'Big Brother' Renewed for Season 15

CBS

CBS has officially renewed summer reality staple Big Brother.

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The network made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon, hours before the 14th season finale -- when a winner will be crowned -- is set to air. Season 15 will be broadcast in summer 2013 and will continue to be hosted by Julie Chen.

Since premiering in 2000, Big Brother has consistently finished among the summer's top-rated series in the young demos. This season has averaged 6.8 million viewers and a 2.5 rating in adults 18-49.

Big Brother, which usually airs three nights a week, will continue to give viewers full access to its houseguests, with the 24-hour live feeds and Big Brother: After Dark that airs on sister network Showtime 2.

Big Brother airs its 90-minute season finale, when it crowns the $500,000 winner of season 14 (it will either be Dan, Danielle or Ian) and names America's Player, at 9:30 p.m. following the premiere of Survivor: Philippines.

Casting for the new season is already underway.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com