Big Brother - NR

Voyeuristic reality TV is iffy for teens.

TV Rating: NR Network: CBS Cast: Julie Chen Genre: Reality TV
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

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 discuss 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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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Lucy Maher

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.

Hosted by The Early Show's somewhat wooden Julie Chen, 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.

In the first season, viewers voted housemates out, but that approach was abandonded for a more traditional one starting in Season 2, when the contestants started evicting each other directly.

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 peers, such as Survivor.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content 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.
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.
Language Words include "crap," "ass," "bitch," "slut," etc.
Message
	Social Behavior The contestants use devious methods to expel their opponents. Alliances are formed, betrayals and lying are commonplace. In other words, typical reality show behavior.
	Commercialism Product placement and sponsorships are frequent. Celebrities have come by the house to promote themselves/their projects.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Social drinking. Occasional excessive drinking.