Disney Channel is an Indian television channel, and a division of Disney India, specializing in television programming for children through movies and third party programming. In 2004, Disney Channel India began airing in India. Currently, it is marketed towards small kids. The channel is very popular among children between 5–8 years of age, which previously was 5–20 years of age. Disney Channel is available on cable and satellite television. The channel is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Disney Channel India is the first cartoon channel to cross 200+ GRPs in 5 years. Programming is available in four languages (English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu).
On 6 September 2025, The Indian feed will rebrand to use the Reflection era used in the US since 2024.
History and availability[]
Before becoming a channel in India, Disney was a block on Sony TV, known as "Disney Hour" and "Disney Mornings"; later, Disney Channel was also on Star Plus and Zee TV. Now, it is also available on Tata Sky (channel 609), Dish TV (channel 523), BigTV (channel 603), and Airtel Digital TV (channel 360). On digital cable services, it is additionally available on DEN Digital (channel 407) and Hathway Cable (channel 410).
Disney Jr.[]
Playhouse Disney started airing in 2006, as a block on Disney Channel. On 4 July 2011, it was replaced by Disney Jr. In 2013, Disney Junior became a 24-hour channel dedicated to kids. It is available on various DTH and cable operators.
Programming[]
At first the channel aired US programming such as Lizzie McGuire, That's So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, Sonny with a Chance, The Suite Life on Deck, Jonas L.A., and Phineas and Ferb.
In 2006, Disney Channel launched its first original live-action show Vicky Aur Vetaal, which became a hit. It started to produce more original content, such as Agadam Bagdam Tigdam, Dhoom Machaao Dhoom, Break Time Masti Time, Kya Mast Hai Life, and Ishaan. In 2010, an Indian version of Art Attack was made. Eventually, American shows, such as Hannah Montana and The Suite Life on Deck were cancelled due to low ratings and Doraemon was transferred from Hungama TV to the channel.
In 2011, the channel launched Best of Luck Nikki which is a local version of Good Luck Charlie. Due to its success, The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir (an adaptation of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody), Disney Q Family Mastermind (an adaptation of Mastermind India), Shake It Up (India) (an adaptation of Shake It Up), and Oye Jassie (an adaptation of Jessie) were created. Currently the only American shows airing are Phineas and Ferb, Gravity Falls, and Mickey Mouse.
In 2014, the channel premiered the horror-comedy film Life In A House starring Yugvijay Tiwari.
The channel also airs a number of locally-produced animated series, among them Gaju Bhai (2016), Simple Samosa (2018), Oye Golu (2019), and Bhaagam Bhaag (2019).
On 18 April 2021, the second season of Imagine That and 101 Dalmatian Street were aired.
After the merger of Disney Star and Viacom18 in 2024, Disney channels became a part of JioStar with the kids division led by Anu Sikka from Nickelodeon.