Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
BB behavior undermines holiday spirit in spinoff.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Big Brother Reindeer Games
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
BIG BROTHER REINDEER GAMES is a holiday version of the Big Brother franchise that sets out to save Christmas by having folks compete for cash. Co-hosted by Santa Claus and former Big Brother contestant Derek Xiao, the series features nine of the most memorable Big Brother contestants trying to keep the festivities from being canceled. For two weeks, every time there's a problem at the North Pole, contestants are told about the challenging situation by a prior contestant (aka Elf Ambassadors). The cast members must then step and in to solve the challenge to keep Christmas on schedule. The least helpful contestant gets sent home, while the others remain at the winter lodge. The final four contestants get to compete in Santa's annual "Reindeer Games" -- one-on-one competitions, the end of which awards $100K to the winner.
Is It Any Good?
The unscripted spinoff attempts to create a family-friendly Christmas-themed event by contextualizing the challenges as ways to help Santa Claus. While it's mildly charming, the intention behind it is so badly gift wrapped that it's easy to see all the strategizing and competitive behavior the parent series is known for. There's some friendly socializing, but some cast members reference former problematic relationships in ways that aren't very jolly. Some even shed their holiday spirit by openly admitting that they will do turn on people if they must to win the prize money. Big Brother fans may appreciate this as a gift, but others may find Big Brother Reindeer Games to be deserving of a big lump of coal.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Santa Claus is asking for help from past Big Brother cast members. What could happen if they don't help him fix the problems that come up as he prepares for Christmas?
Big Brother Reindeer Games creates a narrative that attempts to contextuaize the game within a child-friendly Christmas narrative. Is it successful?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 11, 2023
- Cast : Santa Claus , Derek Xiao
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Game Shows
- Topics : Holidays
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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