Big Brother is Watching: Bell Media's Franchise Takeover Reshapes Canadian TV

TORONTO, ON – June 04, 2026 – In a move set to profoundly reshape Canada's media landscape, Bell Media announced today it has consolidated the iconic Big Brother franchise, acquiring future seasons of BIG BROTHER USA and ordering a new season of BIG BROTHER CANADA. Both the American hit and the revived Canadian edition will find a new home on the CTV network and the Crave streaming service beginning in 2027, centralizing one of reality television's most durable properties under a single Canadian media giant.

The deal, negotiated with global distributor Banijay Rights, not only strengthens Bell Media's content arsenal but also signals a major strategic push to dominate the lucrative reality television market, leveraging a globally recognized brand to fuel both its linear and digital platforms.

A Strategic Consolidation in a Competitive Market

Bell Media's acquisition is more than a simple programming decision; it's a calculated maneuver in the high-stakes game of Canadian broadcasting. By securing both the US and Canadian versions of Big Brother, the company effectively creates a year-round franchise hub, boxing out competitors and solidifying its standing as a leader in unscripted content. The move is particularly significant given that Corus Entertainment, a key rival, cancelled Big Brother Canada in 2024 after 12 seasons, citing rising costs and declining sponsor support. Bell Media's revival of the series is a direct challenge, demonstrating its confidence in the format's profitability under its own strategic model.

This consolidation comes as the battle for audience attention intensifies. While Bell Media already holds a commanding market share, competitors like Rogers Communications have been making aggressive plays, recently acquiring the Canadian rights to popular U.S. lifestyle brands like HGTV and Food Network. By locking down the Big Brother franchise, Bell Media secures a powerful asset in a genre that consistently drives viewership. Industry data shows reality TV accounts for over 13% of all television viewership in Canada, and its ability to command viewer attention makes it highly attractive to advertisers.

"BIG BROTHER is one of the most iconic and beloved formats around the world and we are thrilled to have it take up residency at Bell Media," said Justin Stockman, VP, Global Content at Bell Media. His statement underscores the strategic value of acquiring a proven, fan-favourite format to anchor its entertainment slate.

The House Reopens: A Cost-Conscious Canadian Revival

For the passionate fanbase left reeling by the 2024 cancellation of Big Brother Canada, the revival is welcome news. The new season, set for production in Spring 2027, will be hosted by Canadian television personality Andrea Bain, a familiar face from her work on CTV's THE SOCIAL. However, the most critical aspect of the revival may be its redesigned production model.

The new season will be produced in Montréal by Entourage, the same team behind the highly successful French-language version, BIG BROTHER CÉLÉBRITÉS. Crucially, the production will utilize the existing Célébrités house, a move that dramatically reduces the significant costs associated with building a new set each year—a factor that contributed to the show's previous demise. This pragmatic, cost-effective approach suggests Bell Media has found a sustainable model to ensure the show's long-term viability, while also boosting Montréal's production economy.

Furthermore, the deal includes the acquisition of the 12-season back catalogue of Big Brother Canada, which will become available to stream on Crave. This not only provides a treasure trove of content to attract new subscribers but also allows Bell Media to fully monetize the franchise's entire history in Canada.

Leveraging a Proven Format for Cross-Platform Success

The dual-platform strategy for both the US and Canadian shows—airing on the linear CTV network and the Crave streaming service—is central to Bell Media's plan. While linear television remains a dominant force, particularly for appointment-viewing events like reality competitions, streaming is the engine of future growth. The Big Brother format, with its daily updates, weekly eliminations, and constant social drama, is perfectly suited to drive engagement on both fronts.

The success of BIG BROTHER CÉLÉBRITÉS serves as a powerful proof of concept. Its most recent season was not only the #1 original reality series on the French-language Noovo network but also the most-streamed French-language show on Crave, amassing nearly 4.7 million views across platforms. Bell Media is betting it can replicate this success in English Canada, using the broad reach of CTV to draw in a massive audience that can then be funneled to Crave for deeper, on-demand engagement and exclusive content.

A Global Phenomenon's Enduring Appeal

While some may question a heavy investment in a format that debuted in 1999, Big Brother's longevity is precisely its strength. With over 600 series aired in 70 markets, the format has proven its ability to adapt and resonate with local audiences across the globe. It remains a ratings powerhouse in markets like the UK, Brazil, and the US.

"Big Brother is a global phenomenon that continues to embed deep roots with local audiences," noted Jane Rimer, SVP Canada at Banijay Rights, who negotiated the deal. "We're thrilled to bring back this renowned superbrand to Canada which will be a brilliant way to showcase the country's culture and personality."

By bringing the franchise home to Bell Media, the company is not just acquiring a TV show; it is investing in a powerful intellectual property with a built-in audience and a proven track record. The announcement also highlighted that customized brand partnership opportunities are now available, signaling that Bell Media intends to leverage the show's immense cultural footprint to create a significant new revenue stream, ensuring that for the foreseeable future, Big Brother will be watching—and thriving—in Canada.