KBC season 18 to premiere on Aug 10; Amitabh Bachchan returns as host
Mumbai, July 17
The new season of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' now has a release date.
Sony Pictures Networks India has announced that Kun Benga Crorepati (KBC) Season 18, hosted by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, will premiere on August 10, 2026, at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The quiz show will air from Monday to Friday.
Along with the release date, the makers also revealed this season's theme, 'Sochna Padega', which focuses on the idea that in today's world, simply knowing the right answer is not enough. The new season will put the spotlight on how people use and apply their knowledge.
Three new promos featuring Amitabh Bachchan were also released on Thursday. In the first promo, Bachchan says that answers are now easily available on mobile phones, but contestants will have to think beyond memorised facts on the show.
In the promo, the actor can be heard saying, "Aaj-kal jawaab jo haina woh har jagah milne lag gaya hain, aapke jeb main bhi. Nahi samjhe? Arey bhaisahab aapke phone pe. Isliye iss baar KBC mai humne kuch badalne ka prayatna kiya hai, jawab yaad rakhne se kaam nahi chalega, uss jawab ke liye aapko sochna padega. Ji haan, Sochna Padega."
Kaun Banega Crorepati first aired on July 3, 2000, and quickly became one of India's most popular TV programs. KBC started as the Indian version of the British show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? It was also Amitabh Bachchan's first TV appearance and gave new life to his career. Over the years, KBC became more than just a quiz show. With touching stories from contestants and Bachchan's famous line "lock kiya jaye," the show became a part of people's lives.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a bit tired of the same format. Every year it's the same sob stories and Big B's dialogues. The 'Sochna Padega' gimmick sounds exciting, but let's see if they actually change the gameplay or just add a few new questions. Hope they bring back some tougher questions like the older seasons.
KBC is a nostalgia trip! I still remember watching Season 1 with my parents in 2000. Amitabh ji's baritone voice and that background score... goosebumps! The new theme is perfect for today's generation who rely on Google for everything. Let's see if they can actually 'soch' under pressure. Best of luck to all contestants! 🙌
I moved to India from the US a few years ago, and KBC is one of the first shows that made me feel connected to Indian culture. Amitabh ji's presence is incredible. The promo about thinking instead of just memorizing is a great lesson for everyone, not just contestants. Looking forward to watching this season with my family!
Finally some good news for TV fans! After all the reality show drama, KBC is a breath of fresh air. The 'Sochna Padega' concept is spot on – in the age of AI, critical thinking is the real superpower. I just hope they don't make it too gimmicky. Also, please bring back the fast finger first round, that was the best part! 😄
I've been in India for work for two years, and K
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.