Big Brother Canada’s future is still out in the air as of April of 2025, after the program was formally cancelled following its twelfth season as of June 2024. Fans are left wondering if the reality show, which formerly captured viewers with its varied characters and dramatic twist and turns, will return by 2026. Let’s examine its present state, the causes behind its cancellation, and the possibility of its revivial in the upcoming year.
SIGN THE PETITION AT SAVEBIGBROTHERCANADA.COM
A Brief History and the Road to Cancellation
Big Brother Canada premiered on February 27, 2013, on Slice before moving to Global, where it aired for ten more seasons. The show, produced by Endemol and Insight Productions, followed the U.S. format, with houseguests competing in a surveilled house for a grand prize. In Season 12, the prize was valued at over $200,000 in cash and prizes the largest prize in BBCAN history. Hosted by Arisa Cox, who became an executive producer in Season 9, the series was praised for its distinct Canadian style, diverse representation, and creative twists.
However, after 12 seasons and 333 episodes, Corus Entertainment, Global’s parent company, announced the show’s cancellation on June 27, 2024. The decision came after a hiatus announcement earlier that month due to declining ratings in Season 12. The season concluded on May 8, 2024, with Bayleigh Pelham winning. Corus attributed the cancellation to changing audience preferences, decreased sponsor support, and high production costs. The replacement of live feeds with Digital Dailies in Season 11 also alienated some fans, reducing the real-time engagement that had previously driven online discussions. Which later was revealed on the cancellation date from host and EP – Arisa Cox that it was entirely a network decision and not production based.
The Current Landscape in 2025
As of now, Big Brother Canada is not slated to return for a thirteenth season in 2026. The 2024-2025 television schedule from Corus excluded the show, and no updates have emerged to suggest a reversal. A petition launched by fan Jayda Bannister on Change.org in June 2024 aimed to rally support, echoing a successful 2017 campaign that revived the show after its first hiatus post-Season 5. However, with the official cancellation confirmed, the petition’s impact remains unclear, but has reached over 10,000 signatures since September of 2024.
The cancellation marks the end of an era for a series that Troy Reeb, Co-CEO of Corus Entertainment, praised for its “great success and impact” on Canadian media over a decade. Fans have expressed disappointment online, with some lamenting the loss of a platform that showcased Canadian diversity and talent.
What Could 2026 Hold?
While Big Brother Canada appears off the air, the franchise’s history suggests that a 2026 return isn’t entirely off the table. The show was revived once before due to fan demand, and the broader Big Brother brand has a track record of resilience—look no further than American Idol’s comeback after cancellation. Several scenarios could shape its future:
- Revival by Another Network: If a streaming service like Crave TV or a competitor such as CTV Rogers Media sees value in the Big Brother format, they could acquire the rights. The petition to “save” the show hints at lingering fan interest, which might attract a new broadcaster willing to invest in a reboot tailored to modern viewing habits—perhaps with a shorter season or reinstated live feeds.
- Streaming Possiblity: With reality TV increasingly finding a home on platforms like Netflix (The Circle) and Amazon Prime (Beast Games) also Peacock (The Traitors), Big Brother Canada could pivot to a streaming model by 2026. This shift might lower production costs and allow for global distribution, broadening its audience beyond Canada.
Fan Sentiment and Legacy
Fans remain divided. Some mourn the loss of a cultural touchstone, with Season 2 and Season 5 often cited as North American Big Brother peaks. Others argue that the show had run its course, pointing to lackluster recent seasons and the feeds’ removal as signs of decline. Social media reflects this split—posts on X from 2024 show both grief (“#BBCAN you will be missed!”) and acceptance (“It was only a matter of time”).
The legacy of Big Brother Canada is undeniable. It introduced memorable players like Jillian MacLaughlin, Kevin Martin, and Tychon Carter-Newman, and its commitment to diversity set it apart in the reality TV landscape. By
Conclusion
As we look toward 2026, Big Brother Canada’s status hinges on whether fan passion and industry trends can reignite interest. For now, the house is dark, the cameras off. Yet, in the unpredictable world of television, a surprise twist—like a houseguest re-entering the game—can’t be ruled out. Whether it’s a triumphant return or a fond memory, the story of Big Brother Canada in 2026 will depend on the same unpredictability that made it a fan favorite for 12 seasons. Until then, the nation’s reality TV enthusiasts wait, hoping for one more eviction night, as we wait for the annual Canadian Television upfronts this upcoming June.
SIGN THE PETITION AT SAVEBIGBROTHERCANADA.COM
