Big Brother Reindeer Games

Last updated

Big Brother Reindeer Games
Big Brother Reindeer Games.jpg
Genre Reality competition
Based on Big Brother
by John de Mol Jr.
Presented by
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producers
Production companies
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseDecember 11 (2023-12-11) –
December 21, 2023 (2023-12-21)
Related
Big Brother

Big Brother Reindeer Games is a reality competition television series and spin-off of the American version of Big Brother . It aired on CBS on December 11, 2023, to December 21, 2023, and hosted by former Big Brother HouseGuests Derek Xiao, Tiffany Mitchell, and Jordan Lloyd. The series features nine former HouseGuests competing against each other across six episodes which aired over the course of two weeks. Big Brother Reindeer Games was placed on hiatus in 2024, due to lack of scheduling availability on the network..

Contents

House

The house used for Big Brother Reindeer Games was renamed to the Santa's Lodge under the holiday-theme. The entryway of the house was decorated with flying reindeer, gold-wrapped presents, and a red flannel rug. The living room had a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and wreaths. The kitchen, which in this season was named "Mrs. Claus Bakery", had red and green wallpaper with Christmas symbols, and gingerbread men on the counters. [1]

Format

Each episode consists of three games and ends in a "Santa's Showdown", the outcome of which determines the elimination of one HouseGuest. [2] The players did not live in the Big Brother house or together, and there was no voting to evict other players. Four HouseGuest remained in the finale with one winning a $100,000 grand prize. [3]

Format changes and additions

Unlike the previous seasons of Big Brother, Reindeer Games did not involve any nominations, house-voted evictions or live broadcasts. Instead, the nine houseguests from previous seasons would compete in a series of holiday-themed daily challenges. [4] [1]

Naughty and Nice Challenge

In this challenge, the houseguests would compete to gain an advantage for the next challenge, while simultaneously, giving a disadvantage for a houseguest of their choosing, also known as the Naughty List Punishment.

Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge

The winner, or winners, of this challenge, would receive safety from elimination.

Santa's Showdown

The nominees would compete against each other in various challenges to determine who would remain in the lodge and who would be eliminated from the game.

  • The losing houseguest would get to choose a present under the Christmas tree that contains gifts from a fruit cake to $5,000.

Santa's gifts history

EpisodeEliminated HouseGuestSanta's gift
1CameronOne-year Jelly of the
Month Club subscription
2CodyFruit cake
3Danielle$5,000
4JoshUgly Christmas sweater
5BritneyPair of underwear and socks

HouseGuests

The cast of Big Brother Reindeer Games. L-R: Cody, Cameron, Britney, Josh, Nicole, Santa (host), Taylor, Danielle, Frankie, Derek (host), Tiffany (host), Jordan (host) and Xavier Reindeer Games Cast.png
The cast of Big Brother Reindeer Games.
L–R: Cody, Cameron, Britney, Josh, Nicole, Santa (host), Taylor, Danielle, Frankie, Derek (host), Tiffany (host), Jordan (host) and Xavier

The HouseGuests were revealed intermittently throughout December 6 and 7, 2023. [5]

NameAgeOccupationResidenceResult
Nicole Franzel-Arroyo
Big Brother 16, Big Brother 18 & Big Brother 22: All-Stars 		31 Boutique owner Ubly, Michigan Winner
Episode 6
Taylor Hale
Big Brother 24 		28Motivational speakerDetroit, MichiganRunner-up
Episode 6
Frankie Grande
Big Brother 16 [a] 		40ActorLos Angeles, CaliforniaFinalist
Episode 6
Xavier Prather
Big Brother 23 		29Attorney Milwaukee, Wisconsin Finalist
Episode 6
Britney Haynes
Big Brother 12 & Big Brother 14 		36Real estate agent Tulsa, Oklahoma Eliminated
Episode 5
Josh Martinez
Big Brother 19 		29 Content creator Miami, FloridaEliminated
Episode 4
Danielle Reyes
Big Brother 3 & Big Brother 7: All-Stars 		51 Real estate manager San Francisco, CaliforniaEliminated
Episode 3
Cody Calafiore
Big Brother 16 & Big Brother 22: All-Stars 		32 Software sales rep Howell, New Jersey Eliminated
Episode 2
Cameron Hardin
Big Brother 25 		34 Stay-at-home dad Eastman, Georgia Eliminated
Episode 1
Notes
  1. ↑ Frankie Grande also participated on the 18th series of Celebrity Big Brother UK .

Future appearances

In 2024, Josh Martinez competed on The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras . [6] Martinez competed on the second season of the Telemundo reality television series Los 50 . [7]

In 2025, Xavier Prather competed on season one of The Anonymous. Britney Haynes and Danielle Reyes competed on season three of The Traitors US . Martinez competed in season one of Destination X . [8] Taylor Hale competed in The Amazing Race 38 . [9]

In 2026, Martinez competed on the sixth season of La casa de los famosos . [10]

Episodes

No.TitleOriginal release date  [11] U.S. viewers
(millions)		Rating/share
(18–49)
1"Episode 1"December 11, 2023 (2023-12-11)1.53 [12] 0.26/2 [12]

Nine All-Star HouseGuests entered the holiday-themed Big Brother house, which is referred to as Santa's Lodge.

  • Naughty and Nice Challenge: The HouseGuests must observe a series of clues that hint at the title of a famous Christmas song. The first person to name the song correctly in the Diary Room wins the Naughty and Nice power.

Britney was the first to guess the song correctly, "Up on the Housetop", to win the advantage. Britney would later learn that with the advantage comes a disadvantage, which she must grant to another contestant. After hearing the other HouseGuests, Britney decided to give Cody the Naughty stocking, as he is a threat in competitions.

  • Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge: The HouseGuests would walk across a balance beam, and when they reached the other side, they must put a letter in another HouseGuests' mailbox. The first person to deliver all their letters and re-deliver all the letters given to them wins the challenge. Britney started with an advantage of one fewer envelope in her mailbox, while Cody received an extra envelope. In the end, Frankie won the challenge.

Frankie had to decide which two HouseGuests would participate in the Santa's Showdown to determine who would be eliminated. He chose Cameron and Xavier.

  • Santa's Showdown: Both Cameron and Xavier had to complete a puzzle of an ugly Christmas sweater using a picture for reference. In the end, Xavier won the challenge and Cameron was eliminated. On his way out, Cameron received a gift for a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.
2"Episode 2"December 12, 2023 (2023-12-12)1.59 [13] 0.23/3 [13]

  • Naughty and Nice Challenge:
  • Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge:
  • Santa's Showdown: Cody Calafiore was eliminated.
3"Episode 3"December 14, 2023 (2023-12-14)2.04 [14] 0.30/3 [14]

  • Naughty and Nice Challenge:
  • Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge:
  • Santa's Showdown: Danielle Reyes was eliminated.
4"Episode 4"December 18, 2023 (2023-12-18)1.78 [15] 0.28/3 [15]

  • Naughty and Nice Challenge:
  • Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge:
  • Santa's Showdown: Josh Martinez was eliminated.
5"Episode 5"December 19, 2023 (2023-12-19)2.03 [16] 0.30/3 [16]

  • Naughty and Nice Challenge:
  • Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge:
  • Santa's Showdown: Britney Haynes was eliminated.
6"Episode 6"December 21, 2023 (2023-12-21)2.29 [17] 0.32/3 [17]

  • Naughty and Nice Challenge:
  • Jingle Bell Brawl Challenge:
  • Santa's Showdown:

    Competition history

      The Houseguest won Big Brother Reindeer Games and the $100,000 prize.
      The Houseguest was the runner-up.
      The Houseguest was eliminated in the finale.
      The Houseguest won the Jingle Bell Brawl challenge, securing immunity and nomination power.
      The Houseguest was nominated to compete in the Santa's Showdown challenge.
      The Houseguest was eliminated from the Lodge after losing the Santa's Showdown challenge.
    Progress of HouseGuests including competition and nomination history during each episode of the program.
    HouseGuestEpisode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4Episode 5Episode 6
    Naughty and Nice
    Challenge Winner    		BritneyCodyTaylorFrankieNicoleXavier
    Naughty List
    Punishment Recipient(s)    		CodyTaylorJoshNicole
    Xavier    		XavierNicole
    Jingle Bell Brawl
    Challenge Winner(s)    		FrankieBritney
    Danielle
    Josh
    Taylor    		Nicole [a] Frankie
    Taylor    		Taylor
    Frankie    		(None)
    Santa's Showdown
    Nominees    		Cameron
    Xavier    		Cody
    Frankie
    Xavier    		Frankie
    Xavier
    Britney
    Danielle    		Josh
    Nicole    		Britney
    Xavier
    NicoleSafeSafeBrawl WinnerShowdownSafeWinner
    (Episode 6)
    TaylorSafeBrawl WinnerSafeBrawl WinnerBrawl WinnerRunner-up
    (Episode 6)
    FrankieBrawl WinnerShowdownShowdownBrawl WinnerBrawl WinnerFinalist
    (Episode 6)
    XavierShowdownShowdownShowdownSafeShowdownFinalist
    (Episode 6)
    BritneySafeBrawl WinnerShowdownSafeShowdownEliminated
    (Episode 5)
    JoshSafeBrawl WinnerSafeShowdownEliminated
    (Episode 4)
    DanielleSafeBrawl WinnerShowdownEliminated
    (Episode 3)
    CodySafeShowdownEliminated
    (Episode 2)
    CameronShowdownEliminated
    (Episode 1)
    EliminatedCameron
    Lost Santa's
    Showdown    		Cody
    Lost Santa's
    Showdown    		Danielle
    Lost Santa's
    Showdown    		Josh
    Lost Santa's
    Showdown    		Britney
    Lost Santa's
    Showdown    		Xavier
    Lost Semi-final Bracket
    Frankie
    Lost Semi-final Bracket
    Taylor
    Lost Final Bracket
    Nicole
    Won Final Bracket
    Notes
    1. ↑ For this episode's Santa Showdown, the Jingle Brawl Winner nominates one contestant into Santa's Showdown. If that contestant finishes the challenge in the allotted time, they then choose a contestant to go into Santa's Showdown. This contestant will have less time than the player who went before them. This process repeats until someone loses the challenge and is eliminated.

    Production

    Development

    In May 2023 Deadline Hollywood reported that CBS was considering an additional season of Big Brother in the 2023–24 television schedule, with "all-star contestants", to fill in gaps left by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes. [18] CBS had previously done the same with Big Brother 9 which aired in 2008, to combat the 2007–08 Writers Guild of America strike. [19]

    Prior to the Big Brother 25 finale in November 2023, host Julie Chen Moonves teased a "holiday surprise" from the "Big Brother universe". In an interview following the episode, Chen Moonves stated that a fourth season of Celebrity Big Brother was unlikely to happen, but noted the possibility of a shortened season with returning players. [20] The Hollywood labor disputes ended with the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike ending in September, [21] and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike ending two months after. [22] With most scripted series set to begin filming shortened seasons in late-November and early-December, [23] [24] and most premiering in 2024, [25] there were still empty slots in the schedule. [26]

    During the Big Brother 25 finale, it was announced that a new spin-off of Big Brother would air in December titled Big Brother Reindeer Games. [27] The series was produced by Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Endemol Shine North America with Allison Grodner, Rich Meehan, and Chris Roach serving as executive producers, all returning from Big Brother. [28]

    In November 2024, it was announced that the series would not air a second season in December, with producers citing that they could not find airtime availability on CBS. Although they remained hopeful that it could return in the future. [29]

    Casting

    The series did not feature Chen Moonves and was instead hosted by former Big Brother HouseGuests Derek Xiao, Tiffany Mitchell, and Jordan Lloyd, who were known as "Santa's Elf Ambassadors"; Xiao and Mitchell competed on Big Brother 23 , while Lloyd was on both Big Brother 11 and Big Brother 13. [30] Additionally, nine other former contestants, including one from Big Brother 25, would return to compete. [31]

    Marketing and release

    The series premiered on December 11, 2023, and was filmed in its entirety prior to its release. [32] It did not feature any live feeds. [33] Big Brother Reindeer Games aired three episodes a week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, over two weeks, totaling six episodes before its finale on December 21. [34] A teaser trailer was aired during the Big Brother 25 finale featuring former competitors Frankie Grande, Britney Haynes, and Danielle Reyes, and was based off a similar teaser that aired to promote the twenty-fifth season. [35] Episodes from the series also streamed on Paramount+. [36]

    See also

    References

    1. 1 2 Weaver, Nicole (December 9, 2023). "'The 'Big Brother: Reindeer Games' House Is Full of Christmas Cheer". Collider . Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
    2. ↑ "Global Gets Festive With First Ever Big Brother-Inspired Holiday Reality Special Big Brother Reindeer Games" (Press release). Global Television Network. Corus Entertainment. November 9, 2023. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    3. ↑ Wu, Valerie (November 9, 2023). "'Big Brother' Sets Holiday Special 'Reindeer Games' With Returning Houseguests From Past Seasons". Variety . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    4. ↑ Iannucci, Rebecca (December 11, 2023). "Big Brother Reindeer Games Premiere: Who Went Ho-Ho-Home on Night 1?". TVLine . Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
    5. ↑ Longeretta, Emily (December 7, 2023). "'Big Brother Reindeer Games' Cast: Meet the Past Winners and Fan-Favorites Competing in the Holiday Showdown". Variety. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
    6. ↑ "Meet the cast of 'The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras'". EW.com. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
    7. ↑ "Estos son los nuevos participantes de Los 50 segunda temporada". TELEMUNDO.com (in Spanish). September 24, 2024. Retrieved October 4, 2025.
    8. ↑ "Meet the cast of 'Destination X' reality show hosted by Jeffrey Dean Morgan". EW.com. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
    9. ↑ Bloom, Mike (August 14, 2025). "It's a 'Big Brother' Takeover! Meet the Full Cast of 'The Amazing Race 38'". Parade . Retrieved August 17, 2025.
    10. ↑ "Josh Martinez Is Done Being Misunderstood (Exclusive)". Men's Journal. February 17, 2026. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
    11. ↑ "'Big Brother Reindeer Games' Brings A Holly Jolly Showdown To CBS In The Hit Reality Show's First Holiday Special" (Press release). Paramount Press Express. November 9, 2023. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    12. 1 2 Pucci, Douglas (December 12, 2023). "Monday Ratings: 'Big Brother: Reindeer Games' Premiere Delivers So-So Figures for CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
    13. 1 2 Pucci, Douglas (December 13, 2023). "Tuesday Ratings: NBC Leads Broadcast, 'Big Brother: Reindeer Games' on CBS Disappoints on Night Two". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. Retrieved December 13, 2023.
    14. 1 2 Pucci, Douglas (December 16, 2023). "Thursday Ratings: 'CMA Country Christmas' on ABC Most-Watched on Broadcast, 'Big Brother: Reindeer Games' Improves on CBS". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
    15. 1 2 Pucci, Douglas (December 19, 2023). "Monday Ratings: 'Password' Holiday Special Does OK in Total Viewers for NBC". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
    16. 1 2 Pucci, Douglas (December 20, 2023). "Tuesday Ratings: 'The Voice' on NBC Hits Season-High Viewership with 24th Season Finale". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
    17. 1 2 Pucci, Douglas (December 22, 2023). "Thursday Ratings: 'Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic' on CBS Tops Broadcast Network Telecasts in Total Viewers". Programming Insider. Archived from the original on December 22, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
    18. ↑ White, Peter (May 11, 2023). "Unscripted TV Community Fears Strike Impact: "It's Not Going To Be A Carefree, Hot Girl, Reality Summer"". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    19. ↑ Learmouth, Michael (January 9, 2008). "Broadcasters Set To Feel Real Strike Pain: A Network Scorecard". Business Insider . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    20. ↑ Ross, Dalton (November 2, 2023). "Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves teases a possible winter 'Legends' season". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    21. ↑ White, Peter; Patten, Dominic (October 9, 2023). "It's Official: WGA Members Overwhelmingly Ratify New Three-Year Deal With Studios". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    22. ↑ Kilkenny, Katie (November 8, 2023). "STRIKE OVER: Actors Make a Deal With Studios After 118 Days". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    23. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (November 3, 2023). "Inside the Networks' Post-Strike Plan to Salvage the '23–24 TV Season (Hint: Prepare for the Shortest Season of Grey's Anatomy in 19 Years)". TVLine . Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    24. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (November 9, 2023). "Return To Work: List of First TV Series To Restart Production After SAG-AFTRA Strike". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    25. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (November 3, 2023). "2023–24 Episode Count & Production Start Plans Tweaked For Series Like 'Grey's Anatomy', 'CSI: Vegas' & Wolf Entertainment Dramas As Strike Goes On". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    26. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (November 8, 2023). "TV Actors Getting Back To Work After SAG-AFTRA Strike As Series Start Setting Return To Production Dates". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    27. ↑ Seemayer, Zach (November 9, 2023). "Julie Chen Moonves Announces 'Big Brother: Reindeer Games' Special Winter Series". Entertainment Tonight . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    28. ↑ Knolle, Sharon (November 9, 2023). "CBS Sets 'Big Brother' Holiday Spin-Off 'Reindeer Games'". The Wrap . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    29. ↑ Tinoco, Armando (November 4, 2024). "'Big Brother Reindeer Games' Season 2 Not Coming Back In 2024, Producers Hopeful "It Could Resurface"". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved November 4, 2024.
    30. ↑ Nemetz, Dave (November 9, 2023). "Big Brother Sets All-Star Reindeer Games Holiday Edition With Big Format Changes — Who Should Come Back?". TVLine . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    31. ↑ Berman, Marc (November 9, 2023). "'Big Brother Reindeer Games' Announced By CBS". Forbes . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    32. ↑ Ross, Dalton (November 9, 2023). "Ho! Ho! Huh? Big Brother to air Reindeer Games all-stars mini-season". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    33. ↑ Rice, Lynette (November 9, 2023). "'Big Brother Reindeer Games' To Premiere In December". Deadline Hollywood . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    34. ↑ Bloom, Mike (November 9, 2023). "'Big Brother' Announces "Reindeer Games" Holiday Special". Parade . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    35. ↑ Powell, John (November 9, 2023). "Big Brother Reindeer Games Coming In December". Global Television Network . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
    36. ↑ Darwish, Meaghan (November 9, 2023). "'Big Brother' Sets Holiday-Themed 'Reindeer Games' to CBS Winter Lineup". TV Insider . Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
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