Since its first episode in 2017 Bigg Boss Tamil–hosted by the legendary Kamal Haasan (seasons 1-7) and later, Vijay Sethupathi (season 8)–has been the most watched and talked about Tamil Nadu reality TV show. It brings together stars along with influencers, celebrities, and everyday celebrities under one roof the show is a blend of emotions as well as strategic gameplay along with personal development. The winners include Arav, Riythvika, Mugen Rao, Aari, Raju Jeyamohan, Azeem, Archana, and Muthukumaran have emerged with more than only cash prizes, but also elevated public image, leading to TV projects as well as movie roles and online fame.
Bigg Boss Tamil Show Theme & Format
Based after similar to the Hindi Bigg Boss format, the Tamil edition encases contestants in a slick house for a period of 100+ days, filled with daily tasks as well as nominations and public voting. The host Kamal Haasan (later Vijay Sethupathi) moderates the weekend and weekday episodes with commentary and advice. The house dynamics create tensions, alliances emotional arcs, and the trajectory of growth. Every season ends by presenting a big finale which awards the winner the prize money (typically Rs 50 lakh) and a trophy and a huge amount of audience affection.
Bigg Boss Tamil Winners & Runners-Up by Season
| Season | Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host | Prize Money |
| 1 | 2017 | Arav Nafeez | — (finalists: Aishwarya, Rekha) | Kamal Haasan | Rs 50 lakh |
| 2 | 2018 | Riythvika | Aishwarya Dutta | Kamal Haasan | Rs 50 lakh |
| 3 | 2019 | Mugen Rao | Sandy Master | Kamal Haasan | Rs 50 lakh |
| 4 | 2020-21 | Aari Arujunan | Balaji Murugadoss | Kamal Haasan | Rs 50 lakh |
| 5 | 2021-22 | Raju Jeyamohan | Priyanka Deshpande | Kamal Haasan | Rs 50 lakh |
| 6 | 2022-23 | Mohammed Azeem | Vikraman | Kamal Haasan | Car worth Rs50 lakh |
| 7 | 2023-24 | Archana Ravichandran | Manichandra | Kamal Haasan | The price is Rs50 lakh plus car |
| 8 | 2024-25 | Muthukumaran Jegatheesan | Soundariya Nanjundan (1st), VJ Vishal (2nd) | Vijay Sethupathi | Rs40.5 lakh + bike etc. |
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 1 (2017)
The first season of Bigg Boss Tamil began in June of 2017 and was hosting by Kamal Haasan. Arav Nafeez is a model-actor who is famous as a calm, steady personality, won the show with consistent gameplay and fan appreciation. Although official records show the finalist Aishwarya and Rekha but the winner isn’t very well documented. Arav’s calm, composed and creative approach to problem-solving under pressure won him the respect of his fans, and he laid a solid base to Bigg Boss Tamil. Tamil model of Bigg Boss.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 2 (2018)
The show aired from June to September of 2018 Season 2 featured Riythvika triumph the title, becoming the first female champion of the franchise. Participant Aishwarya Dutta finished second. Riythvika is an actress who impressed the audience with her honesty, emotional sincerity and grit in her work. Her victory earned her an amount of Rs50 lakh, and was widely praised within Tamil media.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3 (2019)
The third season crowned Mugen Rao who is an Malaysian actor-singer as the winner. Sandy Master was second. Mugen’s strong stance, charismatic personality, and authenticity – with his strong fan support–fueled his victory. The cash prize of Rs50 lakh was not as important as his personal brand and the attention that he gained after the show.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 4 (2020-21)
Aari Arujunan fitness trainer and actor, was crowned champion on January 17, 2021, beating second-placed Balaji Murugadoss with a record-high number of votes. Aari’s wit, determination and consistent performance on the job has made him a popular choice. He earned him Rs50 lakh, and ignited a renewed enthusiasm for Tamil reality television.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 5 (2021-22)
From October 2021 until January 2022, this year’s season was a success. the Raju Jeyamohan TV performer and model win the award in the face of Priyanka Deshpande. Ramya Krishnan temporarily co-hosted one week. Raju’s energetic performance, his emotional authenticity and strategic thinking earned him the title of the best contestant. He took home Rs50 lakh and increased his screen presence.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 6 (2022-23)
Season 6 concluded in January 2023 when Mohammed Azeem winning ahead of second-placed Vikraman. He also got an automobile. As a wildcard contestant as well as fitness instructor Azeem was a standout for his authenticity and apprehension. His victory was a roaring success by breaking the prevailing myth of wildcard success.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 7 (2023-24)
The show aired from October 2023 to January 2024. Season 7 was crowned Archana Ravichandran–the first wildcard contestant on Tamil Bigg Boss history to take home the crown. Manichandra finished second. Archana’s charismatic personality, strategic alliances, and aptitude to change in the competition of 23 contestants helped her winning. She took home Rs50 lakh as well as an automobile.
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 8 (2024-25)
The show was hosted by Vijay Sethupathi his first appearance, the Season 8’s finale aired in January 2025. Muthukumaran Jegatheesan who was previously a YouTube anchor as well as orator took the title thanks to his storytelling and strategic gameplay, supported by the audience’s votes — against the finalists Soundariya as well as VJ Vishal. The final prize was Rs40.5 lakh, plus gifts. This twist on host as well as the less-toxic, but content-rich season have sparked mixed reactions among the fans.
Conclusion
In the span of eight seasons, Bigg Boss Tamil has gone from being a novelty show to a the mainstay of culture. Stars such as Arav, Riythvika, Mugen, Aari, Raju, Azeem, Archana, and Muthukumaran returned more than money for prizes. They also have led transformational journeys, fan followers, and career advancement. From Kamal’s humorous moderation to Vijay’s innovative host design, the format keeps to evolve. Each episode, it stays at its central tenets: authenticity as well as emotional arcs, strategic insights and live interaction. No matter if you are a veteran or wildcard, Tamil Bigg Boss is a show that tells real stories that are under constant scrutiny. Who will be the one to define Season 9?
