A Global spokesperson confirms exclusives to The TV Watercooler that “following the overwhelmingly powerful fan response to its hiatus, Global is adding smash-hit original series Big Brother Canada to its 2018 schedule.”
Big Brother Canada fans around the world were shocked to learn that the network had placed the series on hiatus for their upcoming broadcast year when Corus Entertainment unveiled Global’s lineup for the 2017-18 television season on June 5.
The BBCAN fans assembled with an online campaign to bring back the series with #SaveBBCAN across social media. A petition, “Use Your Power of Veto to Save Big Brother Canada,” started by American television and podcasting personality Rob Cesternino amassed 12,926 supporters (as of July 20). Many fans were worried that “hiatus” could mean losing the show altogether and were quick to point out that CTV had initially put Canadian Idol on hiatus in 2008 and never brought it back.
Rumblings of a BBCAN update first surfaced on Wednesday (July 19) evening when Big Brother Canada’s official Facebook page shared a live video that was being streamed on Global TV’s page with a cryptic countdown — to 9:50 p.m. ET on Thursday (July 20) — which coincides with the time that the U.S. version of the reality series airs on Global. The Facebook live feed was often interrupted with distorted clips from BBCAN episodes and featured #YouCanAndYouWill.
While many former contestants and host Arisa Cox cheered on the fan campaign to bring the series back, Barbara Williams, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Corus Entertainment, told the Toronto Star: “We did five seasons, which was a blast, and it delivered a big young audience. But we have to keep changing it up, we have to reinvent and try new things. Still, we never say never for the future. We are super proud of those seasons we did. But the best example is something like American Idol being cancelled and coming back. You never know what can happen.”
And just like American Idol returning to TV in 2018 (on ABC instead of Fox), Big Brother Canada will also be back!
Update @ 10pm — In a new release, Barbara Williams adds to Global’s exciting announcement with “In a game-changing twist, beloved series Big Brother Canada will return to Global in 2018, earlier than previously anticipated. With the utmost respect for the loyal following this series has engendered over five terrific seasons, we heard the fans loud and clear. We recognize their passion for this high quality, dynamic, and engaging series, and are thrilled to have Big Brother Canada on the Global schedule next year.”
“Big Brother Canada has the best fans in the world, and we could not be more thrilled and honoured to be producing a brand new season of Big Brother Canada for them,” said John Brunton, Executive Producer and Chairman & CEO of Insight Productions (which produces the series in association with Corus Entertainment and Endemic Shine North America). “Strap on your seatbelts, it’s going to be another wild ride.”
Stay tuned to The TV Watercooler for upcoming Big Brother Canada announcements (including auditions and an air date). You can also check out Big Brother 19 exit interviews here.
