Bigg Boss OTT The digital adaptation of India’s leading reality show, Hindi, seems to have come to a quiet conclusion. Reports circulating on social media
indicate that the producers have opted to discontinue the OTT version for the foreseeable future. Although there has been no formal statement released, strong speculation within the industry implies that the format will not be revived in its previous form, signaling a notable change in the franchise's approach. Initiated in 2021, Bigg Boss OTT was launched as a digital-first extension of the Bigg Boss brand, designed to engage younger, exclusively online viewers. The series debuted on Voot before transitioning to JioCinema, with each season featuring a unique host and a quicker, more dynamic format compared to its television counterpart. However, the producers now seem to be reconsidering the distinction between digital and television formats.
Reasons for the potential discontinuation of Bigg Boss OTT
According to Bigg Boss Tak, a BB Khabri account on X, the primary factor behind the decision to halt Bigg Boss OTT is strategic in nature. The producers have allegedly resolved to operate only one Bigg Boss show in Hindi moving forward, which will be accessible on both television and OTT platforms simultaneously. This strategy aims to prevent audience fragmentation and ensure that viewers do not have to choose between digital-exclusive or TV-exclusive formats.
By integrating the viewing experience, the creators aim to enhance reach, increase engagement, and optimize production expenses. Rather than hosting two distinct seasons with varying formats, hosts, and schedules, a single unified Bigg Boss season will serve both platforms concurrently. Bigg Boss 19, which aired on OTT an hour earlier, achieved impressive ratings on both TV and OTT.
A recap of Bigg Boss OTT’s evolution
Bigg Boss OTT debuted on August 8, 2021, with filmmaker Karan Johar as the host. Divya Agarwal claimed victory in the inaugural season, while Nishant Bhat secured the runner-up position. The second season featured Salman Khan as the host, with YouTuber Elvish Yadav taking home the trophy and Abhishek Malhan finishing in second place. The third and reportedly final season was led by Anil Kapoor, with Sana Makbul winning the title and Naved Shaikh as the runner-up.
Throughout its three seasons, a total of 45 contestants participated in Bigg Boss OTT, with five of them later joining the main Bigg Boss television seasons. The show significantly contributed to bringing digital creators and influencers into the mainstream reality television arena.
