CBS’s Big Brother: Reality T.V. At Its Best

Six years ago, CBS wanted to have something different. The product was a show that pitted stranger against stranger. They were chosen at random to live in a house completely surrounded by cameras. They would have no outside contact, no telephone, radio or television. Each week a person would be nominated for ‘banishment’ and evicted by America’s vote.

After season one, major changes were in store for the houseguests. From that point on Big Brother has become a popular hit. With the addition to America’s Choice has made it even more interesting. With all the twists and turns, this television show has become a staple in many people’s lives.

I for one have been watching the show from the very beginning. At first I wasn’t sure how it would work. The idea of fourteen strangers living together was a copy cat of another reality show on a different network. After watching the first show though, I gave it a chance.

When season four premiered they added what was called the X-Factor. Certain ex boyfriends, girlfriends and even husbands were brought into the game to ‘shake things up.’ This didn’t set too well with me, especially in the beginning. As the show progressed however, the idea started growing on me. In the end, I wasn’t happy with the outcome, but you can’t always have it both ways.

Now though these “twists” are becoming monotonous. New ideas need to be thought of. It also seems to me the game is much shorter. When it first aired, it lasted almost 90 days. Now it’s not as long (at least from what I’ve noticed.) Still though, it’s an interesting show to say the least.

With season seven the network has brought back players from previous seasons. This is by far the most interesting season (with the exception of season 1). My favorite is Chicken George from Season 1. He might have a run at making the final two, but it’s too early. The exit of one houseguest (who shall remain nameless) was shall we say, unique in its own right.

What kind of impact has “Big Brother” had on us as a nation? There are tons of websites devoted to the players of the game. People (not everyone) seem to schedule their activities around the show. I for one like watching it, but if I miss it, so be it. I don’t like missing it but it’s happened. Obviously a number of folks remembered houseguests from seasons 1 through 4, as well as last.

American as become wrapped up in reality television, which can be both good and bad. The main focus of this article has been of course the aforementioned show. This one along with “Survivor” are the pioneers, which started many other reality shows.

With the final two weeks of “Big Brother,” I am rooting for Chicken George and Danielle to make the final two. At this point though, anything can happen and always expect the unexpected.