Shaw Media
Considering "Big Brother" is a staple of both British and American audiences, it's only fair that after 14 seasons of the original versions, we Canadians are given our own.
Therefore, as of August 1, you -- yes, you! -- can audition for a spot in the "Big Brother Canada" house. And true to the original version, producers are looking for "extroverts, risk takers, adventurers, romantics, leaders, plotters, planners" and "those who don't mind a little competition." Basically, the type of people you probably already work with. (Sorry, kiddos -- you have to be 19 or older to try out.)
While open casting calls begin in Vancouver on Sept. 23 and continue through Calgary (Sept. 30), Halifax (Oct. 7), Montreal (Oct. 7) and Toronto (Oct. 14), you can also apply online with a short video describing what you'd bring to the show and why you deserve to be there.
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So naturally, this poses the question: what will make "Big Brother Canada" different from its British and American counterparts? Thanks to shows like "Real Housewives Of Vancouver" and even "Canada's Next Top Model," we're at no loss for eccentric personalities or characters-in-waiting. And as proven by the popularity of the yet-to-air "Bachelor Canada," provided it's an established franchise, we'll support our reality TV in droves.
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But will "Big Brother Canada" cater to being innately "Canadian," or does the name simply attest to where it takes place? Considering Canadian TV's favourite schtick is to "be Canadian," this may be a case where our general identity is part of the draw. After all, if this show is targeted to us, cast with our own, and has our country's name in the title, we might as well watch Canadians owning their heritage, or at least our own stereotypes. We may not want to watch scripted shows that seem so obvious, but considering "Big Brother" is an already established series, it wouldn't hurt to watch how we differ (or don't) from Americans or the English in terms of voyeuristic reality television.
Regardless, you'll have a chance to see for yourself when "Big Brother Canada" debuts in Winter 2013 on Slice. And if you're one of the lucky few to make it into the house, then you'll really be able to see for yourself.
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