Bigg Boss 19 gets an early launch and longer episodes: what’s new this season?

As per reports, the Salman Khan-hosted show is starting early this year, sparking buzz about the reason behind its extended run.

Published: Thursday,May 22, 2025 21:03 PM GMT-06:00

Anam Kazi

Bigg Boss 19 Set for a Longer Run — But What’s the Real Reason?

The upcoming season of Bigg Boss is set to break its traditional format. According to reports by Pinkvilla, Bigg Boss 19 will extend beyond its usual three-month runtime and air for nearly five and a half months, making it the longest season in the show’s history.

Hosted once again by Salman Khan, the new season is expected to premiere on July 30, 2025. This marks a notable shift from the usual September or October start. The early launch has raised questions among fans, with many speculating about the reasoning behind the extended format.

Salman Khan, who will shoot the promo by the end of June, will continue his role as the host for the 16th consecutive season. His involvement remains one of the most consistent elements of the show, with his Weekend Ka Vaar episodes being a major draw for viewers.

In a shift from recent years, there will be no Bigg Boss OTT season in 2025. Earlier, the OTT version—streamed on JioCinema—offered a shorter digital edition of the show. The first season was hosted by Karan Johar, with Divya Agarwal winning. The second season saw Salman Khan take over hosting duties, with Elvish Yadav emerging as the winner. The third season, hosted by Anil Kapoor, crowned Sana Makbul, whose on-screen conflicts and friendships sparked wide interest.

Sources close to the production confirmed that the show will be produced by Endemol Shine India (Banijay Asia), amid earlier concerns about internal issues at the company. These reports had triggered rumours around the fate of both Bigg Boss and Khatron Ke Khiladi. However, things now appear back on track.

While the contestant list remains under wraps, the makers are expected to introduce a fresh lineup of participants. The decision to run the show longer may also mean more content and unexpected twists.

As the July premiere nears, discussions continue online around what the longer season might bring—and whether the format shift signals a new direction for the reality franchise.