Prime Video unveils Indian adaptation of ‘The Traitors’ with Karan Johar as host
A new twist on reality TV
Prime Video, in collaboration with All3Media International, is set to bring the Indian adaptation of the globally acclaimed reality show “The Traitors” to audiences. The show, which has captivated viewers in over 20 countries, will be hosted by the charismatic media personality Karan Johar. This unscripted series, originally created by IDTV and RTL Netherlands, will be produced by BBC Studios India Productions and will stream exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi with English subtitles.
The essence of ‘The Traitors’
“The Traitors” is a unique reality format that places 20 contestants in a royal palace, where they compete for a cash prize through a series of physical and psychological challenges. The twist? Some players are secretly designated as “traitors” who must eliminate the “innocents” without being discovered. This blend of strategy, deceit, and drama has made the show a hit worldwide, with around 30 versions commissioned globally since its debut in 2021.
Karan Johar: The perfect host
Nikhil Madhok, head of originals at Prime Video India, expressed his excitement about the show and its host: “In our journey of introducing highly compelling and bingeable unscripted content, ‘The Traitors’ marks a significant milestone for Prime Video. It is a unique reality format that has enthralled a global audience in various regions and languages. An exciting show like this requires an equally exciting host. We are thrilled to have Karan Johar host and commandeer the show. Who better than him to amp up the drama and entertainment?”
Karan Johar himself is thrilled to take on this new role. “Having watched the U.K. and U.S. versions, I have become an avid fan of the format and am in awe of Claudia Winkleman and Alan Cumming, who are so marvelous in the way they host their respective shows with poise yet suspenseful theatrics that leave you at the edge of your seat. Building on the very successful relationship with Prime Video, I am thrilled to take on the mantle as the host for the Indian adaptation of the show. And the 20 players on the show are in for an unforgettable and unpredictable journey, especially with me operating in the shadows.”
A global phenomenon
Sabrina Duguet, executive VP APAC at All3Media International, highlighted the show’s global appeal: “The novel concept and format of the show bring the distinctive thrill and excitement that has captured the attention of audiences all over the world and will now reach an even larger audience through the Indian version. The collaboration with Prime Video and BBC Studios India Productions exemplifies our shared vision to deliver unique, immersive reality content that not only entertains but also engages the audience. Together, we are confident that ‘The Traitors’ will create a whole new genre of fandom in India when it premieres on Prime Video.”
The ultimate game of trust and deception
Sameer Gogate, GM of BBC Studios India Productions, added: “‘The Traitors’ is the ultimate game of trust and deception. It requires wit, intellect, strategy, deceit, some drama, and a certain attitude to hold your nerves when you’re thrown into unexpected situations and conflicts, which makes for perfectly delectable entertainment. Keeping true to the international format and scale, the Indian adaptation will appeal to audiences of all ages with varied choices and preferences and we can’t wait for them to enjoy this game.”
Production and premiere
The Indian adaptation of “The Traitors” is currently in production, with a premiere date yet to be announced. The original Dutch title, “De Verraders”, was created and developed by Marc Pos and IDTV creative director Jasper Hoogendoorn in cooperation with RTL Creative Unit.
For those eager to get a taste of the suspense and drama, you can check out the trailer for the original series here.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling new addition to the world of reality TV, and prepare yourself for a journey filled with intrigue, strategy, and unexpected twists.