Parents' Guide to

Big Brother

By Lucy Maher, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Voyeuristic reality TV is iffy for teens.

TV CBS Reality TV 2000
Big Brother Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 12+

Based on 16 parent reviews

PG D.
PG D. Adult
February 11, 2018
age 13+
iffy for children it just depends on Childs maturity level

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
2 people found this helpful.
Ann P.
Ann P. Adult
August 13, 2017
age 14+

Big Brother is a competitive game show where 16 contestants compete against each other for $500,00. The reviews blasted the show, when in all it isn't bad. Yes there are are a few in the edge outfits, but no sex. At least not in the five years I've been watching it. My two sons (15 and 13 ) watch it with me. I say 14 up.

2 people found this helpful.
See all 16 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (16 ):
Kids say (38 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: July 5, 2000
  • Cast: Julie Chen
  • Network: CBS
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: NR
  • Last updated: September 24, 2023

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