Big Brother returns to Finland, Poland

Broadcasters in Finland and Poland have commissioned Endemol Shine Group to produce new local versions of Big Brother after a hiatus for the format in both countries.

Lisa Perrin

TVN in Poland will air a new season of the show, produced by Endemol Shine Poland, on TVN7 this spring.

Ten years since Big Brother last aired in the country, the deal with TVN marks the format’s return to its original Polish home, having first launched on the channel in 2001.

Meanwhile, Nelonen Media has ordered its first version of the format from Endemol Shine Finland. The show last aired in Finland five years ago on Bonnier’s Sub. This deal will see Big Brother launch on Nelonen-owned Jim and Ruutu in the autumn.

This year marks two decades since the format made its worldwide debut in the Netherlands. It remains on air in countries around the world, with 28 productions airing across 21 territories in 2018.

“It’s proven that this format engages audiences around the world, and our talented teams in Poland and Finland are enthusiastic about bringing it bang up to date for the age of social media,” said Lisa Perrin, CEO of creative networks at Endemol Shine Group.