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Bigg Boss 19: The countdown has officially begun for 'Bigg Boss 19', and this season promises to break away from the usual format with several bold changes. Set to launch in August 2025, the popular reality show will see a partial return of Salman Khan, a digital-first release strategy, and an extended five-month runtime.

Bigg Boss to premiere on OTT before TV telecast

In a first for the franchise, 'Bigg Boss 19' will premiere on the OTT platform JioCinema before it hits television screens. The hybrid launch model will see each episode land on the streamer first, followed by its delayed airing on Colors TV.

According to a source quoted by Screen, “The makers are making this season as a digital-first property. This means the show will run simultaneously on TV and OTT; however, the fresh episodes will drop on Jio Hotstar first, and after one and a half hours, the same episode will appear on Colors TV.”

The premiere is expected over the weekend of August 29–30.

Salman to host only the first phase of Bigg Boss 19

While Salman Khan returns as the face of 'Bigg Boss' once again, his hosting duties will be limited this time. The actor is expected to lead the show for the first three months, after which a lineup of other celebrities will take over.

“Like every year, the makers are planning to bring in different celebrities as special hosts. After Salman finishes his three-month-long stint, makers will bring in Farah Khan, Karan Johar, and Anil Kapoor to step in as hosts,” a source told Screen. It's yet to be confirmed whether the hosts will appear solo or rotate throughout the second half of the season. Salman is likely to return to anchor the grand finale.

The contestant lineup is still under wraps, but buzz suggests the season will kick off with 15 housemates, with a few wild card entries to be introduced later. Over 20 popular celebrities and social media influencers have reportedly been approached by the makers.