Indian television has witnessed a surge in the popularity of reality shows, captivating viewers with their unscripted drama, talent showcases, and captivating challenges. From dance competitions to survival challenges, these shows offer a diverse range of entertainment that keeps audiences hooked. In this blog, we bring you a curated list of the top five reality shows that are currently live on Indian television, promising an unparalleled viewing experience.
"Bigg Boss" -
Hosted by the charismatic Salman Khan, "Bigg Boss" is a reality show that puts a diverse group of contestantsfrom different backgrounds are brought together and confined to a house for several weeks. Living under the same roof, contestants face various challenges, tasks, and games designed to test their patience, endurance, and interpersonal skills. With its high dose of drama, emotional rollercoasters, and unexpected twists, "Bigg Boss" keeps audiences hooked.
Highlights of the show
- Telecast Timings Weekdays: Monday to Friday at 10:30 PM
- Weekends ka Vaar: Saturday & Sunday at 09:00 PM
- Host: Salman Khan
- Number Of Contestants: 16
- OTT platform: Jio Cinema
- Television Platform: Colors TV
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 16 seasons on television and two especially for the OTT platform
Image Courtesy: Koimoi
Most-loved Seasons of the show:
- Season 11: Bigg Boss 11 witnessed the entry of commoners alongside celebrity contestants, creating a unique blend of personalities. This season introduced the concept of "padosis" (neighbors) who had a secret connection with the main housemates, leading to intrigue and unexpected alliances.
- Season 7: Bigg Boss 7 introduced the concept of "Heaven and Hell" where contestants were divided into two sections of the house based on their behavior. This season gained immense popularity due to the dramatic love-hate relationship between contestants Gauahar Khan and Kushal Tandon.
- Season 8: Bigg Boss 8 brought in a unique twist with the entry of contestants in pairs, including popular jodis from the entertainment industry. This season featured the controversial love affair between Karishma Tanna and Upen Patel, captivating audiences with their on-screen chemistry.
- Season 4: Bigg Boss 4 featured the iconic confrontation between actor Dolly Bindra and housemate Shweta Tiwari. Dolly's loud and aggressive personality clashed with Shweta's calm demeanor, resulting in intense arguments and unforgettable moments that became the talking point of the season
Image Courtesy: The Quint
"Indian Idol" -
Unleashing a wave of exceptional singing talent, Indian Idol has become the go-to platform for aspiring singers across the nation. The contestants often present a wide range of musical genres, including Bollywood songs, classical melodies, and contemporary hits, adding variety and excitement to the show. Witness the journey of aspiring vocalists as they compete for the coveted title, showcasing their versatility, passion, and sheer vocal prowess.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Saturday & Sunday at 09:00 PM
- Judges Panel: Vishal Dadlani, Himesh Reshammiya, and Neha Kakkar
- Host: Aditya Narayan
- Number Of Contestants: 13
- OTT platform: Sony Liv
- Television Platform: Sony Entertainment Television
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 12 seasons have been released on television and the 13th edition will start in September,2023
Image Courtesy: The Indian Express
Most-loved Seasons of the show:
- Season 1: The inaugural season of Indian Idol in 2004 set the benchmark for talent reality shows in India. It introduced talented contestants like Abhijeet Sawant, Amit Sana, and Rahul Vaidya, who went on to establish successful careers in the music industry.
- Season 5: Indian Idol Season 5, held in 2010, is known for its exceptional talent pool and memorable performances. The season showcased versatile singers like Sreerama Chandra Mynampati, Rakesh Maini, and Bhoomi Trivedi, who left a lasting impression on the viewers with their remarkable vocal abilities.
- Season 10: Indian Idol Season 10, which aired in 2018, gained immense popularity for its diverse and extraordinary contestants. The season featured standout performers such as Salman Ali, Neelanjana Ray, and Ankush Bhardwaj, who stunned the judges and audience with their incredible singing skills.
- Season 12: Indian Idol Season 12, aired in 2020-2021, presented a unique format by bringing talented contestants from various Indian singing reality shows onto one platform. This "Indian Idol: Season 12 - Maha Sangram" edition showcased exceptional singers from shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Rising Star, and Superstar Singer, adding a new dimension to the competition
Image Courtesy: Feeding Trends
"Shark Tank India" -
Shark Tank, the internationally acclaimed reality show that revolutionized the entrepreneurial landscape, has made its mark in India as well. Shark Tank India provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative business ideas to a panel of seasoned investors, aiming to secure funding and transform their dreams into reality. In this blog, we delve into the exciting world of Shark Tank India, exploring the impact it has on the startup ecosystem and the lives of participating entrepreneurs. "Shark Tank India" has witnessed several success stories, where entrepreneurs have secured investments, gained national exposure, and experienced significant business growth as a result of their participation.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Mon-Fri at 9:00 PM
- Sharks Panel: Amit Jain (CEO & Co-founder of CarDekho group, InsuranceDekho.com), Aman Gupta (CEO & Co-founder of boat), Anupam Mittal(CEO & Founder of People Group), Peyush Bansal(CEO & Founder of Lenskart.com), Namita Thapar(Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Vineeta Singh(CEO & Founder of SUGAR Cosmetics)
- Host: Rahul Dua
- OTT platform: Sony Liv
- Television Platform: Sony Entertainment Television
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 2 seasons have been released on television and the registrations for 3rd edition has started!
Image Courtesy: Sony LIV
Most-popular deals of the show:
- Anjali Sathpathy's Frapperz - In the first season, Anjali Sathpathy secured a deal with one of the sharks for her business venture, Frapperz. Frapperz is an innovative mobile app that allows users to find and book fitness classes and activities in their vicinity. The deal helped Frapperz gain valuable investment and guidance to further expand their reach.
- Neha Sharma's Herbal Glaze - Neha Sharma's Herbal Glaze, a natural and chemical-free skincare brand, caught the attention of the sharks. The brand's commitment to using herbal ingredients and eco-friendly packaging resonated with the investors, leading to a successful deal that provided financial support and mentorship for Neha's venture.
- Sameer Verma's AgroBazaar - Sameer Verma made waves with AgroBazaar, an online platform connecting farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce. The sharks recognized the potential of the platform in revolutionizing the agricultural sector and offered a strategic investment that helped AgroBazaar expand its operations.
Image Courtesy: Sont LIV
"India's Best Dancer" -
Step into the world of electrifying dance moves with India's Best Dancer, a show that celebrates the art of dancing like no other. The show welcomes participants from diverse dance backgrounds, including classical, contemporary, hip-hop, and folk, among others. Contestants compete against each other through various rounds, including solo acts, duets, group performances, and thematic choreography. From breathtaking choreography to jaw-dropping performances, this platform provides a launching pad for budding dancers to showcase their skills and win hearts.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Saturday & Sunday at 09:00 PM
- Judges Panel: Sonali Bendre,Terence Lewis, and Geeta Kapoor
- Host: Jay Bhanushali
- Number Of Contestants: 13
- OTT platform: Sony Liv
- Television Platform: Sony Entertainment Television
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 2 seasons have been released on television and the 3rd edition premiered on 8th April
Image Courtesy:
Most-loved Performances of the show:
- Season 1: The inaugural season of India's Best Dancer showcased several outstanding performances, but one that stood out was Tiger Pop's mesmerizing contemporary dance act. His flawless technique, grace, and emotional storytelling left the judges and viewers in awe, earning him the well-deserved title of India's Best Dancer.
- Season 2: In Season 2, contestant Shweta Warrier wowed everyone with her powerful Kathak performance. Her intricate footwork, expressive expressions, and perfect synchronization captivated the audience, showcasing the true essence of Indian classical dance and earning her accolades from the judges.
- Season 3: In a standout performance from Season 3, Pratik Utekar delivered a breathtaking hip-hop routine. His incredible energy, precision, and impeccable execution of complex dance moves left the judges and viewers spellbound. Pratik's performance showcased the versatility and creativity within the realm of hip-hop dance.
- Season 3: One of the most memorable performances in Season 4 was by Rutuja Junnarkar, who showcased a captivating contemporary fusion routine. Her seamless blend of contemporary dance with elements of Indian classical dance and storytelling created a visually stunning and emotionally impactful performance that left a lasting impression on the audience.
Image Courtesy: Koimoi
"Khatron Ke Khiladi" -
If adrenaline and thrill are what you seek, Khatron Ke Khiladi is the perfect reality show for you. The show features popular celebrities from the entertainment industry as participants, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans. From bungee jumps and skydiving to underwater challenges and fiery obstacles, the show presents a wide range of daring tasks that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Featuring a group of celebrities undertaking daring stunts and facing their fears head-on, this high-octane series pushes participants to their limits, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Saturday & Sunday at 09:00 PM
- Host: Rohit Shetty
- Number Of Contestants: 14
- OTT platform: Jio Cinema
- Television Platform: Colors TV
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 12 seasons on television and the 13th edition will be premiered on 15th July, 2023
Image Courtesy: Tele Chakkar
Thrilling Stunts of the show:
- Fear-defying Challenges: Khatron Ke Khiladi is known for its adrenaline-pumping stunts that push contestants to conquer their fears. From skydiving and bungee jumping to underwater challenges and high-altitude tasks, the show presents a variety of thrilling and daring challenges that keep viewers at the edge of their seats.
- Stunt with Animals: Several seasons of Khatron Ke Khiladi have featured stunts involving animals, adding an extra element of excitement. Whether it's navigating through a snake-infested area or encountering creepy crawlies, these stunts test the contestants' bravery and ability to face their fears head-on.
- Water-based Stunts: Water-based stunts have been a highlight of many seasons, incorporating the element of danger and unpredictability. From underwater challenges to performing daring acts on boats or in turbulent water bodies, these stunts require both physical endurance and mental strength.
- High-flying Adventures: Khatron Ke Khiladi has also featured stunts involving heights and aerial activities. Contestants have been seen performing tasks on skyscrapers, hanging from helicopters, and even zip-lining across vast distances. These stunts showcase the contestants' courage and ability to confront their fears of heights.
Image Courtesy: India.com
"MasterChef India" -
MasterChef India has become synonymous with culinary excellence, showcasing the talents of passionate home cooks and elevating their skills to professional levels. This immensely popular cooking reality show invites aspiring chefs from across the nation to showcase their culinary prowess, creativity, and ability to handle pressure in a series of challenging tasks and cooking competitions. In this blog, we delve into the captivating world of MasterChef India, where flavors come to life, and dreams of culinary glory are realized.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Monday to Friday at 09:00 PM
- Judges Panel: Garima Arora, Vikas Khanna, and Ranveer Brar
- Number Of Contestants: 16
- OTT platform: Sony Liv
- Television Platform: Sony Entertainment Television
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 7 seasons have been released on television
Image Courtesy: Telegraph India
Most-loved dishes of the show:
- Season 1: A standout dish from the first season of MasterChef India was the delectable Butter Chicken. This classic North Indian dish, featuring succulent pieces of chicken cooked in a rich and creamy tomato-based gravy, captured the hearts and taste buds of viewers.
- Season 4: Season 4 introduced viewers to the mouthwatering Kolkata-style Biryani. This aromatic rice dish, prepared with fragrant spices, tender meat, and flavorful potatoes, showcased the culinary diversity of India and became an instant hit among the audience.
- Season 6: In Season 6, a standout dish was the innovative Beetroot Halwa. This unique dessert, made from grated beetroots cooked in ghee, milk, and sugar, created a visual and flavor contrast that impressed the judges and viewers alike.
- Season 9: The ninth season of MasterChef India brought forth the popular Hyderabadi Dum Biryani. This iconic dish, characterized by its layering technique and slow-cooking process, resulted in a heavenly combination of tender meat, fragrant rice, and aromatic spices, leaving a lasting impression on the show and its audience.
Image Courtesy: Odisha Bytes
"Roadies" -
Combining adventure, strategy, and drama, Roadies is a show that tests contestants' mental and physical strength as they embark on a challenging journey. From auditions to the intense tasks and vote-outs, this reality series has a massive fan following among the youth, making it an absolute must-watch.Beyond the physical challenges, "Roadies" takes contestants on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Through various tasks and interactions, contestants are confronted with their fears, insecurities, and strengths. The competitive environment and high-stakes challenges often lead to emotional outbursts, heated arguments, and strategic alliances.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Saturday & Sunday at 07:00 PM
- Judges Panel: Gautam Gulati, Prince Narula, Rhea Chakraborty
- Presented by: Sonu Sood
- Number Of Contestants: 30
- OTT platform: JioCinema
- Television Platform: MTV India
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 18 seasons have been released on television and the 19th edition premiered on 3rd June
Image Courtesy: Koimoi
Most-loved Seasons of the show:
- Roadies Season 5: Season 5 of Roadies is often considered one of the most popular and impactful seasons of the show. It introduced the concept of "Gang Leaders," where prominent personalities from the entertainment industry led teams of contestants, adding a new dynamic to the competition.
- Roadies Season 8: Season 8 of Roadies, titled "Shortcut to Hell," gained significant popularity due to its adventurous and grueling tasks. The season featured extreme challenges, breathtaking locations, and intense drama, making it a thrilling watch for viewers.
- Roadies Season 10: Known as "Roadies X: Battle for Glory," Season 10 marked the show's tenth anniversary and introduced an intriguing twist. Contestants were divided into two teams, battling against each other while competing for the ultimate title. The season showcased a blend of intense competition, emotional journeys, and memorable moments.
- Roadies Season 16: Season 16 of Roadies, titled "Roadies Real Heroes," garnered attention for its unique theme. The season celebrated real-life heroes, including individuals who had overcome personal struggles or made significant contributions to society. This inspiring twist resonated with viewers and showcased a different side of the competition.
Image Courtesy: Quora
"India's Got Talent" -
A platform that celebrates diverse talent, "India's Got Talent" features performers from various art forms competing for recognition. From singers, dancers, magicians, acrobats, and even unconventional performers, the show celebrates the diversity of talent in India, making it a truly inclusive and entertaining experience. The show is known for its jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring acts that push the boundaries of traditional talent shows. From death-defying stunts to mind reading and breathtaking dance routines, "India's Got Talent" never fails to deliver memorable moments.
Highlights of the show:
- Telecast Timings: Saturday & Sunday at 0:00 PM
- Judges Panel: Kirron Kher, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Baadshah, and Manoj Muntashir
- Host: Arjun Bijlani
- OTT platform: Sony Liv
- Television Platform: Sony Entertainment Television
- Total Seasons Released till Date: 9 seasons have been released on television and the 10 edition will be premiered on 29th July
Image Courtesy: Serial Updates
Most-loved Golden Buzzer performances of the show:
- Season 1: In the inaugural season of India's Got Talent, the golden buzzer performance that left a lasting impact was the mesmerizing sand art performance by Kseniya Simonova. Her stunning sand animations depicting emotional stories and heartfelt messages earned her the golden buzzer and accolades from both the judges and the audience.
- Season 5: Season 5 witnessed an extraordinary golden buzzer act by Suleiman, a young and talented beatboxer. His exceptional beatboxing skills, coupled with his energetic stage presence, captivated the judges, leading to an instant golden buzzer moment and a standing ovation from the audience.
- Season 7: In Season 7, the golden buzzer performance that garnered immense popularity was by the dance group called Bad Salsa. Their electrifying fusion of Latin and Indian dance styles, along with their flawless synchronization and high-energy choreography, impressed the judges, earning them a direct entry into the semi-finals.
- Season 9: A memorable golden buzzer moment from Season 9 was the breathtaking aerial acrobatics performance by the duo, Aerial Dancers. Their gravity-defying stunts, combined with their grace and precision, left the judges awestruck, resulting in a unanimous golden buzzer decision and widespread acclaim.
Image Courtesy: The Hindu
Indian television has embraced the reality show genre with open arms, captivating viewers across the nation. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the excitement as you witness the live magic unfold on the Indian television landscape.
