Yellow and black eye starts to replace iconic Trebuchet wordmark for new series of the show

Endemol Shine has introduced a new generic eye logo and brand identity for Big Brother, which is now starting to appear on versions of the show around the world.

Since the reality TV phenomenon began in 1999, its default logo has been the iconic blue oval featuring the words ‘Big Brother’ typeset in Trebuchet MS, underlined with a wave inspired by Veronica, the show’s original broadcaster in the Netherlands.

While the UK version popularised the ‘eye’ motif, a concept since used in countless series worldwide, the original logo is still used by the Brazilian and Nigerian versions.

Now, almost two decades since the Trebuchet wordmark debuted, production company Endemol Shine is replacing it with a fresh identity – including, for the first time, a generic eye logo (main image).

Big Brother’s original logo, which has been used in various forms around the world since 1999

Coloured in black and yellow, it features two segments that fit together to form the shape of an eye. These surround a circle with a reflection, representing a camera lens.

The symbol can be accompanied by a brand new, all-caps wordmark, typeset in an adaptation of the font Simplon.

While this is the new default branding, individual versions of the show are still able to customise it, or use their own branding if they choose.

The fresh look was created by London design agency The Plant, which previously rebranded MasterChef, another Endemol Shine format.

“The identity uses the 2 most identifiable symbols of the programme, the eye and the camera,” The Plant says.

The new generic eye was first used in the Philippines, where producers customised it for Pinoy Big Brother: Otso

“The new logo retains the eye and the sense of a camera lense, but also adds a more psychological, twisted and sinister edge.”

It has long been used publicly on the Big Brother Universe YouTube and Facebook pages, official Endemol-run social channels featuring clips from the various global incarnations.

However, as Big Brother enters its 20th anniversary year, the new identity is now beginning to appear on certain versions of the show itself.

It was first adopted in the Philippines, where producers customised it with colours and designs resembling the country’s flag for Pinoy Big Brother: Otso. The series began in November and is due to conclude later this year.

Big Brother revivals in Poland and Finland are also using the new branding

Meanwhile, the new Big Brother revivals in Poland and Finland – announced by Endemol earlier this week – are both using the black and yellow eye, at least during their early stages of production.

A promo for Poland’s auditions, pictured above, also features an animated take on the logo with a more realistic camera lens.

Later this year, Big Brother will celebrate 20 years since the very first series aired in its homeland of the Netherlands.

However, it appears unlikely that the UK version will air during the format’s anniversary year after it was axed by Channel 5. Streaming service Netflix is currently in talks with Endemol about acquiring the UK rights.