Banijay Asia, part of the Banijay Entertainment group, is set to introduce the international reality competition ‘The Fifty’ to Indian audiences, with the show scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar and Colors TV on February 1, 2026. The Indian edition marks the fifth international adaptation of the format, originally created by French unscripted label B Prod, and signals another major push in Banijay’s expanding non-fiction slate for the country.

According to a press note from Banijay, the show will be produced locally by Banijay Asia and mounted on a grand scale, tailored to Indian viewing sensibilities while retaining the core elements that have made the format a global success. Set against the backdrop of a majestic Mahal, ‘The Fifty’ brings together 50 well-known reality television personalities who must navigate a series of strategic and psychological challenges designed by a mysterious Game Master concealed behind a Lion mask.

As the game unfolds, contestants form alliances, face betrayals and make difficult decisions, with eliminations driven by the players themselves rather than a traditional judging panel. The collective goal is to grow a shared jackpot, but the format introduces a distinctive twist in its finale. Instead of the winner taking home the cash prize, the final amount is awarded to one registered viewer, chosen through the show’s official app, placing the audience at the heart of the outcome.

Commenting on the Indian adaptation, Deepak Dhar, Founder and Group CEO of Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, said the format’s scale, celebrity-driven casting and layered gameplay make it a strong fit for the local market. He noted that ‘The Fifty’ blends drama, strategy and entertainment in a way that keeps both contestants and viewers invested, promising a reality experience that feels fresh and unpredictable.

Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay Entertainment, highlighted the format’s proven global appeal. Since its debut in France in 2022, ‘The Fifty’ has demonstrated consistent performance across territories, making India a natural next step in its international journey. He added that the show’s intensity and audience engagement have been key to its rapid expansion.

Originally titled ‘Les Cinquante’, the format has seen notable success across markets. In France, it continues to perform strongly on M6, with its fourth season recording the highest-ever launch among commercial and youth audiences. Adaptations in Poland and Germany have also delivered impressive results on Amazon Prime Video, while Telemundo’s US Hispanic version secured a second season following strong ratings.

With its Indian launch, ‘The Fifty’ aims to tap into the country’s growing appetite for high-concept reality television, blending celebrity appeal with interactive storytelling across broadcast and digital platforms.