Channel 10 has addressed rumours that Big Brother Australia could be facing the chopping block in 2027 following a reported decline in ratings.
The iconic reality show has had a turbulent history on Australian television, originally airing on Channel 10 from 2001 to 2008 before moving to Channel 9 between 2012 and 2014 and later Channel 7 from 2020 to 2023.
After being revived by its original home last year, speculation has now emerged about the future of the franchise following a drop in audience numbers compared to the 2025 season.
According to TV Blackbox, Endemol Shine Australia — the production company behind Big Brother — is concerned the revival may not continue, with the 2026 season reportedly experiencing a 35 per cent year-on-year decline in viewership.
The publication reported that recent format shake-ups, including surprise evictions and intruders, were attempts to boost audience interest, with “all bets off” following high-level production meetings.
Channel 10 responds to Big Brother cancellation rumours
Despite the speculation, Channel 10 has pushed back on claims that Big Brother Australia is at risk of being cancelled.
Speaking to PEDESTRIAN.TV, a Channel 10 spokesperson said the series “continues to connect with audiences across broadcast and streaming platforms”.
“Over 4.3 million national Total TV viewers have tuned in across broadcast and streaming,” the spokesperson said.
“Big Brother’s audience has more than doubled with catch-up viewing (increased by over 113%), and the Big Brother 24/7 Live Stream Channel on 10 has accumulated 65.5 million minutes of live viewing.”
While overnight ratings have reportedly declined compared to last year, the network highlighted the show’s success among key demographics.
The spokesperson said Big Brother remains number one in its timeslot among viewers aged 25 to 54 and 16 to 39.
Why this year’s season has felt different
Despite concerns around traditional ratings, the series appears to have found a new audience online, with younger fans embracing the return of the live-stream format.
The Big Brother livestream has become particularly popular on TikTok, while PEDESTRIAN.TV reported there was an increase in applications from younger Australians hoping to enter the house this year.
The 2026 season has also leaned heavily into nostalgia, with producers appearing to listen to long-time fans who wanted a return to the show’s original format.
The series now airs six nights a week, while last week saw the return of a version of the iconic Friday Night Games — a fan-favourite spin-off that originally aired between 2005 and 2008.
Has Big Brother brought back the magic?
The current season has also featured some major callbacks to the show’s history, including the casting of Anita Bird, the sister of two-time winner Reggie Bird.
Many viewers have already tipped Anita as a potential winner, with fans convinced she has the same competitive spirit that made her sister a reality TV icon.
Meanwhile, the arrival of intruder Evie this week proves producers are still committed to keeping viewers guessing.
With the 2026 season not even halfway finished, Big Brother Australia fans will have to wait and see whether the reboot earns another year — or whether the franchise faces another unexpected exit from Australian screens.
Given the show’s history of changing networks and surprise returns, a cancellation would be just another twist in the Big Brother story.
Big Brother airs 7:30pm weeknights and 7pm Sundays on 10, with the live stream available via 10 Play.
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