goes colourful with new logo and look". Indian Television. 31 July 2014. Archived from the original on 3 August 2014.
  10. "Zee Kannada undergoes revamp; announces launch of new HD channel". Afaqs!. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  11. "Zee Kannada to air new episodes on June 1 as shooting resumes for shows". Exchange4media.com. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  12. "Zee Kannada announces brand refresh and new design interface". Best Media Info. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  13. "ZEE Kannada ushers in Ugadi with a vibrant and refreshed avatar". Afaqs!. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  14. "Zee Kannada unveils new brand identity". Afaqs!. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  15. "ZEE Group to launch four digital regional news channels for South India". Exchange4media.com. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  16. Chacko, Benita (27 March 2023). "With elections around the corner, Zee Media to launch three channels". Afaqs!. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  17. "Zee Media launches linear channel - 'Zee Kannada News'". BestMediaInfo. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  18. "ZEEL to launch 2 new hybrid channels, expand reach to new audiences". Business Standard. 18 July 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  19. "New Kannada movie channel Zee Picchar to give viewers a 'Hit Dinada Feeling'". Bestmediainfo. 16 March 2020.
  20. "New Kannada movie channel 'Zee Picchar' launched". News Karnataka. 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021.
  21. "New Kannada movie channel launched". Outlook India. 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021.
  22. "ZEEL to launch Kannada movie channel ZEE Picchar in India". Bizasialive. 11 February 2020.
  23. Deep, Johar (18 July 2025). "New channels ZEE Power & ZEE BanglaSonar unveiled at 'Z' Whats Next event". BizAsiaLive. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  24. "Comedy Khiladigalu returns on Zee Kannada". Exchange4Media. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  25. "Dance Karnataka Dance Grand Finale to Air on Zee Kannada on April 11 and 12". MediaNews4u. 8 April 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  26. "Zee Kannada launches new celebrity game show 'Genes'". Exchange4Media. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  27. "List of Hemmeya Kannadigas who have made Karnataka proud". The Times of India. 15 March 2018.
  28. "Zee Kannada to premiere 'Jodi No.1' on April 4, strengthening weekend entertainment lineup". MediaNews4u. 1 April 2026. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  29. "Actress Rashmi Prabhakar Crowned Winner Of Reality Show Super Queen". News18. 3 April 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  30. "Zee Kannada Kutumba Awards 2025 promises three nights of spectacular entertainment from October 17–19". MediaNews4u. 16 October 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2026.