Netflix India’s Monika Shergill signals more global format bets
Netflix India boss Monika Shergill says the streamer is developing “a couple of very interesting, big global formats” for India after Lock Upp surged to 50 million hours viewed. That matters because it signals Netflix is doubling down on scalable unscripted IP in one of the world’s most competitive streaming markets.
In an exclusive interview with Deadline, Shergill said announcements are coming “very soon,” but she did not reveal which formats are being localized. She was also careful not to confirm an Indian version of specific dating franchises, even as speculation grows.
Key Takeaways
- Lock Upp has reached 50 million hours viewed since its June 27 Netflix debut.
- Shergill says Netflix is developing major global unscripted formats for India.
- The show generated 2.5 billion social interactions in its first three weeks, per Netflix.
- Netflix has not confirmed a second season or overseas adaptation of Lock Upp.
What happened with Lock Upp, and why is everyone talking about it?
Netflix and creator Ekta Kapoor described Lock Upp as a breakout. According to Shergill, it logged 50 million hours watched, spent two weeks in Netflix’s Global Top (Non-English) Series list, and became a major social conversation driver.
The “captive reality” format places celebrity contestants in a jail-themed setup where tasks and eliminations shape the competition. Netflix initially launched with five episodes in week one, then increased to six due to what Shergill called strong audience demand.
Is Netflix India adapting more global formats next?
Yes, based on Shergill’s comments, but details are still under wraps. She said Netflix is actively developing global Netflix-controlled unscripted formats for India and teased near-term announcements.
That is strategically important for the platform’s local playbook: proven format structures can travel faster, support franchise building, and reduce launch risk compared with entirely new concepts. It also aligns with Netflix’s rights-led strategy, where ownership or strong production control can create long-tail value.
Could Lock Upp become a long-running Netflix franchise?
Shergill and Kapoor declined to confirm both a second season and non-India adaptations. Still, Shergill said the format is receiving significant internal interest and suggested it could have “a long life” if momentum continues.
Kapoor also credited Netflix for backing a larger revival vision after Lock Upp first launched in 2022 on ALTBalaji and MX Player. On Netflix, the reboot added hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, plus a cast featuring Dheeraj Dhoopar, Shivangi Joshi, Harshad Chopda, and Shilpa Shinde.
What does this mean for the wider streaming battle in India?
Shergill positioned India as one of Netflix’s biggest growth markets globally, while acknowledging intense competition from services including JioHotstar, Sony LIV, and Prime Video. She argued Netflix’s edge is experimentation across premium drama, unscripted entertainment, and docs.
For viewers and industry watchers, the signal is clear: unscripted scale is no longer a side lane in India’s platform wars. It is becoming central to subscriber growth, cultural relevance, and format export potential. For more developments, track our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.