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82 channels
Iranian television is one of the most tightly controlled broadcasting environments in the world, and that reality shapes everything you see on screen. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) holds a monopoly over domestic airwaves, operating multiple national and provincial channels. There are no truly independent commercial networks; instead, IRIB funds itself through government budgets and tightly managed advertising. The result is a schedule dominated by news bulletins that adhere to official state narratives, religious programming, daily Quran recitations, prayer times, and clerical sermons, and family-oriented dramas that often reinforce social and moral codes. The most popular homegrown genre is the historical or religious epic series, produced with high production value and aired during Nowruz or Ramadan. Comedy programs and talk shows exist but operate within narrow red lines. Primetime in Iran is late, often starting after the evening news around 21:00. Persian is the dominant language on all channels, though there are occasional English and Arabic broadcasts for international audiences. Dubbing is universal for foreign films; subtitles are rare on free-to-air TV. Despite state control, satellite dishes are widespread, an open secret. Iranians routinely watch Persian-language channels from London, Los Angeles, and Dubai, including entertainment and news networks that are officially banned. This dual TV culture, state-regulated terrestrial alongside illegal but ubiquitous satellite, defines the Iranian viewing experience. News channels, both domestic and diaspora, are heavily watched during political crises. Religious channels, broadcasting live from Qom and Mashhad, maintain a steady audience, especially during Muharram. Movies are another strong category, with state channels showing both domestic blockbusters and heavily censored foreign films. What sets Iran apart from its neighbors is this constant tension between official broadcast and underground access. The country has a sophisticated TV audience that navigates both worlds, making Iranian television culture a study in controlled production versus uncontrolled consumption.