Network: Specialty Channel
Broadcast Run: 2012
Broadcast Medium: Television
On May 30, 2012, Shaw Media announced that they had concluded a deal to produce a Canadian version of the popular US Big Brother series, and would team up with Canada’s Insight Productions on the production of the series.
Big Brother Canada would be scheduled on the Shaw Media Slice specialty channel during the 2012-13 season.
On July 30th 2012, Shaw Media and Insight Productions announced that a national casting call for the first Canadian Big Brother series,would begin on August 1, 2012. Canadians 19 years and older would have the option to apply online or in person at open casting calls at select cities across Canada.
In January 2013, Arisa Cox was named as the show’s host, and Big Brother Canada was launched on February 27, 2013. The final program of Season 1 was broadcast on May 2nd 2013; the winner of the first season was Jillian MacLaughlin.
On June 5th 2013 it was confirmed that Big Brother Canada had been renewed for a second season. On February 10th 2014 it was reported that Series 2 would start on Slice on March 5th.
When Global announced its Fall 2014 schedule on June 4th, Big Brother Canada was named as a firm midseason entry on the major network.
Such was the series’ success on Global that it was renewed for 2016 and 2017. In 2017 Global put the series on hiatus, but such was the public outcry that it was reinstated in the schedule, and in August 2018 casting auditions were announced for a 7th season to play in 2019., and the zseries was renewed for 1919-1920.
The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the following announcement from Global on March 24th 2020:
“Big Brother Canada is a labour of love for so many, and even though it hurts to say goodbye to the season, it’s the right thing to do,” said Big Brother Canada Host Arisa Cox. “On behalf of the incredible people who put this show together, thank you to everyone who started this journey with us. Please take care and be safe!”
At this time, Big Brother Canada has no plans to resume production at a later date. After a truly unprecedented season, the show will take its final bow over two episodes Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. ET/PT and Wednesday, April 1 at 7 p.m. ET/PT