Since its inception, Big Brother has been versioned in over 30 countries and reached an estimated audience of over 2 billion. This book, the first of its kind, includes essays from international contributors that integrate the academic disciplines of cinema studies, sociology, cultural and critical studies to consider the reception and impact of the series, and how different regions adopt the format to suit local cultural concerns and achieve commercial success. The book also functions not only as a discussion of one single television program but as a reflection on the medium’s history and future, and its impact on popular culture. It is therefore useful for students, scholars, people involved in the planning and production of television formats, and everyone interested in the function of contemporary television in society.