Is the TV Show Big Brother Fixed?

The question of whether the TV show Big Brother is fixed has been a subject of debate among viewers and critics alike. While the show is not scripted in the traditional sense, reality television is often shaped by producers to create a compelling narrative. This article explores how production methods, though ethical, can influence the direction and outcome of the show.

Reality Television and Producer Influence

Reality television is not a genre where everything is predetermined. However, it is also not a free-for-all environment where anything goes. Producers play a crucial role in shaping the narrative to keep viewers engaged. They look for certain personality types and situations that can create conflict and drama. This is similar to improvisational theatre, where the plot may not be fixed, but the producers have a vision for the overall story.

Producer Influence in Big Brother

Despite the show's claim of authenticity, Big Brother has a level of production interference that can subtly shape the narrative. This interference is more about guiding the show's direction rather than directly influencing the outcome of the game.

Contestant Manipulation

Producers can push people towards conflict and polarizing personalities. For instance:

Frankie Grande: Although he exhibited a lot of negative behavior, he was given a break due to his fame. His behavior was often well-edited, allowing him to rest on his reputation rather than the show's content. Competitions: Producers design competitions to favor certain contestants based on their strengths or weaknesses. This can be particularly evident in the case of returning players who are well-known for their past performances. Unexpected Twists: The show often introduces sudden plot twists, which can feel artificial and less organic. While some twists, like the double eviction diamond or the power-of-veto, are familiar, newer elements can seem arbitrary and out of place. Inconsistent Rule Enforcement: While the show strives for consistency, occasional leniency in rule enforcement can make the game seem less fair. Examples include: Christmas: Remaining in the game despite a broken foot. Josh: Banging pots and pans all summer when another contestant was not allowed to do so. Josh (again): Sneaking food under the blankets when he was on slop, and production pretending not to notice. Jen and Matt: Receiving penalty votes for minor infractions like eating an apple or cereal. George: Having to eat slop all season due to a penalty.

Effect on Viewer Perceptions

The constant editing and production intervention can lead viewers to perceive the show as scripted. This is perhaps most evident in the diary room confessions, which may start with the same animated scripts, making them feel less organic and more orchestrated.

Conclusion

While Big Brother has its share of production involvement, it is far from being fixed in the traditional sense. The show's producers aim to create a compelling narrative while maintaining the integrity of the game. Nevertheless, certain elements of production can make the show seem more scripted than it is. Viewers should be aware of these production techniques to better understand and appreciate the show's authenticity.