 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Big Brother
- CBS
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Voyeuristic reality TV is iffy for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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!
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AGE
Not as bad as people say:)
it's not as bad as people make out-no sex is shown on screen (which is rare anyways) ALL swearwords are bleeped out, the only drinking is when they win the right to alcohol (rarely), no violence! and even though the messages usually aren't very positive, it's funny to watch the housemates plot against eachother, i've watched almost every series and i'm 14..:)
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AGE
Compelling reality TV is iffy for kids
The main problem with this show is that sometimes couples engage in sexual activity. However, the censors always make sure that it is NOT obvious to anyone who is not thinking about such a possibility. The only way it could be obvious is when you see a couple together in a bed. Also, you sometimes see women in bikinis and men in swim trunks. There is also some moderate language, but the "big words," as you call them, are always bleeped. And keep in mind that reality competitions are supposed to be for family audiences. In fact, once, last season, when in one of the live eviction ceremonies when Julie Chen was asking some of the contestants questions, somebody was getting into some suggestive and gross dialogue, and she stopped him, saying something like, "Wait-this is a family show." Also, once, when a contestant apparently cursed during a live HOH competition, Julie Chen said, "Rachel, keep it clean." So while this show tries to stay somewhat decent in content level, there is some iffy behavior on it that may or may not be detected by kids. But I would highly recomend this show to teenagers and young adults who like reality competitions and game shows. After all, it comes on in the summers and airs three episodes a week. This level of frequency can lead to be very addicting, certainly more so than American Idol.
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AGE
tweens and up
The show is amazing, but it's better for tweens and older. The only product placement shown is for food, which hardly matters. It's never intentionally shown and sometimes blurred out. Houseguest make a habit of walking around in their swimsuits.
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AGE
Inappropriate at any age
Can't believe this show is on in early prime time (7 pm central) on Sunday evening when more kids/families are watching tv. Inappropriate at any age. Poor role models in many ways.
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AGE
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!
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AGE
Keep you kids off the live feeds
In the actual TV show, the most anyone will see are some skimpy bikinis and people in their night clothes (usually meaning fairly modest underwear). Most seasons have at least 1 showmance, which means plenty of makouts.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 20, 2011
AGE
Awesome.
I am 12 years old and my parents and I watch this all the time. I started watching when I was about 5. Recommended for ages 9 and up because there is smoking and flirting, but 9 and up can probably handle it, as long as they are mature enough.
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AGE
still the best
i love this show but the girls are a problem sometimes by what they wear and what they do to get further in the game!!
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AGE
I love this show!
As long as your kids are mature enough for some iffy things, this is a great example of a reality TV show!
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| TV rating: | NR |
| Network: | CBS |
| Cast: | Julie Chen |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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