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Big Brother USA is a nasty game


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Old 29-07-2009, 20:42
FriendlyGoat
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It's such an evil, horrible show, really.

It's all about greed, selfishness, backstabbing. The paranoia in that house must be electric.

And I love it. For reality TV this version of Big Brother really is compelling stuff. I realised how messed up BBUS is after watching my first 'highlights' episode of BBUK this year (won't bother again, it was boring) and then I watched the most recent episode of BBUS.

BBUK is dull, tired, a shell of a concept. A show that was entertaining for 3 series, and then they revitalised the format for BBUK5 and it was good arguably up until about series 8.

But now, for some reason, the producers of BBUK are scared to change the format, or they just don't care. By taking the best of BBUS such as implementing HoH and allowing the housemates to talk about nomiinations, the show would be 100 times more entertaining. Not even 2 million people a night want to watch a dozen people in a house doing not very much, because it's DULL. The novelty wore off a long time ago. That's why nobody watches BBUK any more. By allowing housemates to form alliances etc it would create interest. The modified format creates villians, and the tabloid papers would be all over them.

Just look at Ronnie. I actually am starting to feel hatred towards the man. I think I hate him. I haven't felt that strongly about a housemate in BBUK since series 3, when Tim was in there.

BBUS has proved that it's possible to keep a version of Big Brother successful year on year because it's so compelling. Why? Because it encourages conflict. And conflict is entertaining to watch.

EDIT: I would have posted this in the main BB forum, but I doubt many would agree with me. I think the population of the main forum are the only people still watching BBUK, so they must like it still.
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:45
Kyle123
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I think what keeps US BB so fresh is the fact that the housemates are there for a purpose. They want to do well on the show so they can win the money, and then do some interviews, and then go back home to their normal lives.

Our housemates go in and treat it like a waiting game for a magazine deal or three page spread in Nuts. It means nothing to them anymore. In the older UK series, they actually gave a shit, and wanted to have a great experience.
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:47
PiperoXtheHouse
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It's such an evil, horrible show, really.

It's all about greed, selfishness, backstabbing. The paranoia in that house must be electric.

And I love it. For reality TV this version of Big Brother really is compelling stuff. I realised how messed up BBUS is after watching my first 'highlights' episode of BBUK this year (won't bother again, it was boring) and then I watched the most recent episode of BBUS.

BBUK is dull, tired, a shell of a concept. A show that was entertaining for 3 series, and then they revitalised the format for BBUK5 and it was good arguably up until about series 8.

But now, for some reason, the producers of BBUK are scared to change the format, or they just don't care. By taking the best of BBUS such as implementing HoH and allowing the housemates to talk about nomiinations, the show would be 100 times more entertaining. Not even 2 million people a night want to watch a dozen people in a house doing not very much, because it's DULL. The novelty wore off a long time ago. That's why nobody watches BBUK any more. By allowing housemates to form alliances etc it would create interest. The modified format creates villians, and the tabloid papers would be all over them.

Just look at Ronnie. I actually am starting to feel hatred towards the man. I think I hate him. I haven't felt that strongly about a housemate in BBUK since series 3, when Tim was in there.

BBUS has proved that it's possible to keep a version of Big Brother successful year on year because it's so compelling. Why? Because it encourages conflict. And conflict is entertaining to watch.

EDIT: I would have posted this in the main BB forum, but I doubt many would agree with me. I think the population of the main forum are the only people still watching BBUK, so they must like it still.
I'm always saying that for just one year, BBUK should impliment BBusa's rules, and vice versa, but the americans would point and laugh at the crappy kind of rules that we have here in the UK.
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:50
Redmond
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I agree on a lot of those points. I don't think it is out and out nasty though, because you do get housemates that play the game with class, even if they do lie and manipulate...Dan from last year is a perfect example of this.

This years series has a really nasty bunch, with only Jordan, Jeff, Casey and Michele who are decent (and Laura of course before she left). Jordan is just super sweet and doesn't fit in with this years series at all, but this could really benefit her, as I don't think she'll be a target for a long while.

It seems BBUK is incorporating the worst parts of BBUSA...the relationship twists; putting in couples and ex-partners. That was one aspect of BBUSA that I didn't like and thankfully the last two series have moved away from that, yet BBUK has decided to adopt those ideas instead. They would have done much better using the proper HoH format and allowing nomination discussion, it would have instantly created a more captivating series.

I did quite enjoy the first few weeks of BB10, but just like the previous few series I've become bored again and now it is a drag to watch. There is no purpose, the housemates seem bored out of their minds and the tasks...don't even get me started on the tasks.

I have no doubt that next years series of BBUK will be the last. Whereas BBUS still maintains its loyal audience of 6mil, in fact the average so far this year is higher than their two previous series. I'm sure BBUS will be on for a few more years yet.
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:50
Kyle123
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I'm always saying that for just one year, BBUK should impliment BBusa's rules, and vice versa, but the americans would point and laugh at the crappy kind of rules that we have here in the UK.
The very first USBB followed our format, and it tanked miserably, which is why they changed it into what it is now.

To be fair, I think USBB would tank here too.. the UK just doesnt seem to like gameshows. Remember how our Survivor flopped miserably despite immense hype?
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:55
Redmond
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The very first USBB followed our format, and it tanked miserably, which is why they changed it into what it is now.

To be fair, I think USBB would tank here too.. the UK just doesnt seem to like gameshows. Remember how our Survivor flopped miserably despite immense hype?
Survivor only flopped in relation to the hype and it's American counterpart though. People expected it to be MASSIVE, but it wasn't, however it still did decent in the ratings, in fact it beat BB2 quite often in the ratings.

ITV just didn't give it a good chance. Plus I think people were in to this interactivity, they could actually vote people out on Big Brother which caused lots of excitement and involvement. It was a great novelty that Survivor didn't have.

That novelty has worn off now because nearly every show has a voting aspect. That is why series such as The Apprentice are now massive because they DON'T have a public vote and it is much more competitive.

I think if Survivor were to relaunch it could do very well in the UK now.
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:56
PiperoXtheHouse
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The very first USBB followed our format, and it tanked miserably, which is why they changed it into what it is now.

To be fair, I think USBB would tank here too.. the UK just doesnt seem to like gameshows. Remember how our Survivor flopped miserably despite immense hype?
it's probably just a cultural thing, although i really enjoy the BBUS format. I do find that the uk public, hate producer manipulation - hate them putting in ex's and things like that, whereas i enjoy that type of stuff. I tihnk that fans such as myself are in the minority. But if the uk public would open their minds, they may find it interesting. I'm not holding my breath though. Just the fact that they'd have no say over who goes would deter them.
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Old 29-07-2009, 20:59
Kyle123
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it's probably just a cultural thing, although i really enjoy the BBUS format. I do find that the uk public, hate producer manipulation - hate them putting in ex's and things like that, whereas i enjoy that type of stuff. I tihnk that fans such as myself are in the minority. But if the uk public would open their minds, they may find it interesting. I'm not holding my breath though. Just the fact that they'd have no say over who goes would deter them.
I think the fact that anyone in the UK BB who is deemed to be "playing a game" instantly becomes the most hated person in the house kind of ruins any chance of US working here! I think the floaters would actually be liked the most
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Old 29-07-2009, 21:07
FriendlyGoat
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The very first USBB followed our format, and it tanked miserably, which is why they changed it into what it is now.

To be fair, I think USBB would tank here too.. the UK just doesnt seem to like gameshows. Remember how our Survivor flopped miserably despite immense hype?
But it doesn't have to *be* BBUSA, it can still be BBUK just let them talk about nominations. Increase the prize money and they will soon form alliances anyway when they realise they can be stronger in groups. On many occassions BBUK housemates have wanted to talk about nominations but apparently the 'nominations must not be discussed' rule is a golden one for BBUK's producers. Why? It's only a TV format, they can do as they please with it.

Alliances and friendship groups form anyway. Look at the Lip Gloss Bitches (shudders) vs The Jungle Cats in BBUK5. Letting them talk about nominations would save the show.

They could still work in public voting somewhere I'm sure. In fact they could still vote to evict one of 2 housemates. It would be interesting when one alliance is losing members every week to the eviction, as they would have to rethink their plan, or break away and join another group for their own safety. Okay that does sound like a gameshow, but maybe it could work. If they don't give the format a huge shake up (which they won't) then BBUK is finished, and I'd be surprised if another channel bothers to pick it up. I'd say Sky are the only hope for the series, because no terrestrial network will touch it now.

Originally Posted by Redmond
I have no doubt that next years series of BBUK will be the last. Whereas BBUS still maintains its loyal audience of 6mil
And who would have thought that would be the case 5 years ago?
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Old 29-07-2009, 22:47
Kyle123
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But it doesn't have to *be* BBUSA, it can still be BBUK just let them talk about nominations. Increase the prize money and they will soon form alliances anyway when they realise they can be stronger in groups. On many occassions BBUK housemates have wanted to talk about nominations but apparently the 'nominations must not be discussed' rule is a golden one for BBUK's producers. Why? It's only a TV format, they can do as they please with it.

Alliances and friendship groups form anyway. Look at the Lip Gloss Bitches (shudders) vs The Jungle Cats in BBUK5. Letting them talk about nominations would save the show.

They could still work in public voting somewhere I'm sure. In fact they could still vote to evict one of 2 housemates. It would be interesting when one alliance is losing members every week to the eviction, as they would have to rethink their plan, or break away and join another group for their own safety. Okay that does sound like a gameshow, but maybe it could work. If they don't give the format a huge shake up (which they won't) then BBUK is finished, and I'd be surprised if another channel bothers to pick it up. I'd say Sky are the only hope for the series, because no terrestrial network will touch it now.



And who would have thought that would be the case 5 years ago?


The bit in bold seemed to be happening earlier in this current series. (Idk if you've seen any) and it was infuriating to watch. The public hated it, because the unlikable housemates were voting together, and the popular ones had no chance to fight it I think at least with the HoH thing on USBB, the underdog always has a chance.. With the UK nominations system, if your not popular inhouse, your going home.
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Old 29-07-2009, 23:37
andmoreagain
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I'd love to see BBUK adopting the American format. Viewing figures are flagging so why not give it a shot? Perhaps if Sky take it over, we may see this sort of change. It's my first season of BBUS and I'm completely addicted even though I'm only watching the shows. I'll have to sign up for Live Feed next year!!
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Old 30-07-2009, 00:32
FriendlyGoat
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The bit in bold seemed to be happening earlier in this current series. (Idk if you've seen any) and it was infuriating to watch. The public hated it, because the unlikable housemates were voting together, and the popular ones had no chance to fight it I think at least with the HoH thing on USBB, the underdog always has a chance.. With the UK nominations system, if your not popular inhouse, your going home.
Yeah, that's true. Also the point made earlier about the floaters probably doing better if there was a public vote involved. The British public seem to quite like dullards, and yet BB4 flopped and BB5 was a huge success.

By the way I only saw half of the UK launch night this year and switched it off. Otherwise I saw an episode on E4 a few days ago but it did nothing for me. It's just same old, same old. It went on the wane with BB6 but I stuck with it until BB8 then sort of gave up trying to like it.

I do miss BB5 as I think it was the best series, but that was more to do with being so disappointed about BB4 being a flop. And it was time to mix it up, it had been five years. That's why I was hoping they'd try something new this year with it being the tenth anniversary, but getting a few old housemates back in to do tasks isn't good enough.

Oh yeah, while I'm here Big Brother UK could look at the US to see how to adequately do tasks. I know CBS has got a much bigger budget but still. They do what, three competitions a week? And it's always on a big scale and it's usually original. I'd love to see endurance competitions here, but perhaps health and safety would have something to say about that...
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Old 30-07-2009, 00:42
qdm1987
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I think the fact that anyone in the UK BB who is deemed to be "playing a game" instantly becomes the most hated person in the house kind of ruins any chance of US working here! I think the floaters would actually be liked the most
That whole statement is so true. I mean BBUK is such a popularity contest, that anybody try to manipulate their chances of not being nominated is consider bad. Especially if they say or do anything against the public favorites.
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Old 30-07-2009, 00:43
pondie84
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The BBUK format is still my favourite.

BBUSA is not really Big Brother at all and, although fun at times can be hard to sit through and just as tediously repetitive as BBUK can be.

I'm finding this current series a bit of a chore to watch to be honest.
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Old 30-07-2009, 00:43
Sad_BB_Addict
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IMO the only big fault in BBUSA is that sod all happens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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Old 30-07-2009, 00:45
Redmond
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I'd love to see BBUK adopting the American format. Viewing figures are flagging so why not give it a shot? Perhaps if Sky take it over, we may see this sort of change. It's my first season of BBUS and I'm completely addicted even though I'm only watching the shows. I'll have to sign up for Live Feed next year!!
I have the live feeds but they are so aggravating this year, mainly because of who has been in power each week. I can't bear to watch Jessie and his minions.

Jeff and Jordan are great on the feeds though. And hopefully next week things to start to go right for the likable people!

If you are loving this season though you'll love the previous seasons even more. I'd recommend watching them after this season is done.
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Old 30-07-2009, 00:57
FriendlyGoat
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If you are loving this season though you'll love the previous seasons even more. I'd recommend watching them after this season is done.
I didn't see last years season and was thinking of doing this, but during the current season so I can use the season 10 live feed flashback, but I think it would be too confusing to have two BBUS's on the go at the same time.
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Old 30-07-2009, 13:30
CLL Dodge
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Is the introduction of Isaac a step towards BBUK morphing into something like the BBUSA model?

It's certainly made the game nastier. Plenty of greed, selfishness, backstabbing & paranoia last night - just take a look at the forum! But will UK viewers accept that? Voters don't - they prefer nice HMs.
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Old 30-07-2009, 13:53
Ubiquitous Flux
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^ Yeah but that was for just one night. On BB USA, it happens almost every day. BB UK is doomed for failure unless they adopt a new format.
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Old 30-07-2009, 19:31
Greenwood
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I'm watching BBUS for the first time this series and I love it. BBUK is has me turning off. It's dull, tired, and just not that interesting. If the housemates don't seem to care, why should we? I think the american show is very different, it's about strategy and alliances. If BB Uk is going to continue they need to do something, why not this?
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Old 30-07-2009, 20:42
Robnoxious
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It's neat that you lot are embracing our version of BB but I think the biggest thing about our format that the majority of Brits get turned off about is we don't actually control any part of the game. I don't consider choosing what types of food the HGs eat as very important to the grand scheme of things.

BBUK is successful because of the interactivity. The public controls who leaves; Sometimes to the point of rabid hatred (Seyzer comes to mind as an example). However, it would be interesting to have our rules regarding discussion of noms being ok and still have a public vote. I think you'll find the housemates would be much more duplicitous and not truly themselves if the UK format was tweaked.
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Old 30-07-2009, 21:05
Sad_BB_Addict
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I'm sure a model including the popular elements fom both sides of the pond could be dreamed up. Given the population of the US, some public phone voting would be a formidable fund-raising tool for some good causes.
Loads of possible permutations
HMs shortlist then public vote (a la UK)
HOH shortlists > POV > HMs vote (a la US)
Public shortlist then HMs vote
Evictee decided by a game, not by voting.
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Old 30-07-2009, 21:25
Robnoxious
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I'm sure a model including the popular elements fom both sides of the pond could be dreamed up. Given the population of the US, some public phone voting would be a formidable fund-raising tool for some good causes.
Most all of our shows that have phone in votes are always toll-free. I'm not sure why that is but for the most part Americans tend to refuse to pay for those types of things. Very few US shows employ a system that charges the voter (except text voting but a toll free option is most always available along side). I honestly cannot name one show that is strictly pay-to-play outside of those word scramble quiz show scams that run late at night on cable.
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Old 30-07-2009, 21:39
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I don't think the US version would work as well anywhere outside of the US really.
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Old 30-07-2009, 21:51
cherubmattd
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posted twice. look on page 2.

Last edited by cherubmattd : 30-07-2009 at 21:53. Reason: posted twice. look on page 2.
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