Comments Off on BIG BROTHER AND CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER RETURN IN 2025 AS BRAND HITS 96 MILLION STREAMS ON ITVX
ITV today announced that Big Brother (produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK) will return for a third series in 2025 following a second series of Celebrity Big Brother set to air in spring, marking 25 years of Big Brother in the UK.
The channel’s second instalment of the original reality format is set to conclude tomorrow night (Nov 15) after another successful series which once again dominated conversations on social media. During tomorrow’s Live Final, viewers will crown the winner of the current series, who will walk away victorious with a life-changing cash prize.
The third series of Big Brother on ITV2 and ITVX will follow another iconic star-studded edition of Celebrity Big Brother which is set to air on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player in spring 2025, as a new batch of famous faces take up residence in the UK’s most famous abode.
Applications for next year’s series of Big Brother are now open – hopefuls who believe they have what it takes to take on the original social experiment can now apply by visiting BigBrother.com.
The global television phenomenon made a triumphant return to UK television screens in 2023 on its new home – ITV and ITVX. Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother alongside the iconic Live Stream and Late & Live companion show, has now been streamed an enormous 96 million times on ITVX.
Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions said, “Big Brother programming has firmly established itself across ITV’s platforms and become a favourite with our viewers. Together, Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother have grown audiences on ITV1 and ITV2 and amassed almost 100 million streams on ITVX. We’re therefore very excited to be able to throw open the House doors once again for another series of both Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother in 2025 which are sure to promise more unmissable entertaining and captivating moments.”
Katy Manley, Managing Director of Initial, said: “We are so excited to be coming back with more Celebrity Big Brother and Big Brother. Both series have really resonated with audiences, and we can’t wait to make more. As always, viewers can look forward to Big Brother keeping Housemates – celebrities and civilians alike – on their toes.”
Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are commissioned for ITV and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor, Reality. The return of Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother was secured by leading entertainment and format producers Natalka Znak and Claire O’Donohoe for Initial (part of Banijay UK). Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother are overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley, Director of Production Jody Collins and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson.
Comments Off on ITV unveil brand-new Big Brother eye ahead of upcoming series
The wait is almost over as Big Brother, the ultimate social experiment, is set to return to ITV2 and ITVX this autumn.
During the final of Love Island viewers caught a glimpse of the brand-new Big Brother eye in an exclusive promo, which has been given a fresh lick of paint ahead of the highly-anticipated new series.
Since its triumphant return to screens last year on its new home ITV and ITVX, Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother alongside the iconic Live Stream and Late & Live companion show, has been streamed 70 million times.
AJ Odudu and Will Best will return as hosts presiding over all the action, as a new batch of housemates from all walks of life take up residence in a revamped Big Brother house.
Once again, the public plays a crucial role, voting throughout the series and ultimately determining the winner, who will walk away with a life changing cash prize. Who wins? You decide.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Lands Big Brother Deal in Malta
Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, today announces a brand-new commission for its hit format Big Brother, marking the 70th international adaptation of the superbrand. PBS-owned TVM in Malta will launch the show later this year, with greatt on board as local producer.
The agreement was brokered by Marion Vergnaud, SVP Iberia, Italy and Malta, Banijay Rights, whosaid:“A pioneering format with consistently excellent ratings, Big Brother needs little introduction as a global television hit. We are thrilled to be working with our local broadcast and production partners on this new version in Malta, and we relish the opportunity to delight an even wider audience.”
Mark Grech, co-founder of greatt Company limited, added:“greatt is committed to bringing the best shows to Malta, and producing this latest version of Big Brother epitomises what we can do on the island. We look forward to generating incredible results on this remarkable Banijay Entertainment format.”
To date, Banijay Entertainment’s Big Brother has enjoyed 69 adaptations, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes aired. More than 8,500 housemates have passed through the Big Brother house, with over 6,400 live evictions taking place, drawing a huge 90+ million social media followers from across the globe. The title remains one of the content powerhouse’s top three formats, launching in four new markets in 2023, and 13 territories in total.
The showseesa group of strangers living as houseguests in complete isolation and under constant surveillance in the specially-constructed Big Brother House. Competing in various challenges, the contestants battle to evade eviction by fellow houseguests, until the fate of the final two is decided and only one emerges victorious with the grand cash prize.
Comments Off on 100 players, only one winner – ITV commissions brand new gameshow – 99 To Beat
ITV1 and ITVX has commissioned Initial (part of Banijay UK) – the production company behind Celebrity Big Brother, Big Brother, Soccer Aid and Tenable – to produce a brand-new gameshow, 99 to Beat.
Already successful in seven countries with multiple series in Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Poland, 99 To Beat is the gameshow that anyone can win, but there’s one rule that players must follow if they’re to be in with a chance of walking away with the cash prize – Don’t. Come. Last.
The eight-part series starts with 100 contestants, and viewers will follow as players go head-to-head in a range of visually distinctive and often hilarious games. After each round, the number of players is gradually whittled down, with only one person taking the top prize.
Whether it’s trying to find a dummy hidden in a vat of jelly or putting on a frozen t-shirt, the only aim of the game is to not come last. If they do, they’re out.
Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV said: “99 To Beat brings 100 people together to set upon this extraordinary game where there is really only one rule, Don’t Come Last. As the contestants compete they also form tight bonds and as they get to know each other, we get to see who plays well, who buckles under the pressure and who has lasting power.”
Katy Manley, MD of Initial, said: “We are really excited about 99 To Beat. What’s brilliant about it is that anyone has a real shot at winning. Whether you’re 18 or 80, players don’t need to be experts in one particular skill. Winning is not important – it’s not coming last that counts! The human stories that sit alongside the gameplay will provide heart, humour and drama throughout.”
99 To Beat is an Initial (part of Banijay UK) production for ITV. It was commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV and Kevin O’Brien, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment Commissioning ITV. Katy Manley is Executive Producer for Initial, alongside Paula Thomas.
In a deal struck with Belgium distributor Primitives, Banijay represents the format in three English-language territories. 99 To Beat is a format developed by Belgium broadcaster VRT and production company De Chinezen.
Comments Off on Banijay Unveils Compelling Slate Ahead of London TV Screenings
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces a compelling offering for its dedicated London TV Screenings event – Banijay @ BAFTA.
Hitting the 2024 line-up is the highly-anticipated high-end scripted series Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light; and premium documentary Front Row. Elsewhere, the powerhouse will also be celebrating travelling formats with adventure reality, The Summit; and spin-off, Deal or No Deal Island. Packed with distinct, high-quality programming across all genres, the group’s event will span three sessions on Wednesday 28 February.
On the scripted front, Banijay’s premium offering includes UK dramas Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light for the BBC and Masterpiece PBS, based on the final novel of Hilary Mantel’s multi award-winning trilogy; The Hardacres for Channel 5; Steven Knight’s This Town for the BBC; Welsh drama The One That Got Away (Cleddau) for S4C; and Invisible Boys for Stan. Buyers can also expect a preview of eagerly-awaited second seasons of Marie Antoinette for Canal+ and the BBC, and Rogue Heroes for the BBC and MGM+.
Supercharging its documentary offering, Front Row takes centre stage with Anatomy of a Murder and Four Kings for Prime Video.
To complement the scripted and documentary offering, Banijay will showcase a blend of fresh and highly-entertaining formats including adrenaline-fuelled travelling success The Summit for Nine Network; new spin-off, Deal or No Deal Island created for NBC; adventure reality format and ratings winner Shaolin Heroes for TV2; recent Channel 4 factual reality VOD hit Banged Up; innovative game show Upside Down for RTL4 and TheFortune Hotel for ITV1 and ITVX. A light will also be shone on global superbrands and prized returning formats like Survivor, Big Brother, Star Academy, and reality formats Love Triangle and The Fifty.
Cathy Payne, CEO at Banijay Rights says: “This year’s line-up for Banijay @ BAFTA truly illuminates the breadth of our catalogue and ability to showcase outstanding content across multiple genres. From high-end dramas to acclaimed factual series, we look forward to coming together later this month to celebrate great talent, captivating storytelling and stand-out IP. We really do have something for everyone…”
James Townley, Chief Content Officer, Development and Lucas Green, Chief Content Officer, Operations at Banijay comment: “The London TV Screenings provides an incredible opportunity for Banijay to demonstrate its commitment to delivering exciting emerging IP as well as tried and tested formats and reboots, which continue to compel audiences globally. From Shaolin Heroes to The Summit, and iconic format Deal or No Deal, we are sure to enthral buyers seeking fresh, innovative, and proven formats.”
For its scripted slate, Banijay Rights is highlighting Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, a Playground and Company Pictures co-production directed by Peter Kosminsky, and adapted for television by Peter Straughan, which follows Thomas Cromwell as he navigates the moral complexities of the Tudor court following the execution of Anne Boleyn. Another period drama from Playground in association with Screen Ireland, Red Berry Productions and Newgrange Pictures is new returnable six-part series –The Hardacres- based on CL Skelton’s novel series, The Hardacre Saga.
Meanwhile, from Kudos and Nebulastar, and co-produced with Mercury Studios, in association with Kudos North, Stigma Films, and Nick Angel for the BBC, the much-anticipated This Town tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of the ska movement and two-tone music.
BlackLight Television (a Banijay UK company), in collaboration with Banijay Rights and Creative Wales for S4C, are delving into Welsh drama with The One That Got Away (Cleddau), which combines a gripping murder mystery with an electrifying love story.
Crossing over to Australia, Invisible Boys from Feisty Dame Productions, Screenwest and Lotterywest, WA Regional Film Fund, Screen Australia, and Banijay Rights for Stan Originals, is a powerful drama created for television by director Nicholas Verso on the challenges faced by a group of gay teens in the remote coastal town of Geraldton.
In factual, the feature-length premium documentary from Scenery and Pretty Matches, Front Row, Executive Produced by award-winning actor and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, and directed by Miriam Guttmann (Sundance Film Festival selection Seeds of Deceit), highlights the resilience of Ukrainian ballet dancers during wartime, where an unlikely friendship forms between a dancer and a front-line soldier.
From Workerbee comes two gripping documentaries, Anatomy of a Murder, a feature length true-crime story centring around the daughter of an Iranian family, who has spent over thirty years and millions of her fortune to try and find her mother’s killer; and Four Kings for Prime Video, exploring the history of British boxing through four men coming from the same London neighbourhood who heralded a golden era and changed the way Britain viewed its black athletes.
Meanwhile, on the reality competition front, The Summit, a 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia, continues to climb through the ranks with a second season in the works, and a first international adaptation for CBS by Endemol Shine North America with more to come soon.
From Endemol Shine North America, Deal or No Deal Island completely reimagines the iconic game show as an epic adventure. This new spin-off series for NBC is set on the Banker’s private island as he searches for his ultimate opponent in a high stakes competition with over $200,000,000 up for grabs.
From Metronome is Shaolin Heroes for TV2 Denmark, where celebrities undertake the ultimate test by embarking on a transformational journey alongside world-class Shaolin Masters.
Joining Banijay’s factual offering is Banged Up, created by Shine TV for Channel 4. In this fact-ent format social experiment, which veers into the documentary space, six male celebrity inmates are incarcerated in a UK prison environment alongside their reformed criminal cellmates. The series explores the question, ‘does prison work’?
From EndemolShine Nederland, Upside Down sees two celebrity teams undertake all kinds of topsy turvy challenges and Q&A games unlike anything they have seen before, because everything in this innovative format, is upside down.
Highly-anticipated reality series TheFortune Hotel from Tuesday’s Child for ITV1 and ITVX invites viewers into a luxury Caribbean resort filled with glamour, opulence and deception. Contestants are paired up and compete to win a briefcase, one holding the ultimate cash prize and another an Early Checkout Card.
Comments Off on EndemolShine Germany’s Brand-Funded Big Brother Spin-Off Hits 8.81 Million Live Views
Media and entertainment powerhouse, Banijay, today announces its all-new Big Brother spin-off in Germany, Big Brother – Knossi Editionhit 8.81 million live views during the 57-hour live stream on Twitch. With more than 2 million unique viewers, the series topped 283 million watched minutes.
Big Brother – Knossi Editionmarked the format’s first venture into branded entertainment, and was a collaboration between EndemolShine Germany, Banijay Media Germany, Rainer Laux Productions (an EndemolShine Germany company) and DLS Consulting, the management of Knossi.
German social media star and entertainer, Jens “Knossi” Knossalla, moved into the Big Brother house alongside content creators Fritz Meinecke, Ann-Kathrin Bendixen aka Affe auf Bike, Marc Eggers and Adam Wolke aka Skyline TV, in a 57-hour live stream format. The series aired live on Knossi’s Twitch channel, with highlight clips also available on the Joyn platform – the streaming app of ProSiebenSat.1 Media, broadcaster of Celebrity Big Brother Germany.
Selected brand partners for the launch of the innovative format included SIMon Mobile, Denkriesen, kaufDA, Kaufland, Warner Bros., Snocks, Hasbro, Samsung, Gönrgy and Particibrand. The brands were integrated authentically into the format such as when SIMon mobile was shown whilst collecting the housemates’ mobile phones and Kaufland and its products were shown when the creators chose their food.
Fabian Tobias, Managing Director EndemolShine Germany: “Knossi finally got the keys to the Big Brother house… In return, we got the opportunity to work across different platforms and reach new audiences with one of the most famous Twitch personalities in Germany. A producer of Big Brother in Germany, Rainer Laux made it one of the most successful television brands in the country, and his idea to extend the brand in this way was a great opportunity to open up new target groups. Alongside Banijay Media, we have the best partners in this field who implemented our vision together.”
Moritz Bergmann, Head of Sales & Brand Partnerships Banijay Media Germany: “We staged Big Brother in a new, digital way and integrated selected brand partners natively into the content. Through the active and playful placements, the wide-reaching creators acted as vehicles for the brands’ messages and transported them into the digital community. Thanks go to EndemolShine Germany, Knossi and our brand partners!”
Rainer Laux, Managing Director Rainer Laux Productions and Executive Director EndemolShine Germany: “It was a great to see how successfully our Big Brother performs, not only as a television format, but also as a purely digital format on Twitch and Joyn. This spin-off was adapted to the young target audience and thus shows the versatility of the brand.”
To date, Banijay format Big Brother has had 68 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes. 2022 marked the most successful year ever global with 33 productions airing across 26 markets.
Last month, Banijay confirmed its ambitions to further expand its brand funded portfolio, with the unveiling of Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE). A new division within the group, BBE is overseen by Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, Carlotta Rossi Spencer, and will leverage Banijay’s expansive global production expertise to further evolve the group’s global efforts in the branded content space.
Comments Off on Banijay Brands Confirms UK Version of Big Brother: The Game
Banijay Brands, the commercial arm of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, today announces the popular mobile reality title, Big Brother: The Game, has been released as a localised version in the UK. Big Brother returned to UK screens, Sunday 8th October, launching across ITV1, STV, ITV2 and ITVX.
Developed by leading studio 9th Impact, the game, which is also in its third instalment, has captivated over half a million players, offering the opportunity to experience the thrill of living in iconic Big Brother houses; auditioning, competing in challenges, and forming virtual alliances to navigate the pitfalls of housemate nominations and evictions.
The UK game, supported by ITV, will run until 30th June 2024. The skill of the game is social, psychological, and interpersonal, and there is a real-life prize fund up for grabs, with the ultimate winner scooping £20,000.
Lex Scott, Commercial Director, Gaming & Gambling at Banijay Brands says: “We have seen a growing community of fans of this ground-breaking game, since the first launch in 2020. To now launch a UK specific version, alongside its eagerly awaited return to screens, supported by ITV, is testament to the strength of the game and the power of the Big Brother brand.”
Mark Quick, Director, 9th Impact added: “Big Brother is iconic, and it’s a delight to be able to bring this title to more fans around the world. We’re extremely passionate about delivering a game experience that reflects what the fans love so much about the show.”
Banijay’s Big Brother format has had 67 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 550 seasons and 36,000 episodes.
In the UK Big Brother is produced by Banijay’s Initial. It is commissioned for ITV2 and ITVX by Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning & Acquisitions and Controller, ITV2 and ITVBe, and Peter Tierney, Commissioning Editor, Reality. It is overseen by Initial’s Managing Director Katy Manley and Creative Director Tamsin Dodgson. Big Brother will be executive produced by Colin Whitaker, Jess Thomas and Matt Green for Initial. Big Brother: Late & Live will be executive produced by Rhe-an Archibald for Initial.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Strikes Double Big Brother Return in Nigeria
Banijay Rights today announces the return of Big Brother to M-NET in Nigeria following a two-season renewal by the network.
Produced by Red Pepper Pictures, the eighth season of Big Brother Nigeria is set to launch later this month on MultiChoice-owned M-NET. The deal marks M-NET’s first ever two-season acquisition of Big Brother, with the ninth season set to broadcast in 2024.
Robin Pollok, VP Sales, Africa, Middle East, Greece & Israel, Banijay Rights, who brokered the agreement with M-NET, said: “After the recent finale of Big Brother Titans, which notably featured contestants from both South Africa and Nigeria, this follows on as a fantastic double pick-up from M-NET. Big Brother is a show that’s consistently generated incredible ratings and entertainment value and we’re delighted to be working once again with our Nigerian broadcast and production partners.”
Nomsa Philiso,CEO, General Entertainment, M-Net Channels, added: “Big Brother has earned the right to be called the most watched, and followed, show across Africa. For us at MultiChoice, it aligns with our commitment to delight and entertain our viewers across the continent. This two-year partnership with Banijay ensures continuity and an uninterrupted delivery of Big Brother, which fans and our viewers are always eager to tune in to watch.”
To date, Banijay format Big Brother has had 66 adaptations, broadcast across 72 countries, with over 520 seasons and 35,000 episodes. 2022 marked the most successful year ever global with 33 productions airing across 26 markets.
Big Brother Nigeria hand-picks a group of strangers from all walks of life, sequesters them from the outside world, and places them inside a house outfitted wall-to-wall with cameras and microphones that capture their every move. Competing for a grand cash prize, each week the houseguests battle in a series of challenges, voting each other out until the fate of the final two are decided by a jury of fellow houseguests.
Comments Off on Banijay’s Big Brother Expands Global Reach with First Series in Chile
Content powerhouse Banijay today announces hit format Big Brother will be adapted in Chile for the first time.
In a deal with Banijay Rights, the reality series will broadcast on Chilevision this year. Produced by Chilevision and Kuarzo, the show will be the first time Chile has produced its own version and will build on the success of the pan regional series which last aired 18 years ago.
Last year Banijay format Big Brother had its most successful year yet, with 33 productions airing across 26 markets. Originally created by EndemolShine Nederland, Big Brother has had 67 adaptations. The celebrity version was named Spin-Off of the Year in K7 Media’s 2021-2022 report. This latest commission follows the successful Argentinean reboot.
The agreement was brokered by Michelle Wasserman, SVP Latam, USH & Brazil, Banijay Rights, who said: “Big Brother is a tried and tested hit and we are thrilled to strike a deal for the first Chilean version. There is great momentum across Latin America for this iconic format, with Argentina’s recent return highlighting how powerful and relevant this programme still is.”
Lucas Green, Global Head of Content Operations at Banijay adds: “With last year being the best yet for Big Brother, we are excited to further build on its success and bring the legendary show to a new market in this deal with Chile. The ongoing popularity is testament to the strength of the format which enables audiences to relate, connect, and be entertained by Big Brother. We look forward to continually extending the format withnew territories such as Chile, long running series like the milestone 25th season in the US, and reboots including the UK set for 2023.”
Big Brother sees a group of people from all walks of life, agree to be locked up in a house fitted with cameras that record their every move. With no contact from the outside world, participants must learn how to co-habit with their new housemates whilst competing against them every week in physical and mental challenges.
Banijay Rights today announcesBig Brother VIP will be adapted for the Republic of Kosovo. Co-produced byKlan Kosova and Artmotion, the new series will air on Klan Kosova from the 5th of December, bringing the Banijay format to 65 countries.
Originally created by EndemolShine Nederland, Big Brother recently returned to Telefe in Argentina after five years. The reboot was a huge success with a 70% share on its launch. This follows the recent news of the format’s return to the UK with ITV2 and ITVX, and Banijay UK-owned Initial lined up to produce. The global reality hit is going from strength to strength, with 32 productions airing across 25 markets this year, up from 2021. Big Brother’s celebrity spin-off was named K7 Media’s spin-off of the year in 2021 with 17 active markets.
Samia Moktar,VP CEE & Airlines, Banijay Rights, who negotiated the deal, said: “Big Brother VIP is a fantastic spin-off, a tried and tested hit which has attracted large audiences around the world, from Australia to Italy. We’re looking forward to building on this international success and bringing Big Brother to its 65thmarket, working with Klan Kosova and Artmotion to showcase iconic celebrity reality content for the Kosovan audience.”
Big Brother VIP is the all-seeing, all-powerful format that follows a group of celebrities living together in a house fitted with cameras recording their every move. With no contact from the outside world, celebrity participants must learn how to co-habit with their new housemates whilst competing against them every week in physical and mental challenges. Watching the celebrities 24/7 they must decide who should be evicted and who ultimately should be crowned the winner of Big Brother VIP.
Comments Off on Banijay Iberia Appoints Miguel Martín as Managing Director of Zeppelin
Banijay Iberia, part of Banijay, today announces the appointment of Miguel Martín as the new Managing Director of its label, Zeppelin.
Zeppelin, which is hitting its 30-year milestone, is responsible for the introduction of reality in Spain and stands as a pioneer in the development of anime and youth fiction projects, with recent hits including Secret Story, Big Brother, The Bridge and SKAM España.
Martín began his tenure at Banijay Iberia in 2019 within Banijay Birds, the territory’s creative hub for original streamer IP development, and has also served as executive producer on standout local titles including LOL: Last One Laughing for Amazon Prime Video.
Martín has directed and produced shows across multiple genres, from documentaries (Hijos del corazón), reality shows (Anonimous, Planeta Finito), and scripted titles (Herederos). He also has extensive experience in the U.S., having served as executive producer on formats for NBC-Telemundo and FOX, and as a development/production consultant in entertainment and scripted for Powwow 360 and Cinemat USA.
Pilar Blasco, CEO of Banijay Iberia comments: “We are very grateful to Amparo Castellano for her hard-work and professionalism, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Since 2019, Banijay Iberia has been fortunate to have Miguel Martín among its ranks, a born leader who has shown unbounded creativity. His commitment to innovation has led to original projects told from unique perspectives. All this, together with his excellent ability to manage large productions with outstanding results, makes him the ideal person to lead Zeppelin.”
Miguel Martín, Managing Director of Zeppelin adds: “I am honoured to be at the head of a team that, in its 30th year, has produced such a range of high-quality formats. Zeppelin has achieved what few audio-visual companies do. It constantly re-invents and innovates, making programmes which captivate the country, creating great original formats, and co-producing with key international players. I am proud to take on this challenge and continue Zeppelin’s creative growth and development.”
Martín’s appointment follows previous Managing Director Amparo Castellano’s decision to depart after eight years with the company.
Comments Off on Banijay Rights Confirms Big Brother Return in South Africa
Banijay Rights today confirms the return of Big Brother to Mzansi Magic in South Africa following a seven-year hiatus.
Produced by Red Pepper Pictures, Big Brother Mzansi has started casting for a new season to launch on MultiChoice-owned Mzansi Magic in 2022, having last aired on the channel in 2015.
Robin Pollok, VP Sales, Africa, Middle East, Greece & Israel, Banijay Rights, said: “Seven years have passed since Big Brother Mzansi last graced South African viewers’ screens and we couldn’t be happier to work with MultiChoice and Red Pepper Pictures to revive this global phenomenon, which continues to have an enduring appeal worldwide.”
Nomsa Philiso, Executive Head of Programming, M-Net, added:“This year marks 20 years since the very first Big Brother on MultiChoice’s M-Net and we are excited to celebrate this milestone by commissioning a new Big Brother season, which will be housed under our Mzansi Magic stable. This is a show that has always delivered top ratings and entertainment value and our viewer and advertising partners can look forward to a stellar season of Big Brother.”
Big Brother Mzansi hand-picks a group of strangers from all walks of life, sequesters them from the outside world, and places them inside a house outfitted wall-to-wall with cameras and microphones that capture their every move. Competing for a grand cash prize, each week the houseguests battle in a series of challenges, voting each other out until the fate of the final two are decided by a jury of fellow houseguests.
The Big Brother format and finished programmes are represented internationally by Banijay Rights. In 2021, 31 productions of Big Brother aired in 21 markets, with nine VIP productions launching, including a first series run in French Canada and a high-profile comeback for Celebrity Big Brother in Australia. This year, Big Brotherlaunched for the first time in Mongolia, and seven regional productions of the format aired in India.