Endemol extends Indian Big Brother brand

Big Brother is getting a pair of new regional language versions in India, where the Endemol reality format is known as Big Boss.

In southern India, Viacom 18’s channel ETV Kannada has commissioned Endemol India to create a new version of the format, which will debut in late March.

Endemol India is also set to produce a further regional language version that’s expected to air this summer, and further details of which will be announced shortly.

The existing Hindi-language version, Big Boss, broadcasts on entertainment channel Colors and will launch a seventh season in the autumn.

All three versions will total 100 hours of programming comprising 98 episodes over 14 weeks, including two-hour launch and finale shows. The new series will be produced in Lonavala, near Mumbai, where Big Boss is made.

The news comes soon after Endemol India revealed it is producing a local Big Boss feature film.

“Given the diverse cultures and dialects in India, there is a large base of untapped audiences across the country for Big Boss,” said Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar. “The local and global success of this format speaks for itself and we have been keen to replicate that in different languages here, whilst adapting the drama and jeopardy of the show to regional tastes. Our aim is to make these the first of many similar deals for our formats.”

Earlier this week, TBI revealed BBC Worldwide was following a similar regional language strategy in India for Dancing with the Stars. A new Bengali-language format is launching next month to go with the existing version, JhalakDikhhla Jaa, and plans for a third are in the works.