Big Brother Canada superfan launches petition to keep reality series alive despite absence from network programming

Few shows tend to live on the bubble as often as Big Brother Canadawhich, after airing the season 12 finale in May, appears to be in danger of being canceled, inspiring a fan petition to bring it back to life.

After Corus Entertainment announced its upcoming TV lineup last week, fans were quick to notice that a new season of the reality series was noticeably missing, leading to instant speculation about its status.

One particularly enthusiastic fan even noticed that what could be the Big Brother set was being dismantled. He tweeted: “This is not good news at all. …I wonder if this will be canceled but never say never!

This resilient attitude is one that fans of the series have harbored since the very beginning, since its premiere in 2013. During its life, the series changed television networks (moving from Slice to Global) and was initially put on hiatus after its fifth season – and brought back to life after an outpouring of fan support.

The reality show, which is one of several international spin-offs based on the Dutch original, follows a group of contestants who live together in a house isolated from the world as they compete week after week for a cash prizes, while being watched. 24/7. Big Brother Canada is hosted by Arisa Cox, who has also been an executive producer of the series since season 9.

The Canadian version was particularly popular with viewers around the world. However, although it experienced an increase in its ratings after its move to Global, during its previous two seasons it began to experience a steady decline in viewership, which some believe is the reason for which it risks being canceled again. Fans blamed Global for changing the episode schedule, allegedly limited marketing, and limited live streams.

To clarify, in a statement to Yahoo Canada, a company spokesperson said: “At this time, Corus has not made a decision regarding the renewal of Big Brother Canada for season 13.”

But the fans are sweating; After all, they’ve been here before. As one tweeted: “We can’t let this amazing show disappear! » While another posted: “(This) makes me very sad for all the Canadian superfans who won’t be able to play. »

Big Brother Canada superfan launches petition to save reality TV series: 7,500 signatures sought

One of those superfans is Nova Scotian Jayda Bannister, who dreams of participating in Big Brother Canada since she was young. Upon hearing the news of the possible cancellation, she said, “(It) has been devastating not only for me but for so many others across the country who share the dream of being on this show.” I couldn’t let my dream die without a fight, so here I am! »

Acting quickly, Bannister wrote a petition asking fans to sign and show their support in an effort to remind Corus how much the series is loved. The petition says: “We already saved him once, and we can do it again!” If we give up now, it’s really over. But even though the news is still fresh, we have the opportunity to make a difference. This time, the fight is more crucial than ever.

In less than two weeks since the petition was launched, it has garnered more than 6,700 signatures, becoming a trending topic on Twitter and inspiring an outpouring of support online on social media.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Bannister. “The rapid growth of this petition shows that Canada remains passionate about Big brother. Dedicated fans came together to show their massive support… by sharing our petition and remembering their favorite. Big Brother Canada moments.”

One of the main reasons Bannister and so many other fans remain so devoted to the series is because it is so Canadian. She explains: “We have never had a show that feels so much like all of Canada, from the diversity of the cast to the overall tone, it truly captures the Canadian essence. »

She’s referring to a recent ode to the series written by season 10 winner Kevin Jacobs called “Big Brother Canada is Dead…Maybe.” He writes that the show was “so stupidly canuck that the first HOH of season two involved an endurance competition where people I stood on the ice.”

Indeed. There will never be another Big Brother Canadaor a fan a bit like a Big Brother Canada fan.