[zakman440]

Chinese viewers are to get their own online version of Big Brother, following a deal between the show’s maker and Chinese internet video firm Youku Tudou.

The first-ever Chinese version of Endemol’s global reality TV hit will run for 10 weeks early next year, with production on the show due to start imminently.

Big Brother China will debut on Youku Tudou, which is publicly listed in New York with a market capitalisation of about $4bn (£2.5bn), claims 500 million active users generating 200bn video views annually.

“In a market that annually generates hundreds of billions of video views, partnering with the number one digital video platform will allow us to bring Big Brother to a young audience and deliver the most immersive, interactive and unique experience to fans across the nation,” said Arjen van Mierlo, chief executive of Endemol’s Asia operations.

The show will be a collaboration between Youku Tudou and Endemol China, a new operation that has been established in Beijing.

“We are delighted to be joining forces with Endemol to finally bring this groundbreaking format to China,” said Victor Koo, chairman and chief executive of Youku Tudou. Chinese viewers are also set to get their own version of Educating the East End, following a deal earlier this month to license the hit UK documentary format to Hunan TV.

Earlier this month, the BBC unveiled China’s answer to Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond replaced with a double Olympic gold diving champion, the presenter of Chinese Pop Idol and a pop star turned actor.

http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...dou?CMP=twt_gu

Good for them.