The UK version of Big Brother ends today with a final episode at 19:30 on Channel 4, having hosted 260 housemates over 10 years. Channel 4 cancelled it because of low ratings, although another network could pick up the show. The series debuted in 2000, shortly after the US version, having been adapted from John de Mol’s original version in the Netherlands.
Not counting the zombie version, the show has aired 21 series, according to Wikipedia’s comprehensive history, some of which were condensed celebrity and all-star editions; there was even a teen version. The final season is called Ultimate Big Brother and features housemates from all 11 regular seasons, in addition to several celebrities, and it concludes tonight.
The housemates had a funeral for Big Brother, who’s more of a character than the producer voice is in the US.