When it was first launched on 21 February 1992, StarPlus was an English languageentertainment television channel showing international television shows from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, with Zee TV being the Hindi-language counterpart. On July 2000, after Star ended its relationship with Zee TV, Star Plus was transformed into a Hindi-language channel, with Star World becoming the network's English-language counterpart channel 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. It launched in the United States in November 2004. The channel's high-definition feed was launched on 15 April 2011. 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, but it was delayed until 5 July 2012. 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. On 4 January 2019, Star similarly shut down its linear channels in the United States, in favour of the Hotstar service.
Rebranding
On 12 July 2010, it underwent a rebranding along with a change from the blue rectangular logo to a ruby red star with the tagline "Rishta Wahi, Soch Nayi". On 7 October 2016, it underwent a rebranding with the tagline "Nayi Soch". In May 2018, it underwent a rebranding with Alia Bhatt as the face of the campaign with the red crystal star with gold swoosh along with the tagline "Rishta Wahi, Baath Nayi" and signature song composed by A. R. Rahman.
Reception
In the early 2000, StarPlus 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. 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. This followed Kahani 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 number one position since. Most of the series aired in the channel during that period were produced by Balaji Telefilms. 70% of the revenue for the production house was obtained from Star then. After 2006, their top rated shows started to decline in viewership and were axed one by one by the channel. 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. Both suffered some downfall after it. However, after two years, they patched up and Tere Liye was the show produced after it in 2010. During the slight downfall in viewership in the end of 2000's the number one 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. During last week of May 2009, it was beaten by Zee TV for the first time in nine years, pushing it to third position.
Programming
Programming block
In 3 April 2017, it brought back its afternoon programming which was shut down some years ago with the launch of 4 new soap operas from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm. It was later extended up to 3:00 pm with Love Ka Hai Intezaar in May 2017 but was again made 2 hours from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm as the soap Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji was shifted to prime time. Due to low ratings than expected, it was cancelled by the channel in September 30 in the same year. It was during that year, Star Plus which always remained in top three was positioned at seventh place in top 10 Indian GEC channels and with fourth position in Hindi GEC channels, which is the first time it had a decline this much.
Star Parivaar Awards
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. The award ceremony which used to be held annually since 2003 was not held since 2019.
