I tuned into two of ITV’s most popular reality shows for the first time in several years and noticed they might share a common issue.
Unable to recall many past winners of both Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, it’s been nearly a decade since I last watched either show. I may have occasionally caught an episode of I’m A Celeb, mainly for Ant and Dec, but my interest has gradually faded.
Controversial contestants like Matt Hancock and Nigel Farage only reinforced my decision to steer clear. As for Big Brother, I entirely missed its run on Channel 5 and, like many others I’ve spoken to this year, often overlooked when a new series was airing.
However, as a newly appointed TV and Film reporter, I couldn’t ignore these shows this year. I found myself watching Big Brother every night (even when not having to for work), and the same goes for I’m A Celeb.
It certainly helps that both shows have selected their participants wisely this year. The Big Brother housemates were diverse without any obvious troublemaker, reports the Mirror. It was easy for viewers to pick a favourite. The same can be said for the jungle so far this year.
However, the main issue, and where most fans are calling for a change, lies within each series’ companion show. These shows are a great concept, providing fans with a platform to engage in discussions about what they’ve just watched. The popularity of such platforms is evident from the numerous YouTube channels dedicated to analysing each weekend’s football matches.
Big Brother had Little Brother, followed by Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, and now Big Brother Late and Live airs immediately after the main show on ITV2. It features the same hosts as the main show, Will Best and AJ Odudu, which is problematic.
Regardless of their performance on the main show, the companion series needs to have a distinct feel. This issue becomes glaringly obvious on eviction nights when there’s little differentiation between the two broadcasts.
I’m A Celeb’s companion show on ITV has also undergone several transformations. Initially known as Get Me Out of Here Now, it was then renamed Extra Camp, followed by an online-only version called Daily Drop.
Its latest iteration is Unpacked, hosted by Joel Dommett, Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers. Although it’s still early days, this trio already gives it an edge over its Big Brother counterpart.
Main show hosts Ant and Dec are a regular delight in the opening segment, where they engage in a bit of banter about the main show before swiftly departing. There’s no reason why Late and Live can’t adopt a similar approach. Big Brother host Will Best has even graced this series of Unpacked and has shown he can bounce off another host with ease.
Both shows have their merits, notably in offering additional footage and exclusive clips. Essentially condensing 24 hours into a single hour of TV means a lot gets left out, but the companion shows provide that little bit extra for viewers. Late and Live excels in this area, whereas Unpacked still relies too heavily on older footage.
Fans have voiced their opinions clearly on social media platforms. One fan expressed: “I have to say I love these exclusive clips on unpacked and also props to Sam Thompson, really starting to appreciate him so much on this show, he’s really understanding what people go through and saying such truths.”
Another fan emphasised that the extra clips are so valuable they should take precedence over repeated recaps. We’re already up to speed with what’s happened; the focus should be on what we’ve missed.
They commented: “Wish they would stop playing clips we’ve seen on Unpacked. I know they do it to talk about certain moments but Late and Live doesn’t do it. And LandL at least gives more exclusives, but both after shows are flawed in different ways.”
Both shows have their shortcomings. The dialogue on Unpacked is often slowed down due to attempts at viewer engagement.
Audience members can submit voice notes via WhatsApp, but unfortunately, many tend to ramble without making a point or are hard to hear with their television blaring in the background.
Late and Live consistently features a live audience contributing to the discussion. This is understandably challenging for Australia-based I’m A Celeb compared to Big Brother’s London location, but perhaps the input from guests and former contestants suffices?
It appears that both of these reality shows still have some life left in them. Although the success of I’m A Celeb seems heavily tied to Ant and Dec’s involvement. However, if both series aim to continue for years to come and maintain fan interest, the key might lie in perfecting the companion show.
I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX, Big Brother returns on ITV2 in 2025