Mumbai, Jul 18: The wait is over for fans of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) as Sony Pictures Networks India has officially announced the premiere date for Season 18. Hosted by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, the popular quiz show will return on August 10, 2026, airing at 9:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The show will be broadcast from Monday to Friday.

Along with the release date, the makers unveiled this season’s theme, “Sochna Padega” (You’ll Have to Think). The new concept highlights that in today’s digital age, where answers are readily available at the touch of a button, true success depends on the ability to think critically and apply knowledge rather than simply memorising facts.

To introduce the theme, the makers released three new promotional videos featuring Amitabh Bachchan. In one of the promos, the veteran actor explains that while information is now easily accessible on smartphones, contestants on KBC will be challenged to go beyond recalling answers and demonstrate their reasoning and analytical skills.

Kaun Banega Crorepati first premiered on July 3, 2000, as the Indian adaptation of the British game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The show marked Amitabh Bachchan’s television debut and played a significant role in reviving his career. Over the years, KBC has evolved into one of India’s most beloved television programmes, winning audiences not only with its engaging quiz format but also through inspiring contestant stories and Bachchan’s iconic catchphrase, “Lock kiya jaye.”