"Big Brother's" most controversial season ever is coming to an end, and CBS is giving it another go.


On Thursday, the network renewed the reality series for Season 16, set to air Summer 2014.


Season 15 of "Big Brother" has been up 11% in the ratings this summer, averaging 7.29 million viewers per episode, with 2.6 million in the coveted 18-49 demo.


The ratings jump could have something to do with the controversy surrounding the show due to the racist, homophobic and other offensive remarks made by Houseguests Aaryn Gries, Amanda Zuckerman and more.


Additionally, CBS announced that a special 90-minute finale of the current "Big Brother" season will air on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 9:30 p.m. ET.


"Big Brother" airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET, Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.



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  • Aaryn Gries


    Aaryn Gries, 22, a College Student from San Marcos, Texas




  • Spencer Clawson


    Spencer Clawson, 31, a Railroad Conductor from Conway, Ark.




  • GinaMarie Zimmerman


    GinaMarie Zimmerman, 32, a former pageant coordinator from Staten Island, NY




  • Howard Overby


    Howard Overby, 29, a Youth Counselor from Hattiesburg, Miss




  • Helen Kim


    Helen Kim, 37, a Political Consultant from Chicago, Ill




  • David Girton


    David Girton, 25, a Lifeguard from San Diego, Calif




  • Kaitlin Barnaby


    Kaitlin Barnaby, 23, a Bartender from Minneapolis, Minn.




  • Judd Daughtery


    Judd Daughtery, 26, a Property Appraiser from Etowah, Tenn




  • Elissa Slater


    Elissa Slater, 27, a Nutritionist from Kannapolis, N.C




  • Nick Uhas


    Nick Uhas, 28, an Entrepreneur from New York, NY




  • Jeremy McGuire


    Jeremy McGuire, 23, a Boat Shop Associate from Katy, Texas




  • Candice Stewart


    Candice Stewart, 29, a Pediatric Speech Therapist from New Orleans, La.




  • Andy Herren


    Andy Herren, 26, a Professor from Chicago, Ill




  • Amanda Zuckerman


    Amanda Zuckerman, 28, a Real Estate agent from Boynton Beach, Fla




  • McCrae Olson


    McCrae Olson, 23, a Pizza Delivery Boy from Oak Grove, Minn




  • Jessie Kowalski


    Jessie Kowalski, 25, Unemployed from San Antonio, Texas