No filters, no fame-hungry pigs: Inside the original Big Brother
It has been 24 years since Gretel Killeen first introduced Australia to Big Brother, guiding a cameraman around the iconic Dreamworld house that became a cultural landmark. This was the setting where 22-year-old strip club manager Sara-Marie taught viewers the "bum dance." The show also introduced personalities like Chrissie Swan and a character known as Hotdogs.
The early 2000s marked a unique time: just after Y2K, years before the iPhone, and an era when audiences witnessed seemingly unrestricted footage of young Australians in a raw, unfiltered environment. Big Brother launched a new chapter in television, creating Australia's first reality stars and some of the most unforgettable moments in live TV history.
Testing new boundaries in reality TV
The show pushed the limits of the reality format. In 2006, the notorious "turkey slap" incident was broadcast on the show's livestream, provoking widespread outrage. Then-Prime Minister John Howard condemned the act, resulting in stricter content regulations by TV watchdogs and heightened producer responsibility regarding participant welfare.
Decline and changes in direction
After many seasons across several commercial broadcasters, Big Brother went off air just two years ago. Its final run on the Seven Network saw its lowest ratings ever. Fans expressed frustration that the show had strayed from its original format, increasingly relying on Love Island-style dating drama and game elements similar to Survivor’s social strategies.
“No filters, no fame-hungry pigs” captures the ethos of the original show, emphasizing its unvarnished portrayal of participants and authentic moments.
Author's summary: The original Big Brother revolutionized Australian TV with honest, unscripted moments, but later shifts toward reality soap and game tactics led to its decline and eventual cancellation.