Indian animated channels gained new level in Indian television broadcast with the emergence of international animation channels and numerous national channels. Earlier, before the emergence of satellite television, only Doordarshan used to telecast cartoons and animated shows for the Indian audience, particularly kids. But with the arrival of Cartoon Network in the year 1995, popular animated shows and cartoons were presented to the viewers for the first time. Eventually lot more animated channels, international and national, started to come up in India. Now there is an array of Indian Animation Channels that offers various types of programmes from cartoons, shows related to games, art and crafts etc. Many popular animated and kids` movies are also premiered on these channels, some even dubbed in Hindi and other regional languages.
Amongst the range of Indian animated channels, the following are the most popular and worth mentioning-
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network has been the leader in the children`s TV entertainment segment in India since its launch in the year 1995. In the year 2001, Cartoon Network became a 24 hour channel broadcasting cartoons and popular animated films. From Bugs Bunny to Ramayana, to the very recent sensation Ben 10, Cartoon Network is the ultimate destination for animation in India. Cartoon Network has been ranked the No. 2 channel after STAR Plus among all national channels.
Chutti TV
Chutti TV launched by Sun TV network on 29th April 2007, targets Tamil kids all over the world. This channel is the first of its kind that has a target audience of children in the age group 2 to 14, with regional and international flavour. The channel shows programmes in Tamil and is a free to air channel. It airs programmes like He-Man, Spider Man, Dora the Explorer, Astro Boy, G.I. Joe etc.
Disney Channel India
Disney Channel India offers an unparalleled blend of quality Disney entertainment and distinctive, originally produced programmes that kids love and families trust and enjoy. This includes Disney`s celebrated animated movies and series, as well as specials, sitcoms, family dramas, live action adventure stories and movies. Moreover several locally produced programmes are also aired on the channel in order to attract the viewers. Shows like Art Attack, Phineas and Ferb, Hannah Montana, Dhoom Machaao Dhoom, Mickey Mouse and Friends are the most popular.
Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon is a satellite and cable TV channel for children and teenagers, which is the world`s only multimedia entertainment brand. It was launched in October 1999 in India. Nickelodeon began producing shows called Nicktoons on August 11, 1991, beginning with Doug. In India Nick has 12 hours of Hindi shows. The most popular programmes telecast on Nickelodeon are SpongeBob SquarePants, Perman, Ninja Hattori, The Penguins of Madagascar, Little Krishna and others.
Hungama TV
Hungama TV, a 24 hour Hindi kids` channel, is a venture of United Home Entertainment (UTV) Networks and distributed by STAR-TV Network. Disney acquired the rights of the channel in the year 2006 and thus it is now a part of the Disney Channel network. Doraemon, Power Rangers, Kiteretsu, Shinchan are the most viewed programmes of the channel.
Pogo
Pogo has now become a family entertainer through the Cable television. It has programs like Boohbah, Barney & Friends, Miffy & Friends, Franny`s Feet and Tweenies specifically aimed at the kids. Further, the channel has documentaries and screens various Harry Potter films for the kids. Moreover, M.A.D, Music, Arts and Dance, has gained much recognition and appreciation over the years.
Disney XD (Toon Disney)
Disney XD or Toon Disney, a 24-hour basic cable channel, is the home of Disney animation and live action heroes. Programming is available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English. Toon Disney is aimed at younger kids and skewed towards boys with its channel-driving Jetix block, which is the action and adventure zone on Toon Disney. It showcases action programmes like Power Rangers.
Animax
Animax, started in 2004, specifically broadcasts top notch Japanese animation for the Indian viewers. The channel has become popular mostly amongst teens with shows like Hungry Heart, Ghost in the Shell, Samurai Champloo, Astro Boy, Ninku, Rave Master, Cowboy Bebop, Cyborg Kuro-chan etc. Animax mainly focuses on special Japanese anime programmes and provides a unique type of entertainment to the viewers.