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 viewers through the iconic Dreamworld house. This was where a 22-year-old strip club manager named Sara-Marie taught the famous bum dance. The show also introduced us to memorable characters like Chrissie Swan and a grown man nicknamed Hotdogs.
Emerging just after the Y2K scare, and well before the iPhone era, Big Brother granted audiences seemingly unrestricted access to young Australians in unguarded moments. It marked the beginning of a new era in television, creating Australia’s first reality stars and delivering some of the most unforgettable moments in live TV history.
Impact on Television and Culture
Big Brother pushed the boundaries of reality TV. One notorious incident, the “turkey slap” in 2006—captured on the show’s livestream—triggered public outcry and condemnation from then-Prime Minister John Howard. This event led to stricter regulations by TV watchdogs and a shift in producers' approach to duty of care.
Decline and End of an Era
The show ended two years ago after airing on various commercial networks, concluding on Seven with its lowest ratings ever. Fans expressed frustration that Big Brother had moved away from its original concept, increasingly focusing on Love Island-style dating drama and Survivor-style social gameplay.
The “turkey slap” incident "prompted condemnation from then-prime minister John Howard" and led to changes in TV content regulation.
Big Brother remains a landmark in Australian TV history, remembered for shaping reality television and creating unforgettable moments.
Author’s Summary
Big Brother revolutionized Australian TV by creating early reality stars and memorable moments but declined after drifting from its original format to more scripted drama and social games.