The Glass House

The Glass House was a competitive reality television series that aired on ABC in the summer of 2012. The show was an interesting mix of strategy, competition, and viewer participation, that forged a unique path within the saturated realm of reality TV.

The fundamental concept of the show involved 14 strangers living in a fully interactive, futuristic home with their lives supervised by the public. The house, the show's main setting, was a massive, state-of-the-art, two-story structure made almost entirely of glass, hence the show's title. The see-through nature of the house served a metaphorical function, reflecting the lack of privacy and constant scrutiny that the houseguests were subjected to from viewers and each other.

What set The Glass House apart from other reality competition shows was the amount of control the audience had over the contestants. Viewers voted on everything from the contestants’ outfits to what they ate, which tasks they performed, and even who stayed and who was expelled. The show placed significant emphasis on audience interaction, with viewers encouraged to participate through online voting and social media.

The 14 participants came from a diverse range of backgrounds. All walks of life were represented, from a police sergeant, a scientist, a bail bondsman, to a bar mitzvah DJ, paralegal, and more. This eclectic group of individuals brought a variety of viewpoints and life experiences into the mix, leading to some compelling television moments.

Each week, the contestants competed against each other in a series of challenges. These challenges ranged from mental puzzles and quizzes to a plethora of physical tasks. The winners gained immunity from expulsion and earned privileges in the house, while the losers were put up for a public vote relating to expulsion from the house.

The most intriguing aspect of The Glass House was undoubtedly the strategic element. The players had to make alliances, negotiate and manipulate to ensure their survival in the game. Yet, given that the audience held ultimate power with their votes, the contestants had to not only play against each other but also win over the viewers. These viewers had unprecedented access to their lives, watching their interactions live through cameras installed across the Glass House.

The show was the brainchild of Kenny Rosen, an executive producer with experience on other reality shows. His intent with the show was to revolutionize the reality TV paradigm and make the audience participants rather than just spectators. While the show aired only for a single season, it was commendable for its innovative format and premise.

Aside from the reality competition, the show sparked interest for the controversy surrounding it. Before The Glass House premiered, CBS, whose popular reality show Big Brother shared some similarities, accused ABC of stealing the concept. The resulting lawsuit was a matter of public interest throughout the show’s run.

The Glass House’s thrust towards participatory television was ambitious, and it spurred debate about the pros and cons of such formats. While some people enjoyed having a say in the outcome and the contestants' experiences, others felt uneasy about the power dynamic and privacy issues inherent in such a format.

In conclusion, The Glass House represented an attempt at something different within the reality TV genre. It took the concept of viewer involvement to an unprecedented level and showcased what happens when 14 diverse individuals are placed in a unique living situation where everything they do is observed and judged by the public. Whether remembered for the controversy it stirred up or the originality it demonstrated, The Glass House undeniably made an impression during its brief time on the air.