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Big Brother

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Voyeuristic reality TV is iffy for teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The contestants use devious methods to expel their opponents. Alliances are formed, betrayals and lying are commonplace. In other words, typical reality show behavior.
  • Violence:

    In some of the tasks, contestants end up with bruises and sore muscles. In one season, a contestant allegedly threatened another with a knife.
  • Sex:

    Some skimpy outfits; heavy, frequent flirting between the contestants. Some relationships have gone far past the flirting stage, all the way to sex (including oral sex and group sessions); while there's no graphic action or nudity in the primetime broadcasts, it's clear what's going on, and unedited versions are available on cable's Big Brother After Dark.
  • Language:

    Words include "crap," "ass," "bitch," "slut," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Product placement and sponsorships are frequent. Celebrities have come by the house to promote themselves/their projects.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Social drinking. Occasional excessive drinking.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Big Brother was written by Lucy Maher

Parents need to know that the contestants on this voyeuristic reality show are 14 adults who live together in a house. Their close proximity leads to various iffy situations, including excessive drinking and hooking up. What's more, the contestants manipulate each other (lying, flirting, etc.) to get a leg up on their opponents.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about healthy competition. Why is it important to be a good sport? How can you handle an opponent who doesn't play fair? Which of the contestants on this show play fair, and which don't? Is it OK to play dirty with so much at stake? Why or why not?
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More on Big Brother

What’s the Story?

In CBS' BIG BROTHER, 14 contestants live under the same roof and vie for the chance to be the last resident remaining -- and to win $500,000. Under the watchful gaze of hidden cameras in every room, the contestants spend three months sequestered in their souped-up quarters (often tricked out with products placed by advertisers) completing challenges and scheming to evict the other competitors in a bid to be the last one standing. In the first season, viewers voted housemates out, but that approach was abandoned for a more traditional one starting in Season 2, when the contestants started evicting each other directly. The host is The Early Show's somewhat wooden Julie Chen.

Is It Any Good?

Big Brother entertains viewers with its scandalous situations -- Jacuzzi hook-ups, threats, etc. -- confessionals in the video diary room and, of course, the contestants' shameless cunning and guile. But while reality show addicts (and anyone who likes a good voyeuristic thrill) will want to tune in, ultimately Big Brother -- which features contestants frolicking in bikinis and canned personality conflicts -- fails to live up to its more intelligent reality-show peers.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    OK for kids

    Yes BB has alot of things wrong w/it as far as concerns go like the arguing some not so good language drinking and skimpy outfits and flirting but hey they see it in the real world you just have to tell them what is appropriate and whats not! but I love it and my kids do too! We never miss a night that it is on!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    OK for older teens not so good for tweens

    I call this my trashy TV, that should scream volumes. Swearing, (most is beeped out but you can usually tell what they are saying), skimpy outfits and drama is ok for me but not my 14 year old.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Love it soooo much!

    This show is great every single year it plays! I watch it every night it is on! It is sooo funny! I loved Big Brother - All Stars! That one was the best! I can't wait till it comes on this year!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

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