Ajay Devgn Becomes New Host of Crime Patrol 2026, Replaces Anup Soni

Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn will be the new host of the upcoming season of the popular crime anthology show Crime Patrol in 2026, replacing longtime presenter Anup Soni. So there are big changes in the long-running television series and Ajay Devgn’s first television hosting start.

Ajay is known for his big screen presence and memorable cop roles (especially playing Singham). So his association with Crime Patrol is likely to get him well-watched by both his Bollywood and TV viewers.

According to media reports, Ajay has already shot about 15 episodes of the new season. Rajesh Tailang is also to be a host or guest in some episodes, and so is another familiar face to the next edition.

The new season will be broadcast on August 31, 2026 at 10:30 p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. A Bollywood star is to be brought to the show in order to give the established franchise a fresh identity and bring in a larger audience.

For years Anup Soni became associated with Crime Patrol. His calm and serious style of presentation was one of the main character traits of the programme and many viewers still associate the show with his voice and hosting. So Ajay's arrival is a major change for the show's presentation.

The actor’s association could also be a nice contrast. Ajay, who is well-known for playing police officers and action heroes on the big screen, is more interested in real-life crime and dramatic recreations in Crime Patrol. A very real action star will give the programme a more cinematic feel.

But the change has already divided viewers. A few of them are excited to see Ajay Devgn in a completely different television role, while others have nostalgia for Anup Soni and questions as to how the new format will keep that tone that made the show so popular.

And the ultimate success of the new season will ultimately depend on how people respond to Ajay's hosting style and whether the new presentation can translate to good TV ratings and digital viewership. TRPs and streaming numbers will be key indicators of how well the star-driven strategy worked.

With its August 31 premiere date set, Crime Patrol is preparing for one of the biggest changes in recent years. The long-running franchise could get an entry in the new show's audience with Ajay Devgn as host, and his ability to host could be the start of a new era in the franchise.