The James Kilgour BlogA Life Blog.

Big Brother has been running for 10 years now, bringing into existence a whole new genre of TV. Big Brother is firmly one of the connotations of summer for many people. But after 10 years, is Big Brother still able to draw in an audience?

This years series has been the lowest rated since the beginning of the franchise, with as low as 2 million viewers each episode, and a low 10% viewing stake. The eviction of Angel on June 12th only attracted 1.6 million viewers; a franchise low.

Having watched BB10 from the beginning, I have to admit that this series is the worst. The show brings nothing new to the franchise, with boring housemates, and a complete absence of any memorable tasks and any good twists. Even the “10 Years of Big Brother” Task was dull, with past housemates barely being the house for more than 10 minutes a time.

Another major issue with this years series is the lack of a lovable housemate: the one everyone wants to win. At this point in the show, day 60, a lack of such a key housemate is a major flaw. Housemates are critical to the format. Three housemates have now left; if their bored, then so are we.

The glossy magazines also seem to have abandoned this year’s series, with Big Brother front covers at a minimum. Their support was one of the key factors behind the shows massive growth and influence.

The production team need to shake themselves up and make the series more exciting. I would recommend a dramatic twist: maybe split up the existing housemates, and make them fight each other for survival. They should also send in 5 new housemates again: this time some interesting ones. Avoid further Hiras. Putting the live feed back on would help too. This is the first series not to have the feed. Funny how it’s also the least successful.

Channel 4 are dependant on Big Brother. It seems they have put all their eggs in one basket, paying Endemol 180 million for three years up to Big Brother 11 (2010). They need to bring back the sparkle.

JK

Celebrity Big Brother this year started a week ago, last Friday. The past week has been filled with excitement, laughter, and bitching about Coolio who is getting on a lot of people nerves. Tonight, Ulrika Johnson or Lucy Pinder will be evicted. My bet is on Lucy going; she hasn’t really done much in the house, and Channel 4 bosses would be annoyed to see Ulrika go, (after splashing out on a reported £175,000 for her to be in the house). Next eviction, I think we’ll see Coolio up; he’s annoying people. Will he be saved by the public though? La Toya and Verne are my favorites to win so far.

JK

After 13 weeks, it’s finally here! The final of Big Brother 9, and the possible winners are: Sara, Mikey, Rex, Darnell and Rachel. Who will win?

To be honest, I don’t know, nor do I have a real preference. As long as it isn’t Darnell (who I find over self-obsessed, paranoid and aggressive), I don’t think I would particularly be that bothered.

The shows viewing figures are actually the lowest in the shows history; 300,000 down from last year. Saying that, I thought this year was better than last year, which I found rather boring, with a house full of people who were only there to become famous.

Channel 4 currently have a contract with Endemol, the BB production company to run the show until at least 2010, meaning a guaranteed two more seasons. If the ratings don’t pick-up though, will it continue from there?

JK

So yesterday on Big Brother, the Heavenly housemates got to watch the audition VT’s of the Hell housemates. It was a very interesting experience, with Stuart, Rex, Mohammed and Mikey being stunned at the differences between Maysoon, Dale and Rachel, who all appeared differently then they are in the house.

What I thought was how fun Rachel was in the audition! She was bubbly, energetic and funny to watch! What happened? In the house, she is just so boring and dull. She hangs out with Darnell and Kat, who are both paranoid at how everyone else is playing games. Who cares: it’s a game show! That’s what you do on a game show: win! I wish Rachel would start acting more fun, like in the VT. Watch it below:

JK

So Eviction Night is here, and about to begin in a few hours. Up for eviction is Belinda and Rex. For me, Belinda has to go! I’m so fed up with all that stupid, bad, Jazz Scat singing; has she heard herself??? No wonder the other housmates are going spare, especially with that snoring. She sounds like a Truck!

Also, there’s the fact of Rex. He clearly wants to go, but hates quitting so will not walk. His attempts to get people to vote for him are actually quite hilarious, and that makes me want to see him stay in for a bit longer lol.

So, tune in at 9pm on C4 to start watching!

JK

So this week in Big Brother, Mario and Rebecca are up for eviction this week after nominations.

Mario’s, who’s real name is actually Sean, reaction was anger, as he took out his frustration on his girlfriend Lisa. To me, It was like he was belittling her, saying that she’s playing a game and all that rubbish. It would make me laugh if she won! He thinks she is just the ‘little lady’ at home, who should follow her!

And it isn’t just that! He’s always going on about how popular he is, with his ‘fan club’ from all across the country, and his job as a ‘manager of people’. Don’t even get me started on Health & Safety! Load of crap. Elastic bands; oh what a risk!

Here’s just a short clip of his gob in action (just look at Luke’s face!):

Please get him out. Any more and I’ll commit murder. Luckily, he’s the favourite to go, with odds 2/7.

JK

So Big Brother is back! BB9 has been going on for about 4 weeks now, and I love it! Big Bro is one of the best parts of the summer months. Some think it’s for people who haven’t got a life. But there wrong! BB is a study of humans in an environment, living harmoniously or not. It shows how we work together, and I for one think it’s fascinating!

JK