‘Big Brother’ return to Greece in fifth comeback for format

Endemol Shine Group format Big Brother is staging a comeback in Greece after 10 years away. 

Greek channel Skai will produce and air the show in 2020. The show previously aired on Greece’s ANT1 between 2001 and 2005, and was also broadcast on Alpha TV from 2010 to 2011.

The deal – which was struck by Endemol Shine International sales director Tatjana Kostovski – marks the fifth market this year to bring back the 20-year-old format. Most recently, Sweden’s TV4 signed on for a local version produced by Meter.

The format has already returned to Poland and Finland this year, both of which were filmed in existing locations using new technology, as well as Germany, where the civilian version will be brought back in 2020, following several celebrity editions and a five-year break.

Collective, the format is airing across 18 markets in 2019.

Evi Koutsaftaki, CEO of Skai, said: “Skai feels privileged to host Big Brother on its 20th anniversary. We are excited that one of the most emblematic television shows will air on our channel and are certain that the revamped version of Big Brother will change the Greek television landscape. Skai would really like to thank Endemol Shine Group for trusting us with their most iconic show.

Mark Lawrence, executive director of EMEA for Endemol Shine International, said: “It’s great to mark a super busy first day in Cannes with the return of Big Brother to Greece. This versatile format truly changed television forever and this comeback deal proves the show is just as relevant today.  We look forward to seeing Skai’s fresh take on it after ten years away. ”

Other Endemol Shine series being showcased this week at MIPCOM include Your Home Made Perfect, The Cocaine Trail, Adult Material, Deadwater Fell and Fifty as well as Lego Masters, Treasure Island with Bear Grylls, Deep Water and My Greatest Dishes.