Big Brother revolutionized reality television

Big Brother is a reality television program or reality show that originates in the Netherlands. It was created by John de Mol in 1999 and since then, they have adapted the format in multiple countries around the world, making it a global phenomenon.

Big Brother

What is the main concept of the game?

The central concept of Big Brother is simple: they bring together a group of people, who from then on will be called participants or tenants, to live together in a house. The particularity is that this house is isolated from the outside world, and controlled by hundreds of cameras and microphones that record 24/7 to capture the movements and conversations of those who live there 24 hours a day.

The contestants have no contact with the outside world and must live together for a certain period, which was initially 3 months, but in some of the countries where it was broadcast it lasted up to a year. They are completely isolated from the outside, without access to news, internet, television, or phone calls. They cannot have watches, cell phones, books or writing.

Once a week everyone nominates their classmates to expel one of them from the house. Finally, the audience decides who should leave the house.

Participants complete various competitions and tests that can grant them benefits, such as immunity from nominations or material rewards.

The only communication they have is with the omnipresent entity through a “Big Brother” voice, which assigns them tasks or communicates rules.

In one part of the house there is a special room called the Confessional. In this room the contestants go to talk privately with Big Brother, make nominations and express their thoughts and feelings.

Big Brother House
Big Brother Brazil House – Image from Clarín.
It is a television program with a great story

Since debuting in the Netherlands in 1999, it quickly expanded to other countries. Adapted to different cultures, it was broadcast in more than 70 countries.

Big Brother is always the subject of great media attention and has a significant impact on popular culture. It generates debates about privacy, ethics on television, and receives criticism for different reasons such as the levels of surveillance and the emotional exploitation of the contestants. However, it has high audience levels.

Over the years, variants and spin-offs were created, such as:

  • VIP Big Brother with famous contestants.
  • Big Brother: The Reunion where former contestants from previous editions participate.
  • Big Brother Duo involving pairs of contestants.
The importance of Big Brother in creating jobs in television production

The production of Big Brother is a key driver for the creation of numerous jobs in the television industry. This program requires a wide range of professionals, from camera and sound technicians to editors, scriptwriters and logistics personnel. The large number of cameras and microphones installed in the house guarantee that every corner is monitored.

Likewise, permanent and real-time production implies the hiring of work teams for long periods. This contributes significantly to employment in the audiovisual sector.

The format was replicated globally and despite the passage of time it remains valid. It continues to capture the attention of the public through its gameplay dynamics and its focus on human coexistence.

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