ITN TV (Iran TV Network): The Home of Hamid Shabkhiz and Persian Family Entertainment

If Tapesh TV is the glamour of Los Angeles, then ITN TV (Iran TV Network) is its heart and soul. Founded in the early 2000s by the charismatic television personality Hamid Shabkhiz, ITN has spent over two decades serving the Persian-speaking community as a non-political, non-religious entertainment powerhouse. Known for its friendly, approachable atmosphere, ITN feels less like a corporate network and more like a gathering of friends in a Persian living room.

Whether you are looking for classic Persian music, lighthearted talk shows, or the famous “ITN Norooz” celebrations, watching ITN TV live online is the perfect way to bring the warmth of the Iranian community into your home. In this guide, we explore the legacy of Hamid Shabkhiz, the channel’s most popular programs, and why ITN remains a favorite for viewers in 2026.

The Hamid Shabkhiz Legacy: A Vision for Unity

At the center of ITN’s success is Hamid Shabkhiz. With his signature energy and “uncle-like” charm, Shabkhiz has become one of the most recognizable faces in Persian media. His vision was to create a channel that focused on the joys of Iranian culture—music, comedy, and community—avoiding the heavy political debates that often dominate other diaspora networks.

Even as media landscapes have shifted toward digital and social platforms, Shabkhiz and his wife, Mandana Shabkhiz, have maintained ITN’s relevance by keeping it deeply personal. For many Iranians, tuning into ITN is a way to escape the stresses of daily life and reconnect with the “sweeter” side of their heritage.

Programming Highlights: What to Watch on ITN TV

In 2026, ITN continues to offer a mix of live call-in shows, music variety hours, and exclusive celebrity interviews.

1. Direct Contact (Ertebat-e Mostaghim)

This is the flagship of the network. Hosted by Hamid Shabkhiz himself, this live program allows viewers from all over the world to call in, share their stories, and request their favorite music videos. It is a masterclass in interactive television, where the audience is just as much a part of the show as the host.

2. Friday Night Specials with Jinoos Hakkak

A staple of the weekend, these shows bring together the Shabkhiz family and popular hosts like Jinoos Hakkak and Mandana Shabkhiz. The programs often feature cooking segments, fashion discussions, and lighthearted social commentary, perfectly tailored for a relaxed family evening.

3. The Talk Show with Mansour Sepehrband

For fans of the arts and cinema, Mansour Sepehrband hosts one of the most respected talk shows on the network. He invites legendary actors, poets, and musicians to discuss their life’s work, providing a more serious and reflective counterpoint to the channel’s high-energy music segments.

4. Legendary Norooz Parties

ITN is famous for its massive Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations. Every March, the channel produces marathon broadcasts featuring virtually every major Persian superstar. In 2026, these celebrations have reached new heights, featuring high-definition music videos and “virtual” guest appearances from fans across the globe.

A Global Bridge for the Persian Diaspora

ITN TV serves as a vital link for the millions of Iranians living in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. It has a particularly strong following in the Persian Gulf countries and among the diaspora in the United States. For many, ITN is where they first saw the latest music video by their favorite artist or heard news about an upcoming community concert.

The channel’s “non-political” stance has also made it a favorite for viewers inside Iran. It provides a safe, entertaining space that emphasizes shared cultural values rather than divisive ideologies.

Why Watch ITN TV Live Online?

In 2026, the traditional satellite dish is no longer the only way to catch Hamid Shabkhiz’s latest show. Streaming ITN TV live online offers several modern advantages:

• Interactive Features: Watching the live feed via digital platforms often allows you to participate in live chats or send digital messages that might be read on-air by the hosts.

• Stable Viewing Anywhere: Satellite signals in some regions can be weak or blocked. A high-quality online stream provides a stable, HD experience on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.

• Stay Connected on the Move: Whether you are commuting or traveling, you can keep the “Persian Heartbeat” going in the background on your mobile device.

• Access to Archives: Many online platforms that host the ITN live stream also provide access to previous episodes of Direct Contact and other popular variety shows.

Conclusion

ITN TV (Iran TV Network) remains a beacon of joy and cultural pride for the Persian-speaking world. Through the tireless work of Hamid Shabkhiz and his team, the channel has proven that entertainment can be a powerful tool for community building. It is a place where every viewer is treated like family. By choosing to watch ITN TV live online, you are joining a global celebration of Persian life, music, and laughter that has been going strong for over twenty years.