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Entertainment
Netflix eyes Indian reality TV, backs Roadies and Kapil Sharma formats
✍️ Storyboard18
🗓 01 Sep 2026, 05:40 AM
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Netflix is expanding its Indian portfolio by acquiring rights to popular reality shows such as Roadies and Kapil Sharma’s comedy‑reality format, signalling a strategic push into local unscripted content.
Netflix's global streaming service has announced a focused investment in Indian reality television, aiming to diversify its content slate beyond scripted series and films.
The company is reportedly negotiating licensing deals for the long‑running adventure competition Roadies and the comedy‑reality franchise associated with comedian Kapil Sharma, both of which have amassed large, loyal audiences on Indian broadcast and digital platforms.
Industry analysts say the move reflects Netflix’s recognition that unscripted formats can drive subscriber growth in a price‑sensitive market, where local viewers prefer familiar, culturally resonant shows.
By securing Indian reality IP, Netflix hopes to produce original spin‑offs and localized versions, leveraging the strong brand equity of these shows while competing with domestic OTT players that already dominate the unscripted segment.
The strategy also aligns with the platform’s broader plan to increase regional content spend, as it seeks to retain existing subscribers and attract new ones across the country.
The company is reportedly negotiating licensing deals for the long‑running adventure competition Roadies and the comedy‑reality franchise associated with comedian Kapil Sharma, both of which have amassed large, loyal audiences on Indian broadcast and digital platforms.
Industry analysts say the move reflects Netflix’s recognition that unscripted formats can drive subscriber growth in a price‑sensitive market, where local viewers prefer familiar, culturally resonant shows.
By securing Indian reality IP, Netflix hopes to produce original spin‑offs and localized versions, leveraging the strong brand equity of these shows while competing with domestic OTT players that already dominate the unscripted segment.
The strategy also aligns with the platform’s broader plan to increase regional content spend, as it seeks to retain existing subscribers and attract new ones across the country.