Before the Big Brother Australia housemates were chosen, TV WEEK was granted exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes casting process. When Channel 10 announced the show's return with a refreshed format that still respected its roots, anticipation soared.
The Big Brother house is once again located on the Gold Coast, featuring live nominations, evictions, and a 24-hour livestream. Executive Network Producer Sarah Thornton emphasized that this season’s goal wasn’t to fill the house with social media influencers but to recruit people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles—just as in the early seasons.
Sarah invited the writer to attend one of the casting sessions held nationwide. On a typical Tuesday at 1 p.m., applicants arrived at a modest hotel conference room in Sydney, where five executives, including Sarah, awaited behind a camera and interview table.
“I love how generous people are,” said Sarah Thornton, adding that even though reviewing up to sixty applicants a day could be exhausting, moments of genuine connection made it feel “magical.”
Unlike other reality series, the producers focus on authenticity over fame. Their mission is to populate the house with real individuals who mirror everyday Australia, creating more relatable dynamics and stories.
Author’s Summary: TV WEEK discovered that Big Brother Australia's new casting process prioritizes genuine, diverse participants whose realness revives the spirit of its original seasons.