[Kaz]

From today's 'Media Guardian'

Big Brother with a serious twist

Jessica Hodgson
Tuesday December 11, 2001

The man behind Big Brother is developing a show for the BBC that combines the voyeuristic delights of the Channel 4 show with politics and culture.

In a format reminiscent of Channel 4's late-night chat show, After Dark, Cafe Society hopes to allow viewers to eavesdrop on people "debating ideas in an informal setting", said a spokeswoman for BBC Choice.

The show is being spearheaded by Conrad Green, the BBC's head of factual entertainment, who was hired after his success with reality shows such as Big Brother and Popstars.

A pilot, filmed last weekend, featured two journalists and a press officer from the Israeli embassy discussing the situation in the Middle East. The pilot has not been screened but, if commissioned, the show will form a key part of BBC Choice's new "brained up" schedule.

This is the first project Mr Green is known to be working on since he arrived at BBC Choice a month ago. It signals a change in subject for a man who has dealt almost exclusively with reality and entertainment formats.

Although the spokeswoman said the programme would be a BBC Choice, rather than a BBC3 commission, it indicates plans to give the channel a more serious edge in a bid to win clearance from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for its relaunch as BBC3.

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Gosh, what a treat for us digital viewers.

Not being particularly politically minded, I think I'd rather watch Dean and Elizabeth sitting in their deckchairs having a 'deep and meaningful' discussion.

[Mark]

Completly agree with you Kaz, this new thing sounds pretty boring!
Although Conrad Green does do good shows... might be worth a look, no date scheduled yet though.....

Mark

[LEE]

Sorry guys, I hate to admit it, but in my spare (whoops I mean work!!) time I'm a boring businessy type who subscribes to the Econmist and listens to Radio 4 while driving down the M1.

I actually find politics fascinating (sorry :grin so I'd probably find it interesting.

[Feefs]

I'm not really that interested in economics, but I enjoy a good political debate. I've been known to get up on Sunday just to watch Breakfast with Frost!
:santa:

These late night programs tend to go either way. People get really boring and start quoting extracts from sociology textbooks, or they become all vitriolic and think it is their duty to share with the world their superior insight into things, which can be quite entertaining. Especially if they start insulting each other.

Perhaps to ensure it is the latter, Conrad will make them complete a task that involves revealing personal information about themselves in return for dinner. They will then be told they did so well they are being given 4 bottles of wine and 2 bottles of cider. Only then will they be given their topic for the evening. Once they’ve finished their discussion they have to go to a diary room and choose the person they thought had the most rubbish arguments.

[peachy]

Excellent idea Feefs, I think Conrad Green should employ you to come up with ideas. We'd all be watching your format but I'm not sure I'll be watching his!

[julsie]

yawn yawn boring think i'll give that1 a miss

Originally posted by julsie
yawn yawn boring think i'll give that1 a miss

I think I'll second that! :santa:

[Mark]

It might be worth looking at. Maybe someone can tell us!

More information on the show will hopefully be available nearer the time!

Mark :xmas: