The current season of Bigg Boss 18 witnessed a significant spike in viewership during a special episode hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty. Known for his successful Cop Universe franchise and as also for his stint as the host of Khatron Ke Khiladi, Shetty’s presence brought a new wave of energy to the show. The live streaming on JioCinema reached a staggering 70 million views during the episode, which was themed “Time ka Taandav.” This impressive figure marked the highest peak for the season so far.
The Bigg Boss 18 season premiere, hosted by regular anchor Salman Khan, garnered a respectable 22 million views during its live airing. However, Shetty’s recent episode brought in nearly 218% more viewers compared to the season’s opening episode. The weekend’s surge in viewership has set a new benchmark for the show this year, highlighting the impact Shetty’s presence has had on audience engagement.
Earlier this season, Shetty, along with actor Ajay Devgn, made an appearance to promote their upcoming film Singham Again. The duo’s appearance saw a surge in live views, hitting 42 million on JioCinema. That weekend episode had already been one of the high points for Bigg Boss 18, with Shetty’s star power once again drawing in significant numbers. Interestingly, Shetty’s participation in both instances brought in the highest viewership spikes of the season, indicating his strong pull among the audience.
The absence of Salman Khan this season has been a challenge for the show’s producers, as he has been synonymous with Bigg Boss for years. Khan’s style of hosting, marked by his charisma and straightforward interactions with contestants, has been a major attraction. However, due to scheduling conflicts and other reasons, the makers had to temporarily explore alternative hosts for certain episodes, resulting in Rohit Shetty stepping in after Ekta Kapoor.
While other guest hosts have been experimented with, none have managed to match Khan’s impact until Shetty’s episode aired. His unique style—drawing from his experience hosting Khatron Ke Khiladi, where he blends humor with tough challenges—appears to have resonated well with Bigg Boss viewers as well. The mix of respect, authority, and relatability that Shetty brings to his hosting duties has struck a chord, making him a strong candidate for future seasons if Khan decides to reduce his involvement.
This raises questions about whether Shetty could potentially become a more permanent fixture for Bigg Boss if needed. Given his background in hosting action-packed reality TV and his success as a filmmaker, Shetty commands a distinct presence that appeals to both younger and older audiences. His ability to keep the energy high while interacting with contestants in a no-nonsense manner could make him a viable successor, should the need arise.
As of now, Khan is expected to return to his hosting duties later in the season. However, the success of Shetty’s episode this year may prompt the show’s creators to consider him for similar roles in future seasons, either as a guest host or possibly as a long-term alternative. For now, though, fans are eager to see if Salman Khan back to being the OG and exhibit his hosting best.
Bigg Boss 18 continues to be one of the most-watched reality shows in India, and with Shetty’s recent impact on viewership, the competition to keep audiences engaged remains fierce. Whether Salman Khan or Rohit Shetty takes center stage, the show has proven its ability to adapt and attract large audiences, keeping it relevant year after year.