CBS Opens Casting on 'Big Brother 5'
Monday, March 15

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Calling all shut-ins and agoraphobics, CBS is looking for a new cast of aesthetically pleasing housemates for the latest incarnation of the summer reality franchise "Big Brother."

Last year's "Big Brother" was a popular programming alternative for CBS throughout the summer months, as the amusement of the show's "X Factor" attracted new viewers. Several of the attractive contestants were shocked to discover that they'd be sharing a cramped house on the CBS lot with former partners, though fireworks never really erupted.

The big winner was Jun Song, who topped Alison Irwin in the final.

There's no word on what twists await this year's lucky housemates as they compete for a million dollar prize. Fortunately, Arnold Shapiro and Allison Grodner are back as executive producers and promise myriad surprises.

"Allison and I are excited about 'Big Brother 5,' and the new surprises and twists that await this summer's houseguests," Shapiro says. "The one constant we can promise participants and viewers alike is: expect the unexpected. We're seeking the most outgoing, competitive, quirky and charismatic players we can find."

Hopefuls can get applications and instructions at www.cbs.com. The deadline for submissions is Good Friday, April 9. A two-minute videotape, two color photographs and a willingness to have your every move taped, recorded and mocked for posterity is required.

"The X Factor last year was only the beginning," Grodner says. "We look forward to returning to 'Big Brother 5' this summer and stirring things up for the new houseguests."

Hi KS,

Is there any word on whether E4 will take the feeds again this year?

I've also read that an all stars show would be a possibility sometime in the future, that would be excellent!

Hi Coljj! I wouldn't worry at all about the availability live internet feeds for BB5 USA. Those feeds are a major revenue stream for both CBS & Real Networks (joint partners).

On the other hand, I haven't a clue as to whether BB5 USA will be shown on any UK broadcast,cable etc network.

Regarding a potential BB USA All-Star series, I'm much more optimistic about that then I was last year. The reason for this is the obvious ratings success of the currently-aired "Survivor All-Stars" series. But keep in mind that aired after SEVEN seasons & BB USA will have only five seasons completed after this Summer.

KS

KS, i'll be getting live feeds anyway but it was nice be able to watch the nightly ongoings which wasn't otherwise possible to do live with the time difference.

E4 coverage enabled me to watch the night hours at an acceptable time, the latest i usually got to watch the hamsters was up until dinner preparations and when i woke in the morning they were all mostly asleep.

It was cool it being on a 16hr delay because it was like watching BB minority report style!

Regarding the all stars, good point about them having a smaller pool to pick from plus Shaprio never acknowledges BB1 so make that 4 seasons to pick from. Also someone made a good point about there being 1 BB a year in comparison to Survivors 2 a year rota so that would mean a 2 year gap until we got some fresh BB faces. I dont know how they would work around that, maybe a modified version early on in the year?