Netflix and YouTube finally dropped the first episode of India’s Got Latent Season 2 on Saturday, with Alpha stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari joining host Samay Raina on the panel. The episode marked the show’s return after months of anticipation and featured comedians Ashish Solanki and Balraj Ghai alongside the two actors. However, if early reactions on X are anything to go by, many viewers were left disappointed. An Epstein Island joke has once again put India’s Got Latent in the crosshairs of public outrage, with a section of viewers calling it tone-deaf and disturbing. For a show already walking a tightrope after the Ranveer Allahbadia controversy, controversy seems to be the one guest that simply won’t leave.
What Was The Epstein Island Joke?
During the episode, comedian Avinash Agarwal came up on stage and did a Donald Trump impression. When host Samay Raina asked for oil as part of a bit, Avinash’s Trump character responded. “Come to the island my friend, there’s a lot of oil there” — a reference to Epstein’s Little St. James island. The joke did not land well with viewers. “So, Epstein Island is a joke for that clown Samay Raina despite knowing whatever cruelty has happened to children and women on that island? They all laughed and enjoyed the joke. ILL PEOPLE,” wrote one user on X. Another called it a “sick joke.” A third user wrote, “Jokes about Epstein Island will never ever be funny, man. This is beyond disgusting.”
Jokes about Epstein Island will never ever be funny, man. This is beyond disgusting. https://t.co/2czFXOazU9
— Thakursab (@Thakuryaarr) June 20, 2026
Fans Say The Humour Didn’t Land
A major criticism revolved around the comedy itself. “Samay was the least funny person on the entire panel,” wrote one viewer. Another post read, “If you watched first season and liked it, please don’t watch this episode, you will end up hating the IGL. What a s****y episode. Not even one funny moment.”
Throughout the episode, Samay exchanged playful jabs with both Alia and Sharvari, roasting them over their films, public appearances and careers. The comedians on the panel also joined in the banter. However, fans felt the exchanges seemed overly planned rather than spontaneous.
‘The Rawness Is Missing’
Several fans felt the show had moved away from the chaotic, unscripted energy that made the first season popular. One user wrote, “Actually its looks more scripted than bigg boss.”
Another commented, “I just came here after watching half an episode. They made it a TV serial typa show or a Roadies typa audition. That rawness is missing now.”
Many viewers also complained that the celebrity-led format diluted the essence of the show. “Samay Raina kindly stop this type film promotions on show bring back the OG show,” read another post.
Not all reactions were negative. A section of viewers felt actor Sukrut Deo’s performance stood out and helped salvage an otherwise underwhelming premiere.
What Was The India’s Got Latent Controversy?
India’s Got Latent season 1 was pulled down earlier this year after a major controversy involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, who was a panelist on one of the episodes. During the show, Allahbadia made a remark on parental sex that many viewers found offensive, triggering massive backlash on social media. Multiple police complaints and FIRs were filed against those associated with the episode, including host Samay Raina. As the controversy grew, Raina removed all episodes of India’s Got Latent from YouTube and said he would cooperate with the authorities.
