I thought i'd start a discussion thread in here for the US version of this show as we already have one for the UK version, that and someone brought up some good points in the link thread for the show.


I have to agree with everything Ultraforge has said. I tried watching the first few episodes of the US version the other night and was shocked at the difference between it and the UK one, they are nothing alike other than the fact that it's a group of people thrown into a house to compete for a prize at the end. The type of people that are chosen for the US one seem to mostly be chosen for predominantly looks and secondly to fill certain stereotypes whereas the UK version tend to grab a represntative cross section of real people.

It really is no wonder that the rest of the world views Americans as morons when they are represented like this. I'm lucky enough to have a lot of friends who live in the states which results in me knowing better, the reality and the media image certainly do not match up.

From some of Ultras comments i take it that prejudice is still rife, at least in the media over there? I guess i didn't realise how lucky we are to have such a laid back attitude to how people want to live their lives here compared to the states if that is true. A big thumbsdown to this crap US version of BB :/

I agree as well UK dominates the US one in comparison.

I am not American and not European, so that provides me with a relativity open viewpoint. I am not predisposed to liking either show.

Looking at both carefully, the differences are clear and present. The editing of the show, the challenges, the host, the rules, the housemates... all different to a certain degree. I can honestly say that I prefer every single aspect of the UK version over the American version.

"You are what you eat" and this could be said is true of television and its viewers. With the UK Big Brother, they trust the mob to rule over who gets sent home, after the housemates nominate. That means that the choices made on who stays, and wins, is predicated by the thoughts and motivations of the UK viewing public. Now, take this into account:
- Peter "Pete" Alexander Bennett wins season 7. Pete is an ex ketamine addict who has Tourette's syndrome
- Nadia Almada wins season 5. Nadia is a transgendered person, born as a man but is currently a woman.

Now ask yourself...if the American public was responsible for who won Big Brother, would these people EVER win? The UK viewing public has shown maturity and acceptance time and time again.

I personally see Big Brother as a social experiment, and somewhat of a social mirror representing it's country of origin. In the case of America, it is the "mirror that flatters not".



EDIT: I am watching the latest episode of US Big Brother right now. Shima just finished describing the things that Braden said against her friends as racist and bigoted. "A vote for Braden is a vote for a bigot. Anyone who votes for a racist and a misogynist deserves to go home". Not even 4 episodes in and this happens? Lame.

Well the US did try the UK style for Big Brother when it first started. It failed, and was revamped for Americans. I can't really say one is better than the other, as they are both set-up for their own society. I enjoy them both from a social science perspective. Based only on entertainment value I'd have to pick the US version though. The UK version is like watching a home movie about grass growing.

im hooked on big bro uk,,,,shoot me its a waste of my summer but i cant stop watching,,,,heheh,,,,and get noirin out,,,,she,s a sly batch,,,her to go next ill be happy till nexy week,,,heheh

I'm sad to say that I've been hooked on the US version since it began. We've known from the beginning (as I imagine everyone who's watched it knows too) that they choose people and create situations that will cause the most drama/conflict...ratings, ratings, ratings. I could care less - I love the psychological aspect of how people deal with being confined, thrust into situations of betrayal and lies, and competitions. The drama that is created (i.e. putting them into "cliques" this year) can be annoying and transparent at times, but it makes for an interesting show.

I figured I would give my two cents, since I'm a BB finantic as well. I haven't seen the UK version, but more wanted to give some points on the US one. It would be more entertaining to have all walks of life in the BB house, but then again I would imagine they would have some serious reprucusions if a former addict won. I mean here's the lime light and a large amount of cash, don't go spend it on dope in one night... (I believe that's why the psych tests, and background checks are there. We want our BB cast to be crazy, but not certifiable.) And personally there's so much bickering going on to follow i don't think I could handle every other word bleeping out because of terrets. Gotta love censorship. I have no real point on the transgender person that was spoken of in the Uk, but I don't think that's so far out of reach here in the US. I could be wrong, but I know personally I wouldn't be bothered who was on there. I like the idea of the public getting to vote on who stays and goes, but then again wouldn't that change how the houseguests reacted with one another. Instead of lies and manipulation (or for better words gameplay) it would just be some long drawn out sob story for why they should win. The underdog would win, and all the fun of seeing how people work things out for themselves would be sucked right out of the show. If I wanted to see the underdog win I would turn the channel on american idol or america's got talent. I'm not saying a switch up wouldn't do the show a world of good, but you never know what BB has in store for us. Maybe, the idea of the cliques was to bring a new way into US BB. I kinda think alot more scheming can go on when you have a handful of people just like each other together, than people all different. It's real easy to vote off someone different when they stick out like a sore thumb. Anyways, sorry if I rambled or didn't make any sense. I wanted to chime in, but I ended up ranting a lil. I really didn't want to sound so closed minded.

And why would being a former drug addict make a difference? Does being a former drug addict make someone less of a person than you? Just another form of prejudice.

Oh and btw, Davina McCall the host of the UK Big Brother is a former drug addict.

No, of course their not a lower person than me... To be quite honest, I was addicted at one time to coke... and my point is even with someone that never had an addiction and they get fame could fall into that trap, but couldn't you see where if that happened to one of the houseguests and they did go back to using how the public could blame the network or program for that. Like I had said, the psych tests and background checks are there to protect them, and I don't blame them on that point cause even tho they didn't pull the trigger they had a hand in loading the barrel. I'd love to go out and buy an eightball, but I stopped hanging out with that crowd and improved my life. If I was hob-knobbing with some celebrities and they pulled out some I'd have to be honest and say I would have the biggest time turning it down... I didnt mean to sound judgemental, but I don't usually comment on things but had my own perspective since I know how I would be if i won BB. I really didnt wanna say any personal facts about myself but I guess I should have to get my point across. I just hate hearing sob stories, even my own. Again, thats why i like US BB cause it's not all about that. It's about the social interactions of a group of people thrown in a house to win some money:P

Also, I don't know how looks was a factor in choosing the houseguests for US BB when the only one I found physically attractive was Lydia... (Her personality kinda squashed that tho) The personalities in general have been all over the map in my opinion, but I guess if you were judgemental and took everybody at face value you wouldn't see how different they were. I've just found it fascinating seeing how each person deals with confrontation, betrayel, love/lust, friendship, and any other obsticle that has come their way.

I really wish you were watching more of US BB Kabaal, I would love to have chatted with you about Russels taunting towards Ronnie, Lydia and Nat's girlish bickering over Jessie, or any other situation going on in the house. I love the game play and strategizing.

Jeff is my favorite player this year, I love his game play. Just lay low and let everyone else attack each other. I'm glad Ronnie got booted last week. His game play was horrible and to me, he just didn't have a very likeable personality. I didn't like how he tried to threaten Michele for a vote. Dirrrrty. Russell is his own worst enemy. Natalie needs to learn that she doesn't need to fight all of Jessie's battle's, let him do his own dirty work. And she definitely needs to shower more often. I've really noticed a difference in behavior with Chima winning HOH. I don't know, she doesn't really bother me till she starts in on Russell with the "terrorist" bullshit. Kevin and Jordan are just there, not too much to them really. Why is Jessie back for another season? Ugh, that guy kills me. If I see him flex his muscles and pose one more time I'm going to stick pins in my eyes. Ha! Hopefully Jeff uses the power this week and kicks that ass out. And what's with Lydia trying to cut herself? Is it for attention or does she seriously have a problem that needs to be looked into?
I would love to see Jeff in the final two...but to be with who? I don't know.

Oh, you are so right on so many different levels. Jeff is way smarter than I initially gave him credit for when he warned Jordan that any action he takes Jordan will be blamed for too. Ronnie was pure awful, and hopefully now that he's home catching up on all the episodes he can see that for himself. I didn't care for Russell that much at first, but he's grown on me. Unfortunately, everyone in the house is throwing him under the bus now. Jeff and Russ are my wishlist for the final two, but I see Russ leaving either this week or next. Crosses fingers for that not to happen. It's sad to say, but I actually think Nat is worse than Jess. Least Jess was loyal to Ronnie. What can be said for Nat? Sighs and shakes her head at Lydia.... I really did like her when BB 11 started, but after all this Jess stuff, I can't look at her the same again. She has no game except what you'd expect from a hormonal teenager. If Keven could get out from Lydias clutches and start doing something different he could actually have a chance..but i wouldn't even know where he could begin.

Jeff will take Russ off tonight,i am hoping he takes them both off and replaces them with Jesse and the poisoned dwarf,if he makes that move tonight then he'll be a cert for atleast the 2nd house if not the final.

Oh yeah, we definitely see eye to eye on some of the players. Ha! I'm not a Natalie fan at all either, Casey was right when he called her a "Pitbull" she's just so rude/mean. Lydia, Lydia, Lydia....where to start with her? I give her props for looking different every time we see her I tend to go back and forth on her. Some days she's fun and other days she's a train wreck, and damn, that girl can make a mean pouty face....and possibly shoot daggers out of her eyes. I do understand being trapped in a house with strangers will do that. I do think Kevin is weening himself away from Lydia a bit. He told Chima (I think in the After Dark show) that everyone should not look at them as a couple, and that he plays his own game. That was a good move on his part. He hasn't really burned any bridges as of yet. Then again, I don't really know if he has a good game plan.
I think Russell will be saved this week, but all bets are off for next week though. Hopefully Jeff/Jordan can win HOH. I think they deserve it, seems like the "other side" has always had the comfort of the HOH room.
What are your thoughts on Michele? She plays up to both sides, so I'm very unsure of her and where her loyalty lies.
I tend to get worked up about BB and I have to sit back and realize it's just a game, and I'm certainly not winning any money here. HAHA! God, I'm such a dork!
I don't know if you know about this website: http://forums.jokersupdates.com/ubbthreads...rd=bbusaupdates
It gives you up to date (play by play) on what the houseguests are doing. I'll head over there when I'm bored.

I really liked Michelle when she was getting hounded to use the POV to save Ronnie and didn't. But now..... I dunno she's been throwing everyone under the bus (not that almost everyone else is doing the same thing), but she's been putting off the female version of Ronnie vibe to me... And I kinda put her in the same category as Chima which is that they both are obsolete and whenever they open their mouths they say a whole lot of nothing... Don't worry about it I get worked up about it too lol I love BB, you're not alone. It really sucks that they made it where the live feeds aren't on youtube anymore, sighs. I go to hamsterwatch for quick updates and onlinebigbrother for an almost complete word for word account of what is going on in the house. I tried searching for the live feeds on here but their wasnt that many when i looked, altho now that i say that i'll go and look and all of em will be posted lol.

ohhhh, and what do you think about BB putting so much in the game I mean they practically bate the housegates to say certain things or give them ideas about whats going on. wish they would let the game be fair.

p.s. its been nice having this BB convo with ya:)

Hi Lampy,

Well I'm certainly happy with what's been going on. First of all Jessie made himself look like the biggest ass on tv. I cannot believe he ripped off his shirt to show another shirt with his picture on it. What a tool. And if he seriously thinks he has any kind of "career" in the sports entertainment field...he is way delusional. I liked how Julie pointed out that he was sleeping for 13 hours at a time. Classic.

I was so happy when Jeff stood up to use the power. Did you catch Natalie telling Kevin to vote for Jessie right before Jeff addressed Jessie and Natalie? And yet she's still going to sit there and cry with the girls later on that night? I wonder how her boyfriend back at home is taking all this.

Wasn't surprised to see that Chima left the game. I was kind of hoping they kicked her out, but it sounds like she quit to me. Lydia, Natalie, and Chima took this game to a whole new level after Jessie was booted, and it wasn't for the good either. Their antics were beyond childish.

I really wish Kevin would stand up for himself more. If he really wanted to play his own game he really would distance himself from Lydia, he did a bit yesterday.

I wonder if Lydia or Natalie secretly want to be voted out of the house so that they could be all alone with Jessie in jury house. Hahaha! Gross!

I'm looking forward to Sunday's show to see what really went down with Chima.

I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff/Jordan as final two now.

What were your thoughts on Thursdays show?

Live feeds: http://www.justin.tv/theoriginator

Sorry it took a lil bit to get back to ya. I went to my mom's house this weekend and she talked me into going and buying an ipod itouch, so I've been syncing music nonstop.

Thursday's show made me soooo happy! I mean usually nothing that you want to happen in the BB house happens, so I was pleased. Yea, I believe Chima quit as well. Best believe BB will put their own spin on it tho, so we'll never really know what exactly happened.

I missed Natalie telling Kevin to vote Jesse out lol. I think I was still hopping up and down from Jeff putting up Jesse and Natalie, and laughing at Jordan for being the only person just completely dumbfounded that Jeff was the wizard hahaha. That girl cracks me up. Lol, and when Jeff and Jordan were outside talking about getting married how she wants a square cut diamond or whatever and Jeff saying you'll be happy with whatever I get you. Classic....

I guess there won't be a double eviction since Chima decided to hit the road. Blah. I really wanted Natalie gone before Jesse, but hopefully she will be next. Crosses fingers. Oh, and O-M-G those girls need a therapist. Crying over Jessee like that was just completely ridiculous. If i was Kevin I would of just stood up and %$^#@-slapped Lydia. I mean good lord the girl for weeks was complaining how Jessee was treating her, and then they say he never said an unkind word about anybody. Give me a break!

Jeff and Russell final 2 all the way baby!!!

OMG!!!!!! I just fell in love with you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! hmmm, I think I'm gonna have to bring my headphones to work now and watch it there too, ahhhh.

I forgot to thank you before for the link to the live stream. So thank you,
there really is nothing like watching someone watching someone on an elliptical machine.