ABC to launch Big Brother rival 'The Glass House': CBS files a lawsuit

[Matt]

Didn't quite know where to post this so I figured the general forum was the best bet:

ABC is already getting into the singing competition game with this summer's Duets, and now it's taking on CBS' long-running Big Brother as well. The network has partnered with a former Big Brother producer to build The Glass House, which will air this summer.

Production begins in late May on The Glass House, which debuts June 18 at 10/9c and continues through August 20. On the show, 14 contestants will live together and compete for $250,000. Here's the twist: Viewers will also play an active role in the show's outcome via online and social networks. The audience can follow both the contestants they like and those they don't, and help determine which ones are sent home — and which eliminated contestants get to return to "The Glass House."

That means contestants may be locked inside the house, but they'll be connected to the outside world and viewers, who can give players feedback and critical information. People at home will also vote on what the contestants wear and eat, where they sleep and what games they play. "In the end, it's about who plays the best social game, and the most important alliance a player can gave is with their fans," the network says.

The Glass House will air without a host. Kenny Rosen, whose credits include Big Brother and Hell's Kitchen, will executive produce for Keep Calm and Carry On Prods., an in-house company that is also producing Duets.

The Glass House will air along with The Bachelorette (and starting July 23, Bachelor Pad) on Monday nights. The show joins a busy ABC summer schedule that includes Duets and Rookie Blue on Thursdays (starting May 24); Secret Millionaire and Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition starting June 3; Wipeout on Thursdays starting June 28; and new shows Trust Us With Your Life and Final Witness on Tuesdays beginning July 10.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/ABC-Orders-Glass-House-1046682.aspx

What do you think - hit or flop? Will it go global? Will it give Big Brother USA the kick in the ass it so desperately needs?

It is basically Big Brother with a different name - I reckon the producers could have a lawsuit on their hands...

[michael21]

:suspect::suspect::suspect:

[Jords]

I like the sound of it!

[Jords]

Simply 'Glass House' would be a better name though /picky

[BBfanUSA]

I don't think this is technically a lawsuit. If the hgs name two people to nom then it might be.

The first BBUSA got alot of attention so if this show has the 3 night system like BBUSA has then it might do well.

But seriously how is it going to work without any host?

It's not saying who is producing it so maybe an Endemol company.

LOL the "Big Brother" is called the Puppet Master, interesting.

[Matt]

It's not saying who is producing it so maybe an Endemol company.

Kenny Rosen, whose credits include Big Brother and Hell's Kitchen, will executive produce for Keep Calm and Carry On Prods., an in-house company that is also producing Duets.

I wouldn't put it past Endemol to file a lawsuit - if I remember correctly they once sued the producers of a similar Russian Big Brother-rip off, 'Behind The Glass'

[BBfanUSA]

I wouldn't put it past Endemol to file a lawsuit - if I remember correctly they once sued the producers of a similar Russian Big Brother-rip off, 'Behind The Glass'

I don't think they will sue though since there's outside contact there was a similar BB show in france that allowed outside contact to prevent a lawsuit.

Let's say Endemol is the licenser then this is big brother without the name.
I will watch it.

Also I found this out...it's in HD and BBUSA isn't :(

But BBUSA has 24/7 feed and GH doesn't have 24/7 but will have it at crucial moments.

This might give a kick in the ass to BBUSA, but it might not put BBUSA out of it's misery. They could come out with surprises of it's own.
and if BBUSA does get cancelled...it will be picked up by NBC and they'll reboot it two years down the road with a new look and a new production company that isn't incompetent like Allison Grodener Productions

[Coldwinter]

My mother banned me from watching BB so this looks like a better alternative.

[rk3388]

sounds good! Will watch- but will watch bbusa over this

[swinearefine]

Sounds interesting, I'll watch. I hope this urges BBUS to try something new this year.

[swinearefine]

As expected...

CBS caught wind of the upcoming ABC reality show, The Glass House, and let’s just say they are not amused with it’s similarities to their own Big Brother.

They have fired off Cease & Desist letters to the top executives at ABC as well as Big Brother veterans who now work for ABC and the new show.

CBS lawyer Scott Edelman stated: “In the strongest possible terms, we must admonish ABC and anyone involved in the development or production of Glass House that they will be acting at their own peril if they continue to proceed in this manner and that CBS has instructed us to pursue all available remedies if this course of conduct continues.” (THR)

As it turns out, there’s quite a large group of former staff from CBS’ Big Brother who have been working on the show. Those people include ABC alternative development executive Corie Henson, staffers Kenny Rosen and Mike O’Sullivan and more than a dozen others. This according to Cease & Desist documents which read:

“Even worse, CBS is informed that Glass House is being produced by a team of at least 18 former members of CBS’ Big Brother production staff — all of whom were privy to trade secrets and other confidential, proprietary information and signed broad and binding non-disclosure agreements in connection with Big Brother.”

Fans of Big Brother were also quick to point out the similarities between the two shows. Most were intrigued by the show and said they would be tuning in, but also added the show could never compare to their true love, Big Brother.

Some of the comments taken from the discussion on RealityNation.com:

“I will watch both! I like being more interactive with the viewers! I wonder if they will have Live Feeds available 24/7 too!!!” – Donna M.

“I will always be a BB fan, but am reality obsessed so I will probably check this show out too. Big Brother takes precedence over them all though.” – Robindawson

But not all fans were excited to hear about The Glass House. Some were outright appalled at it being a Big Brother rip-off.

“I’m devoted to BIG BROTHER you’re wasting your time here. It’ll never peek the interest of true Big Brother fans.. What a waste of television. Your ratings on this show will crash and burn in my opinion. Can’t wait until Big Brother 14 starts!! CBS is the real BIG BROTHER!” – Inashopping

“This show sounds like a major rip off.” – Zach

Let us know what YOU think! Does Big Brother have a case here? Is Glass House too much like Big Brother?

Source: http://www.realitynation.com/tv-shows/big-brother/glass-house-too-similar-to-big-brother/

[BBfanUSA]

and the biggest surprise ever...not

[Marc]

Hmm

[BBfanUSA]

Well this lawsuit could backfire on CBS. Because it's such a loose ripoff

[lostalex]

I'll definitely be watching! sounds good. I've always wondered why there arn't more reality shows like BB. There are so many dating reality shows, and singing/talent reality shows and fashion reality shows, so why arn't there more BB style reality shows? I think competition is good!

If there can be multiple singing shows like X-factor, the Voice, American idol, and America's got talent, then why can't there be multiple BB style shows?

BBUSA has no right to claim others are copying them, when they BLATENTLY copied Survivor!

[BBfanUSA]

If there can be multiple singing shows like X-factor, the Voice, American idol, and America's got talent, then why can't there be multiple BB style shows?

BBUSA has no right to claim others are copying them, when they BLATENTLY copied Survivor!

Not really, any show could have the contestants vote each other out with no problems.

[lostalex]

Not really, any show could have the contestants vote each other out with no problems. but no show had done it that way before. and the jury deciding the winner. They obviously changed to those rules because of the success of Survivor.

[iRyan]

It sounds kinda interesting so I'll probably tune in.

[Firewire]

channel 4 will pick up this

[Patrick]

Um, I'm sorry - but this sounds EXACTLY like Seven Days? That Channel 4 show that aired in 2011 - and no one watched it.

It's like a mix of that, and Big Brother...

[Niall]

This sounds good!

[rk3388]

Um, I'm sorry - but this sounds EXACTLY like Seven Days? That Channel 4 show that aired in 2011 - and no one watched it.

It's like a mix of that, and Big Brother...

i think it sounds more like bbuk and i think thats probably where they got their inspiration

[lostalex]

Um, I'm sorry - but this sounds EXACTLY like Seven Days? That Channel 4 show that aired in 2011 - and no one watched it.

It's like a mix of that, and Big Brother...

umm, WHAT? are you trolling or are you serious? 7 Days had nothing at all to do with putting stranger in a house of cameras and being voted out, so how is it like 7 days at all?????

[Patrick]

Jesus Christ, how stupid can some people be..

The format of Seven Days, is about letting the viewers have a say and it will effect the series and the cast by letting viewers give feedback.
That's an aspect in this too.

[Matt]

Update - CBS has now officially filed a lawsuit against ABC:

CBS has followed through on its threat last week to bring a legal action against ABC over the planned reality show Glass House. CBS believes the show is a ripoff of its Big Brother and is being produced by a team that formerly worked on the long-running hit series.

A source tells The Hollywood Reporter that the lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, which suggests that CBS is alleging a federal copyright infringement claim. Both shows feature contestants living together in a house rigged with cameras and competing to avoid eviction for a six-figure cash prize. We'll post the full complaint when we track it down.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/cbs-sues-abc-big-brother-glass-house-323116

[lostalex]

Jesus Christ, how stupid can some people be..

The format of Seven Days, is about letting the viewers have a say and it will effect the series and the cast by letting viewers give feedback.
That's an aspect in this too.


How stupid can SOME people be indeed!

I watched Seven Days and it was nothing at ALL like this show AT ALL. You obviously never watched it.

[Patrick]

So idiotic it's unbelievable.

The format of Seven Days which set it apart from The Only Way Is Essex, is that viewers can get involved by speaking to the cast over Twitter or something - and giving their opinions, which could sway the actions of the cast members.

The thing that sets this apart from basically being a complete and utter Big Brother UK copy because once again American Television Networks want to take more of our ideas, is this:

Here's the twist: Viewers will also play an active role in the show's outcome via online and social networks.

Now. Point proven. End of Discussion.

[BBfanUSA]

Well, I have a very interesting rumor that you all may be intrigued in.

Since there are so many former BB employees on the Glass House they may have approached former BBUSA hgs to be contestants

[BBfanUSA]

How does the show work?
When the show begins, fourteen people are living in a house together, participating in challenges - with America making the decisions about what happens in the house. Each week there will be somebody eliminated from the house. The winner is the last person left in the house - as voted on by you, the public!

What are the decisions that America makes to effect what happens in the house? America will have the opportunity to vote on a variety of things relating to the house. Not only will the public ultimately decide who stays or goes, but it will also influence other show elements like including what the houseguests wear, where they sleep, what they eat, and who gets another shot at the game.

How does a player on the show get removed from the house?
After losing a challenge, the team captain of the losing team goes to "limbo" - along with another member from the losing team that the house votes on.

What is "limbo?"
Limbo is where two people from the house go after losing a challenge. It's an area outside of the house where the two people go until one of them is allowed to return to the house.

How are the captains for the challenges determined?
The two people with the fewest votes from the public become team captains for that week's challenge.

How does somebody return to the house from limbo?
America chooses who they think deserves to return to the house. All the power is in the public's hands.

What happens to the person who America doesn't choose to return to the house?
That person is out of the game permanently.

How many episodes will air for The Glass House?
Ten episodes will air as part of season 1.

How can I help determine what happens in the house?
You can influence a variety of events in the house by voting in the Live Stream Voting, the Daily Voting and by choosing your favorites in the house.

What is the Live Stream Voting?
The Live Stream Voting lets you have real-time influence of events seen during the live stream.

What is the Daily Voting?
The Daily Voting includes a number of voting opportunities each day through which you can influence events in the house - including major decisions such as who should be given a chance to return to the house from Limbo. This voting impacts on-air episodes.

How does the voting for favorites work?
You can vote on as few or as many people that you'd like to stay in the house. At the end of the current voting period, the two people with the fewest number of votes become team captains for that week's challenge.

When does the live streaming occur?
Four hours on Monday evening from 8pm PST to 12am PST - and also Tuesday thru Thursday at 12pm PST.

How can I audition to be on the show?
You can get casting info for Glass House at http://abc.go.com/site/casting


Those are FAQs

I don't think this show will do well in the ratings. That's why I think ABC decided to wait until now to announce the show. So when CBS does sue the show, it'll be too late and they can't prevent the show from showing.

I mean the eliminations are not live, and the elimination format is so confusing

[swinearefine]

Sounds stupid. I probably won't bother with it.

[iRyan]

10 episodes? Wtf.

[lostalex]

So idiotic it's unbelievable.

The format of Seven Days which set it apart from The Only Way Is Essex, is that viewers can get involved by speaking to the cast over Twitter or something - and giving their opinions, which could sway the actions of the cast members.



ummm, so please explain how any other reality show not set in a house is any different? obviously the cast of TOWIE could also read all tweets and read news from the outside world the entire time. The cast of TOWIE even appears on talk shows and game shows while they are taping. That is the case for countless American reality shows (like the real housewives, jersey shore, etc...) as well.

Do you ever bother to think before you speak?