The final of BBB 25, aired on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, marked a significant low point in the history of the reality show, which has been a staple of Brazilian television since its inception in 2002. Renata Saldanha, a dancer from Fortaleza, Ceará, emerged victorious, but the event was overshadowed by disappointing audience ratings. The final episode garnered an average of just 17 points in Grande São Paulo, a stark contrast to the 27 points achieved during the previous season's finale, which represented a dramatic 37% drop in viewership.
This year's finale was particularly notable as it marked the first time that a Big Brother Brasil final had recorded less than 20 audience points in São Paulo. The previous record for the lowest viewership was set by BBB 23, which reached 20 points when Amanda Meirelles won. The final aired from 22:35 to 0:34, and during this time, competitors Guilherme and João Pedro finished in second and third place, respectively, vying for the grand prize of R$ 2,720,000 alongside Renata.
As the show concluded, nostalgia filled the air with a video montage showcasing memorable moments and former contestants from past seasons. Iconic figures like Kléber Bambam from BBB 1, Jean Wylles from BBB 5, and Marcelo Dourado from BBB 10 were highlighted, reminding viewers of the show's rich history. Musical performances from ex-contestants such as Fiuk (BBB 21), Wanessa Camargo (BBB 24), and Juliette Freire (BBB 21) aimed to add excitement to the finale, but many of these performances received criticism online. Arthur Aguiar's duet with Pocah (BBB 21) was particularly noted for sparking negative reactions.
The overall performance of BBB 25 has been disappointing, with a general average of just 16 points, making it the least-watched season in the show's history. This decline in viewership has led to speculation about the future of the franchise, which has traditionally been a significant draw for Brazilian audiences. The ratings for previous seasons serve as a stark reminder of how far the show has fallen: BBB 1 achieved an impressive 59 points, while BBB 5 and BBB 4 followed closely with 57 and 56 points, respectively. In stark contrast, the final ratings for recent seasons have plummeted, with BBB 24 at 27 points and BBB 23 at 20 points.
As the dust settles on this season, discussions among fans and critics alike are likely to center on the reasons behind the declining interest in the show. Factors such as the format, casting choices, and the overall entertainment value may be scrutinized as producers look to revitalize the franchise. The reality show landscape in Brazil is competitive, with other programs vying for viewers' attention, and the producers of BBB will need to adapt to changing audience preferences.
Moreover, the reactions from the audience and social media users have been mixed. While some fans expressed their support for Renata's victory, others questioned whether she truly deserved the win. The dynamics of the season, including alliances and rivalries, played a significant role in shaping the narrative of BBB 25, and the final outcome has sparked debate among viewers.
In the lead-up to the finale, several contestants faced elimination in various "paredões" (elimination rounds), with notable exits that shaped the season's trajectory. Camilla was eliminated with a staggering 94.67% of the votes in the seventh paredão, while Joselma followed in the seventeenth paredão with 67.19%. Other contestants, such as Mateus and Thamiris, also faced significant voter rejection, highlighting the intense competition and the public's shifting preferences throughout the season.
As the reality show concluded, the focus now shifts to what lies ahead for the Big Brother Brasil franchise. With viewership numbers declining, producers may need to reconsider the show's format, introduce new elements to engage audiences, or even rethink their casting strategies to attract a broader demographic. The challenge will be to balance maintaining the show's essence while innovating enough to recapture the interest of viewers who have drifted away.
In the end, the conclusion of BBB 25 leaves many questions unanswered about the future of the series. Will producers take drastic measures to revive interest, or will they continue with the tried-and-true formula that has worked for so many years? As fans reflect on this season's ups and downs, the anticipation for the next installment of Big Brother Brasil will undoubtedly be accompanied by a mix of hope and skepticism.
