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58 channels
Vietnamese television operates under a distinct structure, with state broadcaster VTV dominating the landscape. As a single-party state, the news on VTV's main channels is carefully curated, the nightly 19:00 bulletin is a national ritual, presenting government achievements and policy updates in a formal, measured tone. But the system isn't monolithic. Commercial channels like HTV and VTC offer more entertainment-focused schedules, especially in Ho Chi Minh City, where the media scene feels slightly lighter. Primetime in Vietnam hits around 20:00, and the slot is ruled by domestically produced dramas, often family sagas or historical epics that run for months. Korean dramas also draw huge audiences, usually aired with Vietnamese dubbing rather than subtitles, a practice that extends to most foreign content. Reality shows have exploded in the last decade, with local versions of global formats like Vietnam's Got Talent and The Voice drawing massive ratings. Tet, the Lunar New Year, is the biggest event on the TV calendar: channels compete with lavish variety specials, comedy skits, and countdown shows. English-language channels are scarce but exist, mostly on cable or IPTV, catering to expats and bilingual viewers. Live sports are a major draw, particularly football, V-League matches and international tournaments like the AFF Cup command enormous audiences. The market is small compared to neighbors, but it's fiercely local: imported content must be dubbed, and subtitled originals are rare outside of news or high-end documentaries. The result is a television culture that feels both controlled and vibrant, with state priorities and commercial instincts sharing the screen.