Bigg Boss 19 is underway at full speed, with host Salman Khan entertaining fans every weekend. This season stands out not only because it is the longest in the show’s history (nearly five months long), but also because it is being broadcast first on JioHotstar and then on Colors TV, as part of a strategy to lure more digitally savvy audiences.
Season 19 premiered on August 24 on JioHotstar and Colors TV with a bang, but shockingly, it has turned into a complete borefest for a large section of the fanbase. While contestants such as Gaurav Khanna and Farhana Bhatt have received largely positive reception, fans remain unsure about the rest of the housemates.
The contestants facing the most criticism are Kunickaa Sadanand, Tanya Mittal, and Basheer Ali, with Ali being singled out as the one responsible for creating unnecessary havoc inside the house.
Adding fuel to the fire are growing accusations of bias against the makers of Bigg Boss. Many viewers lost their cool when Kunickaa Sadanand, despite receiving one of the lowest vote counts, was saved from eviction by the producers. The move sparked controversy, with fans slamming it as unfair and biased, arguing that it went against the show’s promise of democratic voting.
Though nominated for elimination and receiving the fewest votes, Kunickaa was saved when producers sent her to the App Room, a special area where she could earn privileges. There, she chose immunity for herself, a decision that many viewers saw as blatant favouritism and an unfair advantage.
Ultimately, the highly polarised reception of Bigg Boss 19 reflects a bigger challenge for a show that has been running for nearly two decades. The shift to a longer format and a digital-first strategy may be smart for capturing a new generation of viewers, but it risks alienating traditional TV audiences who prefer a straightforward, vote-based elimination system.
The drama, though always a staple of Bigg Boss, feels manufactured to some, and accusations of bias threaten to erode viewers’ trust. As the season unfolds, the producers must decide whether to stick with their current format or adjust to win back disillusioned fans. For a show that thrives on unpredictability, a return to its core premise might be exactly what’s needed to regain its place as a fan favourite. Stay tuned for more updates. Stream the show on JioHotstar.