‘Big Brother’ returns to Portugal after 14-year absence

Big Brother Italy

Endemol Shine Group’s reality format Big Brother is returning to Portuguese screens after a 14-year absence.

Broadcaster TVI has commissioned a new version of the global reality hit to be produced by Endemol Portugal.

The series will be shot in an existing beachfront home, where 57 cameras and 48 microphones will continually monitor a new batch of contestants, who can be voted out of the house by the public.

Big Brother’s return to Portugal is the sixth recent comeback deal for the show, with versions also commissioned by broadcasters in Sweden, Germany, Poland, Finland and Greece in the past year. The Brazilian version of the series recently claims 416 million votes recorded for one contestant’s “eviction” in the past month.

Patricia Louro, executive producer at Endemol Portugal said: “It is fantastic to see a true resurgence and renewed love for the original reality format, and the fact that audiences are still connecting with Big Brother globally, a format that is now 20-years-young.

“This a testament to the brilliant creative teams in Endemol Shine Group, who are able to continually refresh and reinvigorate who we collaborate with to enable us to be back on Portuguese screens. We’re especially pleased to film in an existing beachfront location, further proof how this format truly thrives in embracing tech.”

In related news, Endemol Shine Brasil has been commissioned for a second season of Best.Cover.Ever (O Próximo Número 1 VillaMix).

The programme has been produced for beer brand Brahman and VillaMix music festival, in partnership with Google, Africa Agency and Draftline. The six-parter seeks to find Brazil’s best ‘sertanejo’ dancer.