Bigg Boss Telugu started in July 2017 and has grown into an extremely popular reality series in Telugu. The show has featured three hosts thus far: Jr NTR, Nani Nagarjuna, and Jr NTR. The show combines drama, strategy personal transformation, public involvement The show has named champions from all backgrounds, including actors, singers as well as influencers and farmers. Winners like Siva Balaji, Kaushal Manda, Rahul Sipligunj, Abijeet, VJ Sunny, L.V. Revanth, Pallavi Prashanth, and most recently Nikhil Maliyakkal have leveraged their fame into television and film opportunities–making Bigg Boss Telugu a major career catalyst.
Bigg Boss Telugu Theme & Format
In line with the global Big Brother template Bigg Boss Telugu is locked in a secure, monitored home for up to 100 days. Each week, the housemates nominate others for eviction, and the public vote on contestants until there is a winner. Hosts -Jr NTR, Nani, and Nagarjuna–host weekend episodes, lead the contestants through their tasks and make decisions with style and wit. Topics like “Ulta-Pulta” and format innovations like including regulars keep the show interesting. The winner is awarded a the trophy, public recognition as well as cash prizes, often over the sum of Rs.50 lakh.
Bigg Boss Telugu Winners & Runners-Up by Season
| Season | Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host | Prize & Extras |
| 1 | 2017 | Siva Balaji | Aadarsh Balakrishna | Jr NTR | Rs 50 lakh |
| 2 | 2018 | Kaushal Manda | Geetha Madhuri | Nani | Rs 50 lakh |
| 3 | 2019 | Rahul Sipligunj | Sreemukhi | Nagarjuna | Rs 50 lakh |
| 4 | 2020 | Abijeet Duddala | Akhil Sarthak | Nagarjuna | Amount of Rs 25 lakh + bike |
| 5 | 2021 | VJ Sunny | Shanmukh Jaswanth | Nagarjuna | Rs50 lakh + bike + Rs25 lakh plot |
| 6 | 2022 | L.V. Revanth | Shrihan Shaik | Nagarjuna | Car worth Rs10 lakh plus plot |
| 7 | 2023 | Pallavi Prashanth | Amardeep Chowdary | Nagarjuna | Rs 35 lakh |
| 8 | 2024 | Nikhil Maliyakkal | Gautham Krishna | Nagarjuna | The price is Rs55 lakh plus car |
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 1 (2017)
The show was hosted by Jr NTR Jr NTR, the inaugural season lasted from the month of July until September 2017 and featured 16 famous contestants. Siva Balaji famous for his role as a character in Telugu films, won ahead of Aadarsh Balakrishna and was credited with his calm, adaptability and consistent support of the vote. The final show on September 24, 2017 saw huge television ratings and confirmed Telugu Bigg Boss as a serious reality series.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 2 (2018)
The show was hosted by the actor Nani Nani, Season 2 (10 June to September) included commoners as well as celebrities. Kaushal Manda was a model-actor who took the crown thanks to his shrewd gameplay and loyal fan base (“Kaushal Army”) which beat the playback vocalist Geetha Madhuri. His popularity for 112 days — then the longest season in the history of cricket–solidified his victory.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 (2019)
Nagarjuna hosted again for a 105-day run starting 21 July. Rahul Sipligunj, a folk musician and independent music artist won the title against Sreemukhi. His musical virility, authenticity and down-to-earth personality was what made him stand out in the race. The final performance earned one of the highest TRP ratings for the series.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 4 (2020)
Despite the challenges of COVID’s production, Season 4 delivered intense drama and public participation. Abijeet Duddala actor, winner of the prize of Rs25 lakh and a bike winning over Akhil Sarthak. Abijeet’s calm temperament and his the strategic partnerships he formed stood out throughout the 105 days. The race was concluded with a smug champion in difficult conditions.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 5 (2021)
In its debut on the 5th of September, with 19 competitors, this year’s season brought amazing prizes: VJ Sunny won the sum of Rs50 lakh, a bicycle and a plot for 25 lakhs, beating YouTube host Shanmukh Jaswanth. Sunny’s charisma, friendliness and consistent performances earned him a loyal following and a trophy. His move into filmmaking post-show highlights the power of the platform.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 6 (2022)
The 6th season (4 September – 18 Dec) included 21 contestants. L.V. Revanth is a playback singer who was also an Indian Idol 9 winner, was crowned the winner, winning the sum of Rs10 lakh (due to the runner-up’s settlement) and a car and an estate plot. He defeated Shrihan Shaik. Revanth’s determination and emotional strength has made him popular with viewers.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 7 (2023)
The theme was Ulta-Pulta presented by Nagarjuna Season 7 ran from September to December. Pallavi Prashanth an agriculturalist who became a social media influencer, took home the prize of Rs 35 lakh over the Amardeep Chowdary. Her honesty, humility and relatable past have resonated with all ages, making an award one of the biggest and most touching wins of the year.
Bigg Boss Telugu Season 8 (2024)
The newest season debuted on 1 September, and ran until with 15 December 2024. Nikhil Maliyakkal YouTuber and actor, took home the title, along with an amount of Rs55 lakh, plus an automobile, beating Gautham Krishna. His strategy-driven engagement and social bonding resulted in a dominant final performance. Season 8 brought renewed excitement thanks to NTR’s sixth consecutive hosting appearance.
Conclusion
Across eight seasons, Bigg Boss Telugu has evolved from a celebrity-centric show to one embracing diversity–celebrating entertainers, public figures, and commoners alike. The show’s success is due to Siva Balaji’s stability and strength, Kaushal’s appeal to the masses or Rahul’s enchanting musical style or Pallavi’s resiliency that inspires each winner has an individual path to success. The show is hosted by charismatic actors such as Jr NTR, Nani, Nagarjuna and Nani, and backed by loyal viewers this series continues to shape careers and create trends. The show is currently in its 9th season. Season 9 on the horizon–hosted perhaps by Vijay deverakonda are eagerly awaiting new stories on this powerful platform.
