Big Brother US Finale; UK Launch Sparks Backlash

Big Brother US Season 27 concluded with Ashley Hollis winning the $750,000 grand prize in a 6-1 jury vote over Vince Panaro, who took $75,000, while Keanu Soto was named America’s Favorite. The live finale also revealed the season’s masked “BB Mastermind” to be three returning alums — Eric Stein (BB8), Jessie Godderz (BB10/11) and Frankie Grande (BB16) — after Dr. Will Kirby was briefly accused on-air. Eric Stein’s return resolved a season-long mystery and highlighted his Big Brother history as the show’s original America’s Player and an early BB8 frontrunner. In the U.K., ITV relaunched Big Brother for its 25th anniversary with a maximalist eyeball‑themed house and a revamped, multicolored Diary Room chair. The launch-night “evil eye” twist forced a first‑night, partially off‑air eviction with a four‑minute viewer vote and a delayed eviction result, provoking widespread viewer anger and criticism as cruel or gimmicky. ITV is offering extended coverage including Big Brother: Late & Live and a 24/7 stream on ITVX as producers tease further twists.