SPNI Launches Wheel of Fortune India With Akshay Kumar as Host

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the launch of the Indian edition of Wheel of Fortune, one of the world’s longest-running and most widely adapted game shows.

The show will be hosted by Akshay Kumar and is scheduled to premiere in early 2026. It will air on Sony Entertainment Television and stream simultaneously on Sony LIV.

The Indian adaptation is licensed by Highgate Entertainment and will be produced by Frames Production Company.

The format will retain the core elements that have made Wheel of Fortune a global success, including word puzzles, cash prizes, and the iconic spinning wheel, while being adapted to suit Indian cultural sensibilities and viewing habits.

The show is positioned as a family-friendly prime-time offering aimed at a broad, multi-generational audience.

• SPNI launches Wheel of Fortune India with Akshay Kumar as host
• Wheel of Fortune India to premiere in early 2026 on Sony TV and Sony LIV
• SPNI brings global game show format to India with interactive Play Along feature

A major component of the launch is a digital “Play Along” feature on Sony LIV, allowing viewers to participate in the game in real time through their devices. This interactive layer is designed to deepen viewer engagement and integrate television and digital consumption into a single experience. The feature also aligns with SPNI’s strategy of expanding appointment viewing beyond linear television.

Nachiket Pantvaidya, Business Head – Hindi Entertainment at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the show strengthens the network’s non-fiction and game show portfolio. He noted that Wheel of Fortune brings a globally proven format with strong recall value, offering scale for audiences and a stable platform for advertisers seeking consistent prime-time reach.

Akshay Kumar said the format’s simplicity and pace make it accessible to viewers across age groups. He added that the Indian version will focus on familiarity, speed, and audience participation, elements that align well with Indian television viewing patterns.

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With this launch, SPNI continues to invest in international formats with local relevance, reinforcing its focus on high-engagement entertainment across television and digital platforms.