Karan Johar to Host Indian Adaptation of ‘The Traitors’ on Prime Video

Prime Video and All3Media International are set to launch an Indian adaptation of the hit reality show “The Traitors,” with media personality Karan Johar tapped to host.

The unscripted series, based on the BAFTA and Emmy-winning format created by IDTV and RTL Netherlands, will be produced by BBC Studios India Productions. The show will stream exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi with English subtitles.

“The Traitors” puts 20 contestants in a royal palace to compete for a cash prize through physical and psychological challenges. Some players are secretly designated as “traitors” who must eliminate the “innocents” without being discovered.

The format has been adapted in over 20 countries since its 2021 debut in the Netherlands. There are now some 30 versions of “The Traitors” commissioned worldwide.

Nikhil Madhok, head of originals, Prime Video, India, said: “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.”

Johar added: “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.”

Sabrina Duguet, executive VP APAC at All3Media International, said: “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.”

Sameer Gogate, GM 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.”

The Indian adaptation is currently in production. A premiere date has not yet been announced.

“The Traitors” (Dutch title: “De Verraders”) was created and developed by Marc Pos and IDTV creative director Jasper Hoogendoorn in cooperation with RTL Creative Unit.