It’s 3 a.m., and 100 viewers are glued to Big Brother Australia’s live TikTok stream, hoping for any sign of life from the dozen housemates after Sunday night’s premiere on Channel 10. Despite the roaring snores, none of the contestants seem to be seizing this prime opportunity to capture the spotlight. This reboot, the third since the original series concluded in 2008, promises a departure from the fame-chasing antics of its predecessors.
Unlike previous versions, this iteration has been marketed as a return to the show’s roots, focusing on a “social experiment” free from influencers and D-list celebrities. However, the casting didn’t entirely escape the lure of notoriety. Among the housemates is Holly, a 31-year-old model with a tabloid-famous dating history, and Michael, a 49-year-old publisher known for his work with men’s magazines like FHM.
Back to Basics: The New Era of Big Brother
Airing on Big Brother’s original broadcaster, Network 10, and returning to its iconic Dreamworld location, this season is being touted as a return-to-form for the series. It features live evictions, public voting, and a 24/7 live-stream available on 10Play and social media platforms. The premiere, hosted by radio personality Mel Tracina, embraced a straightforward approach despite the chaotic weather conditions.
The opening episode was a blend of chaos and excitement, with Tracina introducing the housemates amid a torrential downpour. The episode, recorded the night before, faced a two-hour pause due to lightning risks, causing much of the audience to disperse. Despite these challenges, Tracina maintained the show’s momentum, even cutting off housemate Holly when she attempted to name-drop her outfit designer.
Diverse Cast or Missed Opportunity?
While the show boasts a diverse age range and professions among its contestants, the racial diversity leaves much to be desired. The cast includes Abiola, a 24-year-old Black lesbian, and Mia, a 23-year-old Sri Lankan woman. However, the overall representation is skewed, with more housemates sporting mustaches than there are people of color. This imbalance could lead to uncomfortable tensions within the house.
Abiola and Mia were voted two of the house’s most annoying contestants in a challenge, highlighting potential friction.
Despite this, the housemates come from various backgrounds, including a tradie, a tech sales worker, and a teacher. There’s also a potential 13th housemate, Jane, a 67-year-old who could be voted in by the public.
Early Dynamics and Emerging Personalities
One of the standout contestants is Conor, a disability advocate with Tourette’s Syndrome, who quickly establishes himself as a house favorite. His candid approach and humor set a positive tone, as he encourages housemates to laugh with him rather than at him. Meanwhile, Alana, the oldest woman in the house, is naturally cast into a maternal role, while Colin, a 21-year-old MMA enthusiast, emerges as a charismatic yet divisive figure.
The initial twist of withholding the housemates’ luggage added a layer of tension, forcing them to sleep in their premiere outfits. This subtle challenge set the stage for potential conflicts and alliances, reminiscent of the show’s early days when living conditions were a primary source of drama.
The Live Stream: A New Frontier
The live stream, which kicked off after the premiere, immediately plunged viewers into a debate over bathroom hygiene, highlighting the raw and unfiltered nature of the show. With Big Brother Uncut not returning, the live stream is expected to push boundaries, challenging the editing team to navigate television restrictions while maintaining the show’s edge.
This season of Big Brother Australia promises to be a chaotic yet authentic return to the format that captivated audiences in the early 2000s. If it continues to embrace this rawness, it may well recapture the magic of its glory days.
