Big Brother Romanian TV series

Big Brother Romania, known as *Fratele cel Mare*, is a reality television show based on the international Big Brother format produced by Endemol. It features housemates living in an isolated house, monitored 24/7 by cameras, with no access to TV, internet, or watches. Weekly tasks determine their shopping budget, while viewers vote for evictions via SMS or phone calls. The winner of the final season receives a cash prize, which was $50,000 in the first season and €75,000 in the second.

The show aired two seasons on Prima TV. Season 1 (2003) lasted 112 days, hosted by Andreea Raicu and Virgil Ianțu, with Sorin Fișteag winning. Season 2 (2004) lasted 91 days, with Iustin as the winner. The show faced criticism from the Orthodox Church for promoting immorality, particularly in Season 2, which led to sanctions by the National Audiovisual Council. Despite financial success, poor ratings and backlash contributed to its cancellation after two seasons.

Spin-offs included *Big Brother – Revanșa*, where housemates discussed their experiences. Prima TV later acquired the format for *Utopia* but ultimately postponed it due to financial issues.