Fans of winter sports are eagerly awaiting the Winter Olympics, scheduled for February 2026, showcasing elite athletes across various disciplines, including curling, figure skating, and biathlon. However, the excitement for the games is contrasted by disappointing news for reality television aficionados.
Historically, CBS has aired “Celebrity Big Brother” to provide counter-programming during the Olympics. This year, though, the network has decided not to present the celebrity edition of the hit show. Executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan delivered the disappointing news in their recent interview, attributing the decision to factors beyond their control that will prevent the show from airing in conjunction with the Winter Games. This absence is particularly felt by fans who have enjoyed the celebrity antics during the Olympic broadcasts in past years.
There’s also speculation regarding the holiday-themed special “Big Brother Reindeer Games,” which premiered in 2023 but was notably absent last year. Although no plans are in place to revive the special for the upcoming holiday season, Grodner and Meehan remain hopeful for its return. The producers believe the show’s format has the potential to flourish beyond its holiday theme, considering alternative seasons such as Halloween or Valentine’s Day, thus keeping the spirit of the show alive throughout the year.
Despite uncertainties, Grodner stressed the importance of creating a consistent airing schedule for such specials to cultivate a dedicated viewership. This suggests that fans might soon see new life breathed into “Reindeer Games,” tailored to various seasonal formats in the future.
As the upcoming Winter Olympics draw near, both sports enthusiasts and reality TV fans must navigate the shifting landscape of entertainment. This evolving schedule highlights the industry’s adaptability in response to audience interests and the competitive nature of programming, particularly amid profound global events like the Olympics. The optimism surrounding potential new programming paves the way for a vibrant and dynamic television landscape, ready to engage viewers in fresh and exciting ways.