Who Won Big Brother 19 and What the Prize Was
Josh Martinez won Big Brother 19 in a 5-4 jury vote against Cameron Heard. The season aired in 2017, and Martinez took home the top prize of $500,000. The runner-up, Cameron Heard, received a $50,000 prize, while other notable houseguests earned smaller amounts based on their finish and competition wins. The season featured 16 original houseguests and lasted 92 days, following the standard format of the CBS reality series Big Brother on CBS.
The winner's total package included the $500,000 grand prize, while the season's America's Favorite Houseguest earned an additional $25,000. Production costs for the season were not publicly disclosed, but the show's advertising revenue and streaming deals generated significant income for CBS and its production partners. Josh Martinez later appeared in other media projects and maintained a public profile tied to his Big Brother win, though his post-show career remained focused on personal ventures rather than a full-time entertainment role.
How the Prize Money Was Structured and Taxed
Big Brother 19 Prize Breakdown
The $500,000 grand prize paid to Josh Martinez is subject to federal and state taxes, with the IRS treating reality TV winnings as ordinary income. Winners typically receive a W-2G form and must report the full amount on their tax returns. After taxes, the net payout is often 30% to 40% lower than the gross prize, depending on the winner's total income and residency IRS guidance on gambling income.
Runner-up Cameron Heard's $50,000 prize follows the same tax treatment. Production bonuses, appearance fees, and other compensation for houseguests are also taxable. The show's budget covers prizes, production, and talent payments, with costs offset by advertising, sponsorships, and digital streaming rights sold to platforms like Paramount+.
Financial Impact on CBS and Production
Big Brother 19 generated revenue through ad slots during live eviction episodes and digital engagement across CBS platforms. The show's production company, Endemol Shine North America, manages the format and licensing, while CBS handles broadcasting and ad sales. The season's ratings and social media activity influenced ad rates, with a 30-second spot during live episodes commanding premium pricing.
Where Are Big Brother 19 Winners Now
Josh Martinez's Post-Win Activities
Josh Martinez has kept a low public profile since his Big Brother 19 win. He did not pursue a long-term career in entertainment and has focused on personal and business interests outside of reality TV. Public records and social media show no major corporate partnerships or ongoing TV contracts tied to his win.
Cameron Heard, the runner-up, similarly returned to private life after the season. Other houseguests from Big Brother 19 have appeared in subsequent seasons, podcasts, and public appearances, but none have reached the same level of sustained media visibility as earlier winners. The show continues to cast new seasons, with the latest seasons airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Reality TV Earnings Trends
Reality TV prize pools have remained relatively stable, with Big Brother and similar shows offering grand prizes in the $500,000 range. Top-earning winners across the franchise have leveraged their fame for brand deals, social media monetization, and appearances, but most contestants do not achieve long-term financial gains beyond the initial prize