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Could Big Brother 10 be the last?

(February 2009)

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TO
Tom0
I do like the show but I find it very hit and miss. I've only watched in full BB3, BB5, BB6 and BB9. I watched the first half of BB7 but then it became too twisted and too much, and I watched CBB3 and CBB4- two very simple series' that had great production values.

I think they have been trying too hard lately whereas in the earlier years they just used to let them get on with it. Its quite obvious they don't want another BB4 and really you can't blame them.

I don't think BB10 will be the last because of the alleged £180m they paid for BB8-11. I don't think they'll waste that much money (which could be around £60m if they terminate the contract). But if Channel 4 do drop it I definitely believe it will have a home on another channel. It is in a bit of a critical condition at the minute but with the right work it could easily become a success again. It will never be a success on the scale of BB3, BB5 or BB7 but it can be a success. Its just whether Channel 4 and Endemol are willing to put the work in, or whether Channel 4 thinks its time up.
AN
Andrew Founding member
If Channel 4 axed it I could see Five or Sky One picking it up, assuming costs were brought down, as these channels do have a habit of reviving other channels' cast offs. It no longer provides ratings that ITV1 would be interested in.

I can see Channel 4 milking it for years to come though
BR
Brekkie
If it was picked up by another channel I don't see it happening for a few years.
WO
woolly
im sure channel 4 comfirmed they have it till 2010, or 2011
DA
David_02
SAMness posted:
im sure channel 4 comfirmed they have it till 2010, or 2011


2010.
HA
harshy Founding member
bb1, bb2 and bb3 were the good series, then they turned it rubbish after that.
LL
Larry the Loafer
IIRC didn't ITV considering buying rights to air Big Brother a while ago?
TO
Tom0
Larry the Loafer posted:
IIRC didn't ITV considering buying rights to air Big Brother a while ago?


Yeah. Wouldn't surprise me if they try again next time either. With work the format can be restored and if its given a big platform like ITV then it definitely helps. Its also a good draw for 16-34 year olds and fills up a hell of a lot of air time. Although the figures aren't great lately, if you take into account the cost they pay and the amount of extensive coverage it gets across the Channel 4 network then its more than justified.
DA
David_02
Larry the Loafer posted:
IIRC didn't ITV considering buying rights to air Big Brother a while ago?


They had talks with Endemol (reportedly to push up the price Channel 4 would pay for the rights) but they never made a formal bid.
DA
David_02
Tom0 posted:
Larry the Loafer posted:
IIRC didn't ITV considering buying rights to air Big Brother a while ago?


Yeah. Wouldn't surprise me if they try again next time either. With work the format can be restored and if its given a big platform like ITV then it definitely helps. Its also a good draw for 16-34 year olds and fills up a hell of a lot of air time. Although the figures aren't great lately, if you take into account the cost they pay and the amount of extensive coverage it gets across the Channel 4 network then its more than justified.


TBH, if they didn't make a bid for the show after it had finished a highly successful series in 2006, I very much doubt they'd touch it after a race row and two comparatively flop series.

I imagine it's still justified for Channel 4, but there's no guarantee ITV would attract justifiable ratings for the show in it's current state, and I don't know if they'd be able, or be willing, to dedicate that same amount of airtime over a 12 week period.
GS
Gavin Scott Founding member
I'm not sure I understand all this "reworking" talk.

The premise is completely simple. Yes, initially it was new and exciting - but once you're used to it - i.e. the second series, its not the novelty factor that keeps you tuned in, its the players.

A successful series of Big Brother is all in the casting - and very little else. The twists, late entries and other peculiarities are irrelevant, in my view. That is to say - I can't recollect which years they did what, but I remember some of the housemates and their interactions particularly well.

The culture of media wannabes is certainly more well-formed these days, but its always been true to an extent - and don't believe that the BB1 cast were ANY different, or less aware of the potential benefits of taking part.

I don't think its a programme anywhere near being retired.

Perhaps it needs to move channel, dispense with the satellite programming and live streams, and stick with a one hour slot every night of the week.

Perhaps, too, they need better people in charge of casting. Its a difficult job and experienced producers should be doing it.

If they get that bit right, its a guaranteed hit.
SJ
sjames
Or Channel 4 could just bring back Shattered to replace Big Brother.
Now there was a show that wasn't given enough series!

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