ITV

Category: Reality

  • Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    Breakfast’s back on the pitch with Season 9 serve

    MUMBAI: The toast of cricket talk shows is back, and it’s serving fresh stories with a side of wit. Oaktree Sports has announced the return of Breakfast with Champions for its much-awaited ninth season, hosted by the ever-charming Gaurav Kapur.

    Presented by Pop UPI and styled by Peter England, the new season premieres this October exclusively on Youtube, promising more laughter, locker-room confessions and heart behind the hustle.

    From Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya to Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Gavaskar, the show has already dished out some of the sport’s most unguarded conversations. This season, it’s going beyond the boundary, with cricketing stars joined by champions from other arenas, starting with Abhishek Sharma.

    “Every season of Breakfast with Champions has grown in scale and soul,” said Oaktree Sports founder Gaurav Kapur. “What began as casual chats has become a celebration of the human side of sport.”

    Pop UPI founder Bhargav Errangi added, “Just like our Popcoins reward loyalty, Breakfast with Champions rewards its audience with authenticity. It’s all about consistency and excellence, just like champions themselves.”

    Adding polish to the table, Peter England steps in as wardrobe partner with its sleek Gentlemen’s league collection, while brand strategy firm Next Narrative ensures the storytelling remains top-tier.

    With a power-packed guest list, sharp humour and plenty of heart, Breakfast with Champions – Season 9 is all set to remind fans why mornings with Gaurav Kapur are the most entertaining meal in sport.

  • Alia and Varun double the fun on Two Much couch

    Alia and Varun double the fun on Two Much couch

    MUMBAI: Twice the mischief, twice the magic. Hindi cinema’s beloved duo Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan aka Varia, are all set to light up Prime Video’s Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle this week, bringing their signature mix of chaos and charm.

    From their first-day jitters in Student of the Year to swapping parenting tips and spilling secrets from over a decade of friendship, the pair slip into easy banter that only Kajol and Twinkle can amplify with their trademark wit.

    The episode is a cocktail of nostalgia, laughter and candid confessions as “Varia” revisit their journey from fresh-faced debutants to two of Hindi cinema’s most bankable stars. Expect playful digs, heartfelt moments and plenty of giggles on the couch.

    After a blockbuster premiere with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle continues to raise the entertainment stakes. Catch the Alia-Varun episode streaming this Thursday on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.

  • Reality Ranis of the Jungle returns with wilder twists and fiercer challenges

    Reality Ranis of the Jungle returns with wilder twists and fiercer challenges

    MUMBAI: The jungle drums are beating louder. Warner Bros. Discovery has brought back its all-women adventure reality show ‘Reality Ranis of the Jungle’ for a high-octane second season, now set against the rugged backdrop of Goa’s coastline.

    Premiered on 22 September at 9:30 pm on Discovery Channel and discovery plus, the show raises the stakes with tougher challenges, wilder tasks and double the drama. Host Varun Sood returns with his trademark energy, guiding 12 new contestants as they battle it out for the title of “Reality Rani of the Jungle”.

    This season’s line-up features Archana Gautam, Bhavya Singh, Hiiya Bajwa, Irina Rudakova, Ishu Kashyap, Jayshree Roy, Nishu Kashyap, Prachi Shevgaonkar, Sanskruti Salunke (Sasa), Samyukta Hegde, Sara Gurpal and Scarlett Rose. Adding a dose of unpredictability, Rakhi Sawant joins as a surprise guest, promising extra chaos and comedy.

    From swimming back to shore after being dropped into the ocean, to enduring gut-wrenching tasks like being buried underground or holding sheep eyeballs in their mouths, the Ranis face raw survival mixed with shocking twists. Along the way, friendships form, betrayals sting and grit is tested to its limits.

    “Reality-adventure has emerged as one of the most dynamic genres in entertainment,” said Warner Bros. Discovery, managing director – south Asia, Arjun Nohwar. “Season 2 blends bold spectacle with authentic storytelling, taking the format to a bigger scale.”

    Banijay Asia & Endemolshine India, group COO, Rishi Negi added, “This season is bolder, more unpredictable and packed with emotional depth, redefining adventure entertainment for Indian audiences.”

    Ahead of the premiere, Varun Sood and the contestants rolled up their sleeves for a beach clean-up at Juhu, reinforcing the show’s coastal survival theme, before bringing their energy to NM college fest Umang.

    As Discovery marks 40 years globally and 30 years in India, the show underscores its legacy of bold, pathbreaking storytelling.

    With higher stakes, rawer grit and wilder twists, ‘Reality Ranis of the Jungle – Season 2’ is set to prove that survival is not just about strength, but about spirit. 
     

  • Shaadi, shots and showdowns as colors serves up a spicy new reality dish

    Shaadi, shots and showdowns as colors serves up a spicy new reality dish

    MUMBAI: Move over roses and violins Colors is gatecrashing dinner with a side of drama, as it unveils its first ever real-ationship reality show, Pati Patni Aur Panga – Jodiyon Ka Reality Check. Premiering on 2nd August, this shaadi-meets-showdown series will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 pm, promising a generous dollop of laughter, love, and ludicrous household fights.

    Fresh off the finale of Laughter Chefs, the channel has traded spoons for squabbles, roping in seven celebrity couples to bring their private quirks to primetime. These aren’t rehearsed roles, they’re raw, real, and ready to air their laundry (possibly quite literally) in front of the nation.

    The show features a power-packed lineup of couples, Debinna Bonnerjee–Gurmeet Choudhary, Hina Khan–Rocky Jaiswal, Rubina Dilaik–Abhinav Shukla, Avika Gor–Milind Chandwani, Swara Bhasker–Fahad Ahmad, Geeta Phogat–Pawan Kumar, and Sudesh Lehri–Mamta Lehri. From love to laughter and every little panga in between, these jodis bring their quirks, chaos and chemistry to the screen.  

    The show’s glossy, high-energy finish owes much to the behind-the-scenes crew that stitched it all together. Director of photography Tribhuvan Babu lends a vibrant visual grammar to the episodes, while Swapnil Patole, Chief Colourist at the Independent Colourists Guild (ICG), ensures every frame carries emotional weight and tonal harmony. Technical finesse is handled by DI Technician Sachin More, Line Producer Sameer Shaikh, and DI Colour Assistant Kiran Gulgule, with Famous Studios Ltd leading post-production duties. Together, the team brings a cinematic sheen to the dinner-table chaos that unfolds in every episode.

    On the brand front, the show has attracted a wide swathe of consumer-facing names as sponsors each with a strategic reason to align with a format rooted in everyday intimacy and relatability. Nivea, as presenting sponsor, ties in seamlessly with themes of care, comfort, and authenticity, reflecting the emotional subtext of the show. Sugar Free Green, Rajdhani Besan, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Pour Home Air Fresheners are all brands woven into the domestic fabric of Indian households just like the show’s celebrity couples navigating real-life love and laundry. Supporting brands like Envy Perfumes, Vikram Tea, Colgate, and Catch Masale see the high-engagement, weekend primetime slot as a direct route to the hearts and kitchens of Indian families. For these partners, ROI isn’t just about impressions or TRPs; it’s about cultural salience, brand recall, and showing up where the emotion is most real right between a laugh, a fight, and a plate of hot pakoras.

    Hosting this panga-packed party are Sonali Bendre, bringing poise and patience, and Munawar Faruqui, the designated “towel crime” police and chaos coordinator. Dubbed The Sonu-Monu Show by the crew, their repartee is already the stuff of reality-TV legend, a mix of zingers, comebacks, and cringe confessions.

    Behind all the glam, the show peels back layers of public personas to reveal unfinished sentences, kitchen fails, love languages, and one-word replies that spark weeklong sulks. Viewers are invited to peek behind the velvet curtains of celebrity marriages from ridiculous pet names to strategic foot rubs and witness the delicate art of surviving, thriving and occasionally fighting in love.

    To up the stakes, family members and housekeepers also chime in with their versions of truth bombs, making this not just a couples show but a full house of fun and friction.

    Speaking about the channel’s pivot to deeper emotional territory, Alok Jain of JioStar said, “We’ve always led from the front in non-fiction formats, and Pati Patni Aur Panga is our next big bet. This isn’t just content, it’s connection, showing the real, raw parts of celeb relationships that mirror our own homes.”

    Shweta Dalal, Marketing Director of Nivea India, added, “This show mirrors the same values we believe in care, trust, and authenticity. We’re thrilled to be part of a format that speaks so honestly to everyday companionship.”

    Sonali Bendre, returning to TV in a more emotionally hands-on avatar, shared, “This is not just about tasks or points. It’s about catching those in-between moments the real stuff that makes or breaks a relationship. And Munawar brings the madness to my method!”

    Munawar Faruqui, never one to hold back, quipped, “Main hoon yahan ka certified panga maker. I say what most husbands are thinking but are too scared to say out loud and I love every awkward second of it.”

    So if you’re ready for a hearty laddu of shaadi reality, not just the goals, but the gaffes too mark your calendars. Pati Patni Aur Panga is not your average reality show; it’s reality in all its messy, mushy, magnificent glory. Premieres 2 August, Saturdays & Sundays at 9:30 pm only on Colors.

     

  • Travelxp’s 10 Days Sweden slows it down to soak it all in

    Travelxp’s 10 Days Sweden slows it down to soak it all in

    MUMBAI: In a world obsessed with fast travel and faster reels, Travelxp is pulling the brakes. Its latest series, 10 Days Sweden, premiering on 19 July 2025, is a love letter to slow travel, fika breaks, and the joy of doing absolutely nothing in a picturesque Swedish town.

    Shot in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, this new chapter in Travelxp’s flagship IP-driven format throws out the bucket list and invites viewers to linger. Hosted by Robbie James, the series lets Sweden unfold at its own pace — from local farmer’s markets in Uppsala to the melodic nostalgia of the ABBA Museum and the narrow charm of Mårten Trotzigs Gränd.

    It’s not your typical glossy travelogue. There’s no rush, no cheesy countdowns. Instead, 10 Days Sweden captures life as the Swedes live it unhurried, conscious, and deeply connected to culture and sustainability. Each episode blends architectural history, modern identity, and community life into a seamless, scenic narrative.

    “It was a complete joy filming 10 Days Sweden” says host Robbie James. “Sweden encourages you to slow down and look around. We wanted that to come through clearly to  make the viewer feel like they are part of the moment not just watching from a distance.”

    “10 Days Sweden is a reminder that storytelling doesn’t have to shout to be heard” said Vedant Shivpuri, director of the show. “I hope the show resonates around the world  because it’s culturally specific to Sweden, yet globally relatable, with a format that adapts seamlessly across platforms and audiences.”

    Broadcast in over 119 countries, Travelxp knows its audience. And while snackable content might dominate the feeds, deeper formats like 10 Days still win hearts, especially in tier 1 and tier 2 India, where cultural immersion and old-school storytelling still hold strong.

  • Meri Bhavya Life premieres on Colors to flip the script on body image and self-worth

    Meri Bhavya Life premieres on Colors to flip the script on body image and self-worth

    MUMBAI: In a television space where makeovers often masquerade as empowerment, Colors is putting its weight behind something meatier. Its new family drama, Meri Bhavya Life, premiering 30 April 2025 at 7 p.m., centres on Bhavya—a confident, plus-size architect who isn’t looking to be fixed, just respected.

    Set against the backdrop of a judgmental society obsessed with inches and abs, the series stars Prisha Dhatwalia as Bhavya and Karan Vohra as Rishank, a six-pack-sporting fitness freak with deep-rooted biases. But this is no makeover tale—it’s a defiant call to shift the lens from the waistline to the mind.

    “Mota hona badi bimaari hai, ya motape ke aage na dekh paana?” asks the show’s tagline, setting the tone for a story that challenges convention. Bhavya isn’t shrinking to fit expectations—she’s designing her own narrative, one where ambition, dignity, and love aren’t weight-dependent.

    “This is not a makeover story, it’s a wake-up call,” said Dhatwalia. “She doesn’t beg for love or bend to fit in. Through Bhavya, we’re calling out every rishta rejection, every backhanded compliment, every ‘you’d be so pretty if…’ that plus-size women have been swallowing for years. There couldn’t have been a better launchpad than Colors.”

    Vohra admitted, “Rishank isn’t your typical hero. He’s fit, opinionated, and buys into the ‘looks are everything’ mindset. He’s flawed, and he’s got a long way to go. But that’s what makes him real. Meri Bhavya Life is a mirror to our world—it challenges every stereotype in the book.”

    As Bhavya and Rishank’s lives clash and slowly intertwine, the show delves deep into the meaning of worth and love in a world built on superficial standards. With drama, heart, and plenty of social bite, Meri Bhavya Life looks set to stir more than just primetime ratings.

  • Rusk Media, Amazon MX Player to launch fitness reality show Battleground

    Rusk Media, Amazon MX Player to launch fitness reality show Battleground

    MUMBAI: Rusk Media and Amazon MX Player have joined forces to introduce Battleground, a high-energy fitness reality show that promises to be a game-changer in the genre. Featuring 16 contestants, the show will put participants through a rigorous 28-day competition designed to test endurance, strength, and strategy.

    The show, set to premiere in April, will feature four teams Mumbai Strikers, Haryana Bulls, Delhi Dominators, and UP Dabangs  competing for supremacy. Each team of four contestants will be mentored by renowned fitness and lifestyle experts, guiding them through physically demanding challenges and strategic gameplay. Ultimately, one male and one female contestant will claim the coveted title of India’s top fitness talents.

    “Battleground is more than just a fitness competition it’s a revolution in fitness entertainment. This show celebrates strength, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. We are excited to partner with Amazon MX Player to bring this high-octane experience to audiences across India,” said Rusk Media CEO & co-founder Mayank Yadav.

    Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani added, “With Battleground, we take another step forward in our commitment to delivering diverse and engaging content to our audiences for free. This unique format not only inspires fitness enthusiasts but also redefines sports and reality entertainment, offering advertisers a powerful platform to connect with highly engaged viewers.”

    The show is backed by a strong lineup of sponsors. Charged serves as the presenting partner, while HMSI Honda Bigwing supports the competition with its CB350 bikes. Big Muscles Nutrition is the official nutrition partner, ensuring contestants maintain peak performance. Additionally, Kayam Churna, American Pistachios, and Ritebite Max Protein provide support as pain relief, snacking, and protein partners, respectively.

    With its unique blend of competition, fitness, and entertainment, Battleground is set to redefine reality television in India. The show will stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player from April.

  • Brands of Tomorrow returns with season three, showcasing India’s rising entrepreneurs

    Brands of Tomorrow returns with season three, showcasing India’s rising entrepreneurs

    MUMBAI: The third season of Brands of Tomorrow is now streaming on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, offering an inside look at India’s next wave of entrepreneurial talent. The series showcases 21 emerging brands and the vision of 35 founders driving their growth through innovation and resilience.

    Spanning diverse sectors, the new season features businesses in technology, real estate, fintech, edtech, food and beverage, direct-to-consumer (D2C), electric vehicles, and sustainability. Notable companies include Aaseya, Ctruh, and Sundew in technology; Ravetkar Group and ASBL in real estate; and Stoxkart in fintech. The edtech segment highlights Interval Learning, College Vidya, and Academically, while Burger Singh, Chalu Chinese, Basil, Harajuku, and TBC represent the food and beverage space. D2C brands include Shobitam, Yes Madam, Sleepycat, Miraggio, and Campus Sutra. Statiq features in the electric vehicle category, with Lead Reclaim spotlighting sustainability efforts.

    Through in-depth storytelling, the series captures the challenges, milestones, and strategic pivots that have shaped these ventures. It offers viewers a rare glimpse into the entrepreneurial journey, exploring the bold decisions and creative solutions behind these rising brands.

    Founder of Brands of Tomorrow Suchayan Mandal shared, “This season celebrates the remarkable individuals who are transforming industries and redefining India’s economic landscape. Their stories of risk, determination, and ingenuity will inspire viewers and future entrepreneurs alike.”

  • Alike.io says ‘I Do’ to JioHotstar for reality show love affair

    Alike.io says ‘I Do’ to JioHotstar for reality show love affair

    MUMBAI: Choosing a life partner feels a bit like booking the perfect holiday? You sift through endless options, pray the photos match reality, and hope the journey doesn’t crash and burn. Well, Alike.io just turned this metaphor literal. Partnering up with JioHotstar’s sizzling dating reality series Engaged – Roka Ya Dhoka, Alike.io cleverly mixes romance with roaming the globe—because nothing tests compatibility like losing your luggage together!

    Launching as the global destinations partner of Engaged – Roka Ya Dhoka, Alike.io amplifies its brand among young, thrill-seeking travellers. The show sees 15 adventurous contestants travel and tackle relationship-testing challenges over an intense 240-hour escapade. Think love is hard? Try proving compatibility while navigating foreign customs and questionable street food.

    “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Rusk Studios for season one of Engaged. The series perfectly captures the highs and lows of choosing a life partner—or facing an unexpected twist. This partnership allows us to showcase how we curate handcrafted luxury experiences tailored to individual tastes for today’s generation. And this FOMO-worthy Bali getaway is just the beginning for our winning duo, Karan & Sifat!” said Alike.io co-founder Ashish Sidhra.

    The cherry on top? The winning couple, Karan and Sifat, snagged a lavish, all-expenses-paid romantic getaway to Bali—a dreamy reward sure to make everyone else insanely jealous. An online contest, ‘Jab Proposal Met Travel’, also gave lovebirds a chance to bag a luxury glamping trip to Shimla, alongside quirky smart bag trackers and Alike cash vouchers.

    Sifat, still riding high on the victory wave, said, “Coming on Engaged, I didn’t know what to expect. I was hopeful about love but never imagined winning the show. Alike.io has made this win even more special—we’re beyond excited for our Bali trip! Huge thanks to the entire team for this incredible opportunity to escape and rediscover our love.”

    Her thrilled partner, Karan, echoed the sentiment, adding, “A huge thank you to Alike.io for making our victory on Engaged even sweeter with this incredible trip to Bali! From breathtaking beaches to unforgettable experiences, this journey will be nothing short of magical. Grateful for the excitement, the adventure, and the luxury—this is truly the perfect way to celebrate!”

    But beyond romantic escapades and envy-inducing prizes, the series also gives contestants a major boost in social media fame, igniting discussions about modern relationships and “situationships” in the digital age. Who knew reality TV could offer more than just petty drama and public heartbreak?

    Through this glamorous partnership with Rusk Studios, Alike.io solidifies itself as the go-to platform for curated travel experiences and luxury adventures, effortlessly fusing travel and romance. 

  • Aakash secures direct entry in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX

    Aakash secures direct entry in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX

    MUMBAI: Aakash, a Swiggy delivery partner, has swapped delivery routes for dance floors, earning a direct spot in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX Player. The show, known for showcasing hip-hop talent, returned with Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, promising a bigger and better season.

    Aakash’s dance skills first gained attention when he finished as a runner-up in Swiggy Wiggy Talent Hunt season two. Now, his passion has propelled him onto one of India’s most prestigious hip-hop platforms. Skipping the regional auditions, he advanced straight to the final selection, where his high-energy performance to Dance Ka Bhoot wowed the judges.

    Balancing work and responsibilities as the sole breadwinner of his family, Aakash’s journey reflects perseverance and dedication. Swiggy, committed to supporting its delivery partners beyond work, has extended financial aid to help him pursue professional dancing. Proudly wearing his Swiggy T-shirt, he stepped onto the stage, proving that ambition knows no boundaries.

    With Hip Hop India season two now streaming on Amazon MX Player, Aakash’s story is an inspiring testament to how dreams can take flight, no matter where they begin.