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