India, May 12 -- From helicopters hanging over cliffs in Cape Town to contestants screaming inside boxes full of snakes, reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi has spent years turning fear into entertainment for Indian audiences. Hosted by filmmaker Rohit Shetty, the reality show has become one of Indian television's biggest stunt-based franchises. But long before the show became a massive hit in India, the original American Fear Factor had already changed reality television forever with bizarre stunts, uncomfortable challenges and the unexpected presence of podcast star Joe Rogan as host. As Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 gears up for its return, let us revisit the history behind the franchise and how it evolved into a global phenomenon.

Before the Ame...