Channel 4's chief content officer, Ian Katz, has described the revival of Big Brother on ITV2 as part of a 'depressing' trend of reheating old TV shows. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Katz acknowledged Big Brother was a 'wonderful show' but lamented what he called a 'microwave moment' in television.
The reality show originally aired on Channel 4 from 2000 before moving to Channel 5. ITV announced it would bring back the programme next year, five years after it ended. Katz contrasted this with Channel 4's focus on innovation, saying, 'If Channel 4 is about anything, it is about finding that new dish.'
ITV's managing director of media and entertainment, Kevin Lygo, defended the decision, citing the success of Love Island and the launch of streaming platform ITVX. He noted that Love Island attracts large young audiences to linear television, proving that 'if you get the right show, they're going to come and watch it.' Lygo also said broadcasters are now more mindful of their duty of care towards contestants.
The BBC also revealed plans to revive Gladiators, a Saturday night sports entertainment show, next year. The programme originally aired on ITV from 1992 to 2000 and later on Sky One. BBC chief content officer Charlotte Moore responded to Katz's comments, stating that reviving older shows requires creativity and intent to reinvent them for a new generation.
Channel 4 was named channel of the year at the Edinburgh TV Festival. The network has previously revived shows like The Great British Bake Off, Changing Rooms, The Big Breakfast, and Friday Night Live.
