If you were glued to the live feeds back in 2014, you remember the chaos. Big Brother 16 was basically the Derrick Levasseur masterclass, but the soul of the season? That belonged to "Zankie."
The relationship between Zach Rance and Frankie Grande wasn’t just a game alliance. It was a cultural flashpoint. You had Zach, the self-proclaimed "Florida frat boy" who looked like he stepped off a Lacoste ad, and Frankie, the high-energy Broadway performer (and, famously, Ariana Grande’s brother). On paper, it made zero sense. In practice, it was the most compelling thing on TV.
But for years, fans argued over whether it was real. Was it queerbaiting? Was Zach just "playing it up" for the cameras? Was Frankie predatory? The truth, as it turned out years later, was a lot more complicated than a 22-minute CBS edit could ever show.
The Zankie Alliance: Bromance or Showmance?
In the house, they were inseparable. They slept in the same bed, cuddled constantly, and exchanged "I love yous" that didn't sound like game talk. Zach even famously told the Diary Room that Frankie was his "boyfriend."
Honestly, it was confusing for people.
Back then, the term "bromance" was thrown around to keep things "safe" for a mainstream audience. But the chemistry was palpable. While the "Bomb Squad" alliance was busy imploding, Zach and Frankie were in a corner of the backyard whispering about their final two deal. It felt like they were in their own world.
Then came the betrayal.
Derrick, the puppet master of the season, realized that Zach was too unpredictable. He nudged Frankie. He planted seeds. And eventually, Frankie helped orchestrate Zach’s eviction. It was brutal. I remember watching Zach’s face when he realized his "best friend" had turned on him. It wasn't just a game move; it felt like a breakup.
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What happened after the cameras stopped rolling?
For a long time, the trail went cold. They did the usual post-show press, acted cordial, and then... nothing. Zach went back to Florida. Frankie went back to being a "social media mogul."
Fans assumed it was just a summer fling—or worse, a cynical ploy for followers.
But in 2020, Zach Rance dropped a bombshell. In a virtual interview with Tommy Bracco (from BB21), Zach officially came out as bisexual. But he didn't just come out; he finally set the record straight on him and Frankie.
He admitted that they actually hooked up after the show.
"He was the first guy that I ever hooked up with. After that night, I was very unsure about the direction of my sexuality because I like women... but I fell in love with who he was as a person." — Zach Rance, 2020.
This wasn't some scripted "Team America" task. It was real. Zach explained that he struggled with his identity for years after the show because he had always identified as straight. The "Zankie" era was his literal bisexual awakening, played out in front of millions of people before he even knew what to call it.
The Dark Side of the Fandom: 10 Years of Harassment
You’d think a "happy ending" like that would satisfy the shippers. You'd be wrong.
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Fast forward to late 2024 and early 2025. Zach Rance had to go public with something much darker. While "Zankie" was a fun memory for most of us, for Zach, it turned into a decade-long nightmare.
He revealed that an obsessive fan had been harassing him for ten years. 10 years! We’re talking over 5,000 emails. Direct threats to his family. This person was even contacting his real estate clients to try and ruin his career.
The stalker’s grievance? Apparently, they were "disappointed" that Zach and Frankie didn't stay together forever. It’s a terrifying reminder of how toxic reality TV fandom can get. People forget these are human beings, not characters in a fanfic.
Where do Zach and Frankie stand in 2026?
They aren't "Zankie" anymore. Not in the way fans want them to be.
Zach Rance is now a married man. He tied the knot with his wife, Courtney, in November 2024. He’s moved into a life of mental health coaching and real estate, largely stepping away from the "reality star" persona. He’s happy. He’s settled.
Frankie Grande is still... well, Frankie. He’s still a fixture in the Broadway and LGBTQ+ community. He recently underwent cervical spine surgery in late 2025 but has been recovering and staying active on social media.
Are they friends? Sorta. They follow each other. They’re "cordial." But they don't hang out. The "relationship that was more than friends" ended a long time ago.
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Lessons from the Big Brother 16 Era
Looking back at zach and frankie big brother moments, it’s easy to see why we were so obsessed. It was a transition period for TV. We were seeing a "straight" guy explore his feelings in a way that wasn't a joke or a punchline.
But we also have to acknowledge the limitations of that era.
- The Edit: CBS often edited their closeness for laughs rather than sincerity.
- The Pressure: Both men were under immense pressure to play a role—Zach as the "crazy" guy and Frankie as the "fabulous" one.
- The Aftermath: The lack of support for houseguests once they leave the bubble is a recurring issue in reality TV history.
If you’re still a Zankie truer, it’s time to let it go. Appreciate the season for what it was: a chaotic, emotional, and surprisingly ground-breaking summer.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to support the guys today, follow their actual lives, not the 2014 versions of them. You can check out Zach’s work in the mental health space—he’s done a lot of work on "clearing the air" regarding his past. For Frankie, his recent advocacy for sobriety and his journey through recovery from surgery are far more relevant than an old showmance.
Support the creators, not the "ships." Stop sending the "Why aren't you with Frankie?" DMs. Let the man live his married life in peace.
The "Zankie" chapter is closed. And honestly? That’s okay.