ABC 'Glass House' Debuts Despite Lawsuit (VIDEO)
ABC's new series "Glass House" premiered last night despite a lawsuit brought by competitor CBS. The series has been compared to the hit summer series "Big Brother," which has aired on CBS since 2000. CBS has asked Judge Gary Allen Feess to "cease production of, and refrain from broadcasting the show 'Glass House' until the trial of this matter."
"This is a naked attempt by CBS to stifle competition and creativity by claiming that reality techniques that have been developed over many years, on many shows by countless producers, are somehow exclusive to CBS," executives at ABC responded.
According to the show's website, "'Glass House' features 14 contestants living and competing for a quarter million dollars in a totally wired, state-of-the-art house. But the contestants aren't just playing the game with each other—they're also playing the game to win over the audience each week."
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It is certainly similar in concept to "Big Brother," where contestants live in a home, completely blocked from contact with the outside world. Each week, players take part in challenges that will either earn them rewards or punishments and, of course, the coveted Head of Household prize. Viewers are allowed to help decide punishments, though it is ultimately up to those in the house to decide who stays and who goes.
"Through online and their social networks, viewers will be encouraged to support and follow the contestants they like and those they don't," ABC says of its show. "Viewer votes will help determine which contestants are sent home and also which eliminated players will earn the chance to return to 'The Glass House.'"
CBS' attorney, Scott Edelman, expressed his disappointment that "Glass House" would be allowed to air despite the company's petition.
"This comes down to whether there is going to be any copyright protection for reality television," he told The Hollywood Reporter.
CBS is planning to use last night's episode as evidence in its case against ABC.
"We will have more material to work with," Edelman explained.
Watch a promo for "Glass House" HERE:
