Israel’s Reshet brings back BB

Big Brother moved to Reshet last year having aired on rival Keshet

Israeli network Reshet has ordered a second season of Big Brother, the much-travelled global format that is owned and sold by the channel’s stakeholder Endemol Shine Group (ESG).

The format started airing on Reshet last year after previously being broadcast for eight seasons by rival Keshet from 2008. Reshet has also recently finished airing a celebrity version of the format, which, like the regular show, is produced by Endemol Shine Israel.

The celebrity show’s finale, which aired on March 2, secured ratings of 19.7% with a peak of 23.9% according to ESG, topping the ratings chart for the evening and increasing by 110% from its lead.

Amir Ganor, CEO of Endemol Shine Israel, said: “Big Brother is a strong reality format and we are incredibly proud that this show remains at the forefront of entertainment television in Israel.

“Both recent series have delivered excellent ratings and social engagement, proving that the format’s pure premise and round-the-clock storytelling remains as relevant and fascinating as ever.”

This year marks 20 years since Big Brother made its worldwide debut in the Netherlands. The format, which was dropped by Channel 5 in the UK last year, aired in 14 territories in 2018.

ESG, which holds a 33% stake in Reshet, has also recently renewed the format in Finland and Poland after five-year and 11-year breaks respectively.