The return of Big Brother: Why broadcast TV is not yet dead

With the sudden rise of streaming, many claim that the era of broadcast television is well and truly over. But for me, ITV’s reboot of Big Brother has proven this assumption firmly false. It must have been a challenge: reviving one of the staples of 2000s British popular culture (cue the iconic “David’s Dead!”) and restarting the original social experiment, but it must be said, ITV have done a great job so far.

What is Big Brother?

If you aren’t familiar with Big Brother, it was first commissioned by Channel 4 in 2000, inspired by George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. While their every move is recorded, a group of strangers (known as housemates) live together in a house completely cut off from the outside world for an extended period of time. Each week, they nominate each other for eviction and are evicted from the house by public vote. The last one remaining wins a prize of £100,000! Faced with tasks, a lack of routine, and most of all – boredom – the dynamics of the house are constantly on edge as contestants try to strategically stay in the game.

The cultural impact of the show cannot be overstated

In the last couple of seasons, we’ve seen contestants react wildly differently to the social experiment and weeks of isolation from reality – from showmances to bitter fights to tactical alliances – the psychological impacts of being under constant surveillance and away from home slowly unravel. The diversity of the contestants leads to heated debates about key issues such as politics and race, which mirrors society’s current polarisation on these topics.

The Community Culture

The cultural impact of the show cannot be overstated – the show was truly the first of its kind. Hugely increasing the popularity of reality TV through its 24/7 livestreams and engaging the public through voting, it’s not a surprise that the show is credited with introducing us to some key British icons such as Alison Hammond and Nikki Grahame. It undoubtedly set the scene for our current influencer culture and social media stars. Now, the rise of social media has completely changed the way viewers interact with the show and the contestants they either love or hate. ON X, #BBUK trends almost nightly as the show airs, with users posting their hot takes, predictions, and criticisms over unravelling events in real time. Digital forums such as Reddit have thriving communities that dissect every development as it happens. Unlike the pre-reboot era, this new version of consumption allows viewers to feel like part of a collective community, and make friends with their fellow watchers as the show airs, which simply cannot be replicated by binging box sets or the Netflix catalogue.

The cast has always been a microcosm of a diverse British society

One of the most impactful aspects of the show is undoubtedly the level of vulnerability and openness of the housemates.  The cast has always been a microcosm of a diverse British society, and hearing contestants’ insights and personal experiences gives the show another layer of depth, a rarity today. 2023’s winner, Jordan Sangha’s discussions on navigating coming from a working-class background to becoming a barrister (and attending Warwick!) was inspiring. Last year’s contestant, Khaled, shared his background as a Palestinian refugee and opened up crucial conversations surrounding current global issues, which are often disregarded.

Is the reboot too manufactured? 

Nonetheless, the revival has not escaped criticism. Many have critiqued ITV’s casting of a primarily young demographic, accusing them of alienating older viewers by forcing a cast of young hopeful-influencers on them. Viewers have even found some contestants’ profiles on entertainment agency websites. Many also feel the focus on endless pointless tasks and producer interference has led to the old nostalgia of the show being lost: it poses the question – does ITV care more about creating entertainment as opposed to keeping the original concept?

Its impact on entertainment remains at the forefront of current popular culture

Ultimately, the Big Brother reboot has been successful. In an age of extreme social polarisation and politics, the show remains one of the only programmes that platforms such a diverse range of voices. It encourages conversations on key national issues by conveying the real-life effect they have on people. Its impact on entertainment remains at the forefront of current popular culture, with regular ‘I’m claustrophobic Darren!’ references being made daily. The sense of community, friendships, and participation that have been forged from the show is something that can only be replicated by live television. So, as I watch the opening theme to the current season every day, and attend live evictions, I will remember why broadcast television cannot be beaten.

Big Brother is available to watch on ITVX.