The Big Reunion (series 1) | |
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Country of origin | United Kingdom |
No. of episodes | 9 |
Release | |
Original network | ITV2 |
Original release | 31 January | – 28 March 2013
Series chronology | |
The first series of the British reality-documentary series The Big Reunion began airing on ITV2 on 31 January 2013 until 28 March 2013. The show features chart-topping bands who were big names in the UK pop music scene between the 1990s and early 2000s, and the programme follows them as they reunite for the first time in a decade and go through their two weeks of intensive rehearsals before finally stepping back on stage for a comeback performance.
The bands who reunited for the first series were Five, 911, Atomic Kitten, B*Witched, Honeyz and Liberty X. Blue also joined later on. Another mini-series, entitled The Big Reunion: On Tour, aired from 5–19 September 2013. It followed the groups as they embarked on a UK/Ireland arena tour, and other behind-the-scenes action. The Big Christmas Reunion, a Christmas special, also aired on 12 December 2013. It featured the bands recording a Christmas charity single for Text Santa and looking at how Text Santa helps vulnerable people.
The Big Reunion proved to be an unexpected hit for ITV2, achieving both ratings and critical success. The first episode brought in 1.2 million viewers, becoming the channel's highest rated premiere in five years, and the show went on to achieve over 1 million viewers every week, making it one of the channel's most popular shows. Additionally, tickets for the bands' comeback went on sale shortly after the end of the premiere episode and sold out in under five minutes. Due to this, the producers of the show decided to announce a full UK arena tour. The tour took place in May 2013 and, along with other behind-the-scenes action, was broadcast on ITV2 from 5–19 September as The Big Reunion: On Tour. Also, a Christmas special called The Big Christmas Reunion aired on 12 December 2013.