Big Brother Canada superfan starts petition to keep reality series alive amid absence from network's lineup

Few shows tend to live on the bubble as often as Big Brother Canada, which, after airing its Season 12 finale in May, appears to be at risk of cancellation, inspiring a fan-made petition to bring it back to life.

After Corus Entertainment announced their upcoming television line-up last week, fans were quick to notice a new season of the reality series conspicuously missing, leading to instant speculation over its status.

One especially keen fan even noticed what allegedly might be the Big Brother set being dismantled. He tweeted, “This isn't great news whatsoever. … Wonder if it will be cancelled but never say never!”

That resilient attitude is one fans of the show have harboured from the very beginning, since it premiered in 2013. In its lifetime, it’s shifted television networks (jumping from Slice to Global), and was originally placed on hiatus after its fifth season — and brought back to life after a swell of fan support.

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

The Canadian version was a particular favourite, beloved by viewers around the world. However, while it did experience a rise in ratings once it moved to Global, in its previous two seasons, it began to experience a consistent dip in viewers, which some are assuming is why it is once again at risk of cancellation. Fans have placed the blame on Global for altering the episode schedule, for allegedly limited marketing, and for limited live feeds.

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

But fans are sweating; After all, they’ve been here before. As one tweeted, “We can’t let this amazing show go away!” While another posted, “[This] makes me very sad for all the Canadian superfans who won’t get to play.”

Big Brother Canada superfan starts petition to save reality series: 7,500 signatures wanted

One such superfan is Nova Scotian Jayda Bannister, who has dreamed of participating in Big Brother Canada since she was young. Upon hearing the news of a possible cancellation, she says, “[It] was devastating for not only myself but so many others across the country who share the dream to compete on this show. I couldn’t let my dream die without a fight so here I am!”

Acting quickly, Bannister put together a petition asking fans to sign and show their support in an effort to remind Corus just how beloved the series is. The petition reads, “We saved it once before, and we can do it again! If we give up now, it’s truly over. But while the news is still fresh, we have the chance to make a difference. This time, the fight is more critical than ever.”

In less than two weeks since the petition was started, it has amassed over 6,700 signatures, becoming a trending topic on Twitter, and inspiring an online groundswell of support on social media.

“The feedback has been resoundingly positive,” Bannister says. “The rapid growth of this petition shows that Canada remains passionate about Big Brother. Dedicated fans have rallied together to show massive support…sharing our petition and reminiscing about their favourite Big Brother Canada moments.”

A big reason Bannister and so many other fans remain so dedicated to the show is because it’s just so Canadian. She explains, “We have never had a show that resembles all of Canada better, from the diverse casts to the overall tone, it truly captures the Canadian essence.”

She references a recent ode to the show written by Season 10 winner Kevin Jacobs, titled “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 just stood on ice.”

Indeed. There will never be another Big Brother Canada, or a fan quite like a Big Brother Canada fan.