After a successful run of three seasons, "Bigg Boss OTT" will no longer be returning in its digital-only format. According to reports from Bigg Boss Tak, a source known for insider information on the reality show, the makers of "Bigg Boss" have decided to discontinue the OTT version indefinitely. The strategic decision aims to streamline the show's format and focus resources on a single, unified "Bigg Boss" experience for the Hindi-speaking audience.
Launched in 2021, "Bigg Boss OTT" was conceived as a digital-first extension of the popular "Bigg Boss" franchise. It was designed to cater to a younger demographic that preferred consuming content online. The show initially aired on Voot before transitioning to JioCinema (now JioHotstar), offering a faster-paced and more interactive format compared to its television counterpart. Over the years, "Bigg Boss OTT" saw strong viewership, with seasons 2 and 3 being particularly successful. Divya Agarwal won the first season, Elvish Yadav won season 2, and Sana Makbul took home the trophy for season 3.
The decision to scrap the digital-only format stems from a desire to avoid audience fragmentation and potential viewer fatigue. By running separate seasons for digital and television, there were concerns that the constant exposure might dilute the brand's impact. The producers believe that dedicating all creative and financial resources to the main televised season, hosted by Salman Khan, will create a bigger and better viewing experience.
Going forward, the "Bigg Boss" franchise will focus on a single Hindi edition, which will be available simultaneously on television and OTT platforms. This unified approach aims to provide a seamless viewing experience, eliminating the need for viewers to choose between digital-only or TV-only formats. The move suggests a strategic shift to consolidate the show's audience and maximize engagement with a single, high-impact season each year. This allows the makers to offer a unified viewing experience, instead of running separate seasons with different hosts, timelines and concepts.
While there has been no official statement from the makers yet, the news has already generated significant buzz among fans of the show. The move signals a new chapter for "Bigg Boss" in Hindi, as it adapts to the evolving media consumption habits of its audience.
