Common Sense Media Review
Voyeuristic reality TV is iffy for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Big Brother
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 38 kid reviews
Kids say that the show is enjoyable and entertaining, often praising its competitions and drama, although many express concerns about language and inappropriate content that could be unsuitable for younger viewers. While some believe that older kids or teens can handle the content, emphasizing the importance of maturity, others argue it features negative role models and is not appropriate for children under 12 due to swearing and adult themes.
- fun competitions
- concerns about language
- maturity needed
- mixed role models
- age suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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.
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 :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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