In a move that has surprised many reality insiders, CBS swapped the date for its Survivor premiere and Big Brother 16 finale today.
Here’s the official press release from CBS.
Survivor Premiere and Big Brother Finale Both to Feature Special 90-Minute Episodes on Wednesday, Sept. 24
The Season Finale of “Extant” To Be Broadcast Wednesday, Sept. 17
CBS’s premiere week Wednesday will feature an all-reality night showcasing two of the most successful reality franchises with special 90-minute editions of the season premiere of SURVIVOR followed by the summer finale of BIG BROTHER, on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
The night begins with an expanded premiere of the 29th edition of SURVIVOR (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT), hosted by Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst. The new edition, broadcast from San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua and themed “Blood vs. Water,” will feature a cast of all-new contestants competing against a loved one.
Last spring’s edition of SURVIVOR consistently won its 8:00-9:00 PM time period in all key ratings measures, averaging 11.57 million viewers, 3.2/09 in adults 18-49 and 4.1/11 in adults 25-54.
Following SURVIVOR, the winner of BIG BROTHER will be revealed live during an extended season finale (9:30-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT), hosted by Julie Chen.
BIG BROTHER has been one of the summer’s dominant programs, winning its three weekly time periods in key demographics. BIG BROTHER is averaging 6.99 million viewers, 2.5/09 in adults 18-49, 2.8/09 in adults 25-54 and 1.7/07 in adults 18-34, with all three editions ranking among the summer’s top five broadcasts in adults 18-49 and top 15 among viewers.
The season finale of EXTANT, the most-watched new series of the summer, previously announced for Wednesday, Sept. 24, will be now be broadcast Wednesday Sept. 17 (10:00-11:00 PM).
Revised Schedule for Wednesday, Sept. 17
8:00-9:00 PM BIG BROTHER
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS (R)
10:00-11:00 PM EXTANT (Season Finale)
Revised Schedule for Wednesday, Sept. 24
8:00-9:30 PM SURVIVOR (Season Premiere)
9:30-11:00 PM BIG BROTHER (Season Finale)
