Big Brother
Season
Episode
Player server
Big Brother

Big Brother

20004
Reality
Released
Jul 18, 2000
Country
United Kingdom
A British reality television game show in which a number of contestants live in an isolated house for several weeks, trying to avoid being evicted by the public with the aim of winning a large cash prize at the end of the run.

About

Quick guide

British reality show that placed contestants in a camera‑watched house for 64 days.

The first series of Britain’s Big Brother dropped 11 housemates into a custom built house on the edge of London, where they were filmed 24 hours a day. Over 64 days, the housemates lived side‑by‑side, nominated each other for eviction and let the public decide who stayed. The weekly highlights were broadcast nightly, while the live web feed kept viewers inside the house. The series climaxed with a final public vote, awarding £70,000 to the winner, Craig Phillips.

What to know

  • 11 housemates entered on day one, with one replacement joining in week six.
  • The series lasted 64 days and aired 52 episodes on Channel 4.
  • Winner Craig Phillips earned a £70,000 cash prize.
  • Evictions were decided by a public vote after each week’s nominations.
  • A 24‑hour live feed ran with a ten‑minute delay for viewers online.
  • Weekly tasks involved a budget wager, rewarding or penalising housemates.
  • The house was located in Bow, London and featured two bedrooms, a kitchen and a backyard chicken coop.
  • Host Davina McCall presented the daily highlights and eviction interviews.

Watch if

If you enjoy social‑experiment reality shows with daily drama, live feeds, and audience‑controlled evictions, Big Brother 2000 will keep you engaged for 64 days of human interaction.

Skip if

If you prefer scripted drama or high‑energy competitive shows, this low‑budget reality series may feel slow and unstructured.

psychological elementsmature themessuspensefulfamily friendlyromance elementslanguage strong
Show Overview
Big Brother 2000 introduced the concept of a camera‑watched house in Britain. Eleven contestants were locked in a one‑storey building near Bow, London, where they lived, interacted and were filmed 24 hours a day. The weekly highlights were broadcast nightly, keeping viewers glued to the drama that unfolded inside.
Housemates and Dynamics
The housemates ranged from a builder to a former nun, all living under constant surveillance. Their personalities clashed and bonded, creating storylines that resonated with the audience. The mix of backgrounds made every interaction unpredictable, turning simple conversations into televised moments.
Eviction Mechanics
Each week, every housemate nominated two others for eviction. The two with the most nominations faced the public vote, where viewers decided who left the house. This process was the core of the show’s tension, as alliances shifted and drama unfolded under the watchful eyes of the nation.
Live Feed and Viewer Access
A 24‑hour live feed was available online, allowing fans to watch housemates in real time. The feed had a ten‑minute delay to meet broadcasting standards, and viewers could see the daily routines and spontaneous moments that the televised highlights only skimmed.
Weekly Tasks and Challenges
Housemates wagered a portion of their weekly budget on tasks that ranged from cooking to physical challenges. Winning doubled their wager, while losing meant a reduction in future shopping funds. These tasks tested creativity and cooperation, adding an extra layer to the competition.
Controversies and Ejections
The series was marked by the ejection of Nick Bateman after he was caught attempting to influence nominations. The incident sparked debate about the show’s rules and the impact of cheating on the integrity of the format, drawing media scrutiny and viewer backlash.
Season Finale and Winner
After 64 days, the final three housemates faced a public vote to determine the winner. Craig Phillips emerged victorious, securing a £70,000 prize and becoming the first male champion of the series. The finale cemented the show’s place in reality‑TV history.

FAQ

50 Q&A
What is Big Brother?
Big Brother is a reality TV show where people live together in a house and are watched by cameras. They compete in challenges to win prizes and avoid being voted out by each other.
How do houseguests know the time?
Houseguests can see clocks in the house, and the show often tells them what time it is.
How long has Big Brother been on TV?
Big Brother has been on TV for many years, starting in 2000 in the United States.
What are 'Has-Nots'?
'Has-Nots' are players who lose a challenge and have to eat simple food, sleep in a cold room, and do chores.
How do people get on Big Brother?
People apply to be on the show, and producers pick them after interviews and tests.
What is 'eviction'?
Eviction is when players vote to send another player out of the house.
What happens if someone tries to break into the house?
Security guards are in place to stop anyone who tries to enter the Big Brother house without permission.
What is 'slop'?
Slop is a special, bland food that 'Has-Nots' have to eat as part of their punishment.
What is the prize money for winning Big Brother?
The winner of Big Brother typically receives a large cash prize, often $500,000.
What is 'Head of Household' (HOH)?
Head of Household is a player who wins a special challenge and gets to live in a nice room and is safe from eviction that week. They also pick others to be 'nominated'.
What is a 'showmance'?
A showmance is a romantic relationship that forms between two players living in the Big Brother house.
What does it mean to be 'nominated'?
To be nominated means a player is chosen by the Head of Household to be one of the two people at risk of being voted out of the house.
What is 'live feeds'?
Live feeds are cameras that let viewers watch the houseguests' activities in the house almost all the time when the show is not being recorded.
Do houseguests have to wear microphones all the time?
Yes, houseguests must wear microphones at all times so that everything they say can be heard by the show's producers.
Where is the Big Brother house located?
The Big Brother house in the United States is located in Los Angeles, California.
What is the Power of Veto (POV)?
The Power of Veto is a competition that allows one of the nominated players to remove themselves from the block, saving them from eviction.
Is the Big Brother house a real house?
The Big Brother house is a specially built set designed to look like a real house, with cameras everywhere inside and outside.
What kind of tests do you take to be on Big Brother?
Applicants go through interviews, psychological evaluations, and background checks to see if they are a good fit for the show.
Do contestants know they are going on Big Brother before they get to the house?
Yes, contestants know they are selected for the show before they enter the house, but they don't know who else will be there or the game's details.
Who is the host of Big Brother?
The host of the American version of Big Brother is Julie Chen Moonves.
What is a 'twist' in Big Brother?
A twist is an unexpected change in the game that the producers introduce to shake things up and make the game harder or more interesting.
Are there producers in the house?
Producers are not living in the house with the contestants, but they are watching and directing the game from outside.
What is 'Zingbot'?
Zingbot is a robot character that appears in some seasons to make fun of the houseguests with jokes.
Can houseguests have phones or use the internet?
No, houseguests are not allowed to have phones or use the internet while they are in the Big Brother house.
How many people are usually on Big Brother?
Typically, there are about 16 new contestants who start the game on Big Brother.
Do houseguests get bored without TV or internet?
Yes, houseguests can get bored because they cannot use phones or watch TV. They have to find other ways to entertain themselves.
What is the 'jury' in Big Brother?
The jury is made up of former houseguests who were evicted after a certain point in the game. They vote to decide the winner of the season.
How long does it take to set up backyard competitions?
Setting up backyard competitions can take a full day or more. The crew needs time to build and test everything.
Where did the name 'Big Brother' come from?
The name 'Big Brother' comes from George Orwell's book 'Nineteen Eighty-Four.' In the book, Big Brother is a character who is always watching everyone.
What is a 'backdoor' in Big Brother?
A 'backdoor' is when a houseguest who is not nominated for eviction manages to get another player evicted. This is usually done by winning the Power of Veto and removing a nominee, causing the Head of Household to nominate someone else.
Who won the first season of Big Brother?
The winner of the first season of Big Brother in the United States was Eddie McGee.
What does it take to be a good Big Brother player?
A good Big Brother player needs to be good at social games, competitions, and strategy. They also need to be adaptable and understand how to make alliances.
What does 'BB' stand for?
'BB' is a common abbreviation for Big Brother.
What happens if a houseguest gets sick?
If a houseguest gets sick, they may be visited by medical staff. Depending on the illness, they might continue playing or be removed from the game.
What are some of the hardest challenges in Big Brother history?
Some of the hardest challenges involve extreme physical endurance, complex puzzles, or mental tasks that test a houseguest's limits. Specific examples often include long-lasting competitions for Head of Household or Veto.
What is the deal with the 'twin twist'?
The 'twin twist' is a surprise where two houseguests are secretly twins. One twin plays the game, and if they can avoid being discovered, their twin can take their place later in the game.
Can houseguests talk about their past outside lives?
Houseguests are generally allowed to talk about their past lives. However, they are often encouraged to keep details about their real lives secret from other players to maintain their game persona.
What happens to a houseguest's belongings when they are evicted?
When a houseguest is evicted, their personal belongings are packed up and sent out of the house. They do not take anything with them.
How do jury members decide who to vote for?
Jury members decide who to vote for based on who they believe played the best game. They consider strategy, social skills, and competition wins.
Can jury members watch the show before the finale?
No, jury members are not allowed to watch the episodes of the season they are in. They are sequestered until the finale.
What is a 'veto' competition?
A 'veto' competition is a challenge where the winner can remove one of the two houseguests nominated for eviction. This gives the Head of Household a chance to nominate a replacement.
What are some of the biggest blindsides in Big Brother?
Big blindsides happen when a player is unexpectedly evicted, often by someone they trusted. These moments often involve clever planning and manipulation.
What happens if a houseguest quits the show?
If a houseguest quits the show, they are immediately removed from the game. Their spot is usually not filled, and the game continues with fewer players.
Are the competitions planned out beforehand?
Yes, competitions are designed and planned well in advance of the season. The sets are built and tested before the houseguests even enter the house.
What are some famous Big Brother twists?
Famous twists include the 'Power of Veto,' 'Head of Household,' 'Secret Veto,' 'Secret Room,' and 'Fake Evictions.' Twists often change the game significantly.
How do houseguests do their laundry?
Houseguests have access to laundry facilities within the Big Brother house. They can wash and dry their clothes using the machines provided.
Who has won Big Brother the most times?
No single houseguest has won Big Brother multiple times. Players can only compete and win once per season.
What was the 'Project DNA' twist?
The 'Project DNA' twist involved houseguests being given secret missions or tasks. Completing these tasks could grant advantages or penalties in the game.
Who decides who wins Big Brother?
In most seasons, a jury of former houseguests decides who wins Big Brother. In some seasons, 'America's Favorite Houseguest' also has a vote or influence.
What is 'America's Favorite Houseguest'?
'America's Favorite Houseguest' is a title given to the houseguest chosen by viewers as their favorite. This player often wins a cash prize.

Actors

Marcus Bentley
Marcus Bentley
Narrator
Emma Willis
Emma Willis
Self - Host
Cameron Cole
Self
Akeem Griffiths
Self
Zoe Jones
Self
Cian Carrigan
Self
Sîan Hamshaw
Self
Brooke Berry
Self
Tomasz Wania
Self
Lewis Flanagan
Self
Isabella Farnese
Self
Hussain Ahmed
Self