The first episode of the new Big Brother, which aired on ITV2 in early October, was met, initially, with hesitation. There was a lot of distrust held by audiences regarding the highly anticipated revival of the legendary TV show, though viewers’ scepticism was understandable. Big Brother UK was axed in 2018, following a ratings slump, and was left in the dust by newer, flashier shows such as Love Island. From 2000 and arguably up to its demise in 2018, the show was hailed for its ability to connect with real people: literally putting the ‘real’ in ‘reality’ TV.
Now it’s back, and the show is attempting to maintain this passion for the ‘real’. After the sixteen new contestants walked into the house on the 8th of October, opinions were split. Immediately, the reception was hostile and over-protective of the ancient past: pieces by major UK publications used words such as ‘bland’, ‘prosaic’ and ‘exhausted’ to describe the initial few episodes. However, the reaction on social media platforms has been astounding. Whether it be negative or positive reviews, Big Brother 2023 is impossible to escape on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
Disregarding the highbrow critiques for a moment, the social media following is strong. Although ratings are low (only 2.5M for the launch episode, dropping to 880,000 last Friday), the devoted circle have already grown deeply passionate about the show. Most prominently, the online queer community have taken hold of the reins, already campaigning for winners and churning out high-quality memes as the episodes air.
The other half of social media content regarding the show consists of many calls for the demise of ‘woke culture’. Reality TV is a new era of championing diversity and kindness, something that many viewers can’t seem to get on board with. Following Ofcom’s guidelines, to protect reality TV stars, changing in 2020, shows such as Love Island have taken extensive measures to ensure the safety of contestants against online trolling and production manipulation. Big Brother, now airing on ITV2 the home of Love Island, has made clear that these guidelines are being very strictly followed.
Of course, what people say online cannot be entirely controlled. Despite these guidelines, there will always be the masquerade of anonymity that occurs via social media usage allowing individuals to speak their full, unfiltered opinions. One contestant, NHS worker Kerry Riches, has been at the forefront of this.
During the most recent eviction, in which contestant Zak got voted out by the public, the audience chanted ‘Get Kerry Out!’ was audible to the housemates for a brief moment: this is an action that goes against the anti-bullying regulations put in place for audience members at live shows. This chant is the gradual cultivation of social media criticism over two weeks. Kerry has rubbed certain viewers up the wrong way due to conflicts with other contestants, her negative demeanour and her use of the word “gay” as an insult.
However, this ‘Get Kerry Out’ manifesto contradicts a lot of opinions, an interesting one proposed on Twitter being that Kerry should remain in the house to keep up the sense of chaos she induces. In my opinion, this sums up the contradictory nature of controlling authentic audience reactions. In line with Ofcom, it makes sense that Kerry should receive warnings for intolerable behaviour but should not be at the forefront of an unbearably overwhelming sense of being public enemy number one. However, finding the balance to appease audiences, contestants and producers alike seems futile.
Big Brother 2023 has found a very suitable place to stand amongst all of these concerns. By committing to diversity with its contestant line-up, the show has created a wonderfully dynamic environment within contemporary reality television. Opposing political beliefs, queer people, people of colour, different social classes, different age ranges, beautiful moments of friendship, arguments, resolutions, love triangles and ridiculous games, all exist in this glossy new house. It lacks the grime and the sharp teeth of Channel 4’s original version of the show, but this makes room for the contestants to prosper and enjoy their time on the show.
Lacking a nostalgic feel of utter chaos, the show is not for people seeking that ‘best moments compilation’ viewing party. However, this smoothed-out revival is not at all boring. Although this positive may be down to the vibrant personalities in the show, it in turn credit should be given to the casting team and those involved in the production of challenges and relationships, working hard to find that newly developed sweet spot on prime time TV.
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