A new series of Big Brother has launched to much fanfare this week – but viewers in Lincoln appear to be increasingly turned off by the 25-year-old show.
The reality programme – in which 12 strangers are constantly filmed while living in a house together – has been a staple of UK TV since the year 2000.
But people canvassed in Lincoln city centre this afternoon largely felt the show was now passed its best.
Flynn Bainbridge, a photobooth operator and student, said: “It’s very retro now, and has been for 10 years. It was kind of like social media before social media.”
Speaking more generally about reality shows, the 18-year-old added: “Quite often, the supposed reality that these shows present doesn’t reflect the state of the world we live in so I think it can have a negative impact on society.”
Megan Field, a 25-year-old maths teacher, said: “I don’t watch it. I do like some reality TV – like I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here – but I just find most of those shows feel scripted or the people on them are all the same – I wouldn’t want to be friends with any of them!”
Debrorah Charles, a county court worker, suggested it was now a show for the older generation only. “My Co-workers watch Big Brother – but they’re all aged in their 40s and 50s,” the 22-year-old said.
Echoing the sentiment, Jess Borrel, a 34-year-old carer, said: “It’s got a bit old. I think it has definitely lost its spark.”
But some people said they still found the show – and reality TV in general – a guilty pleasure.
Holly Campbell, a 26-year-old teacher, said: “I love reality TV. I watch it all the time. I watch Married at First Sight with my partner, even though I think it’s super toxic. And I love the celebrity Big Brother.”
