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Behind the Mirror: Inside the World of Big Brother
A look inside the TV show that watches you back
In a house designed for manipulation, paranoia, and power plays, sixteen strangers are cut off from the outside world—watched every second by cameras, judged by millions.
Welcome to Big Brother. A show ahead of its time, it was once dismissed as fluff television. Now this voyeuristic reality show has quietly become a cultural juggernaut, capturing the rawest truths of human behavior while building an intense, obsessive fanbase along the way.
But what are the costs of turning human lives into entertainment? What kind of psychological toll does it take to be put in isolation, under constant surveillance, in a perpetual state of suspicion? And what does it say about us as a society that we love to watch it unfold?
Behind the Inside the World of Big Brother peels back the layers of the historic franchise and dives deep into the game that never sleeps. Through years of live footage, online discourse, and controversial castings, this eye-opening book unpacks how Big Brother has shaped and exposed societal dynamics around race, gender, identity, power, and surveillance. It's the story of a show that thrives in chaos and reveals a reflection of us all—ambitious, flawed, strategic, and deeply human. Whether you're a diehard fan or an unimpressed skeptic, Behind the Mirror will challenge what you thought you knew about reality TV.
Because if you think Big Brother is just a game, you haven't been paying attention.
In a house designed for manipulation, paranoia, and power plays, sixteen strangers are cut off from the outside world—watched every second by cameras, judged by millions.
Welcome to Big Brother. A show ahead of its time, it was once dismissed as fluff television. Now this voyeuristic reality show has quietly become a cultural juggernaut, capturing the rawest truths of human behavior while building an intense, obsessive fanbase along the way.
But what are the costs of turning human lives into entertainment? What kind of psychological toll does it take to be put in isolation, under constant surveillance, in a perpetual state of suspicion? And what does it say about us as a society that we love to watch it unfold?
Behind the Inside the World of Big Brother peels back the layers of the historic franchise and dives deep into the game that never sleeps. Through years of live footage, online discourse, and controversial castings, this eye-opening book unpacks how Big Brother has shaped and exposed societal dynamics around race, gender, identity, power, and surveillance. It's the story of a show that thrives in chaos and reveals a reflection of us all—ambitious, flawed, strategic, and deeply human. Whether you're a diehard fan or an unimpressed skeptic, Behind the Mirror will challenge what you thought you knew about reality TV.
Because if you think Big Brother is just a game, you haven't been paying attention.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published November 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
October 3, 2025
As a self proclaimed Big Brother junkie, this was right up my alley. Every season I have the live feeds on as background noise in my house. Yes, I’m that person!
It starts off with a bit of backstory of how the show was created along with its failures(yes I’m looking at you, season one) and successes along the way. It was interesting to see how it evolved from a show in the Netherlands to what we have in the US today and all of the issues it had trying to find its footing. Armstrong gives a great in depth, analytical view into some of the strategies that were utilized in each season. He specifically focuses on key players throughout certain seasons starting with Dr. Will and ending with Taylor Hale. I would consider this book more of a deep dive into the actual gameplay of the show versus a behind-the-scenes look into the show. I think it’s definitely a must read for any Big Brother fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It starts off with a bit of backstory of how the show was created along with its failures(yes I’m looking at you, season one) and successes along the way. It was interesting to see how it evolved from a show in the Netherlands to what we have in the US today and all of the issues it had trying to find its footing. Armstrong gives a great in depth, analytical view into some of the strategies that were utilized in each season. He specifically focuses on key players throughout certain seasons starting with Dr. Will and ending with Taylor Hale. I would consider this book more of a deep dive into the actual gameplay of the show versus a behind-the-scenes look into the show. I think it’s definitely a must read for any Big Brother fan.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
The definitive book on Big Brother.
Taran captures the good, the bad, and the insane of this show.
If you’ve ever scrolled Twitter, watched a live feed update, or even if you’re just trying to explain to your family why you love this show that’s twice as strategic as Survivor and half as serious, this is the book.
Taran runs through a history of the US version of the show without skipping over the controversy, the evolution, and also the sociological study of Bjg Brother watching you.
As I read the pages I experienced real nostalgia for Dan’s season 10 rise, Steve cutting Vanessa, and watching Taylor go up to the HOH in BB24 to finalize The Leftovers.
Taran doesn’t talk about himself too much in his podcasts, but in this book he does - I don’t think anyone watches Big Brother without wondering how they would do or how they’d respond to a crazy situation - and through reflecting on his time growing up with Big Brother in the background Taran’s love for the show comes through.
Must read for any competitive reality TV fan or anyone who has always wanted to understand why that person in their life loves Big Brother.
Taran captures the good, the bad, and the insane of this show.
If you’ve ever scrolled Twitter, watched a live feed update, or even if you’re just trying to explain to your family why you love this show that’s twice as strategic as Survivor and half as serious, this is the book.
Taran runs through a history of the US version of the show without skipping over the controversy, the evolution, and also the sociological study of Bjg Brother watching you.
As I read the pages I experienced real nostalgia for Dan’s season 10 rise, Steve cutting Vanessa, and watching Taylor go up to the HOH in BB24 to finalize The Leftovers.
Taran doesn’t talk about himself too much in his podcasts, but in this book he does - I don’t think anyone watches Big Brother without wondering how they would do or how they’d respond to a crazy situation - and through reflecting on his time growing up with Big Brother in the background Taran’s love for the show comes through.
Must read for any competitive reality TV fan or anyone who has always wanted to understand why that person in their life loves Big Brother.
July 26, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars!!!
I will start this review by saying that I have been watching Big Brother since Dr. Will in Season 2, and have become what we in the community call a "superfan" since Season 13. I'm a regular viewer of Taran's Live Feed Updates and watch RHAP podcasts all the time. When I first saw Taran announce that he wrote a book about Big Brother my first reaction was extreme excitement for him because after watching just one Live Feed Update of his I think you will quickly understand how great of a storyteller he is. But my next thought was "well, what could he say in here that I haven't heard him talk about before?" The answer was a lot!
The history behind the development of the show was one of the most intriguing parts to me, because I didn't know most of it. It seems like this show kind of fell from the sky along with all the others, such as Survivor and The Challenge. He does a great job of explaining the big players involved and how unique this concept was at the time that it was originally developed.
He uses the show to reflect on where society was at that time in a fascinating way. Early 2000's were a lot different than where we are now, and it's evident in how serious topics were handled by production and the audience. My favorite quote about Season 2 : "Nothing screams early 2000's television more than solving homophobia through the power of friendship".
When he walks through the different season piece by piece, it is so nostalgic for me. I remember where I was in life when certain events happened, and how big of a deal they felt to me. As I mentioned before, Taran is a wonderful storyteller, and he was able to bring out all the important context needed for the reader to understand how big of a deal some of these things were. I love that he included little snippets of his own life, and how the show helped mold his childhood, as it did mine.
The Taylor Hale chapter was an absolute masterpiece. Reading her speech again brought me back to tears all over again. He brought me back to that moment of absolute joy that the entire fandom experienced together. I will never forget how that moment made me feel.
If you are superfan like me, then you probably know Taran wrote a book by now and you should definitely read it. But I think this book is also for those who watch casually, haven't watched in a long time, or haven't watched it at all. While it was nostalgic for me personally in some parts, it has a lot of valuable observations about our society that would be interesting to someone who knows nothing about the show. Maybe it could even convince someone who watched the show once, saw the weird costumes and goofy editing and turned it off to give it another chance.
I was hooked from the very beginning, and literally stopped the book I was reading mid page to start this one. Big Brother and reading are two of my favorite things in life, so the fact that this exists makes me so happy. I can't imagine anyone else writing it and I'm glad he did.
5 stars!!!
I will start this review by saying that I have been watching Big Brother since Dr. Will in Season 2, and have become what we in the community call a "superfan" since Season 13. I'm a regular viewer of Taran's Live Feed Updates and watch RHAP podcasts all the time. When I first saw Taran announce that he wrote a book about Big Brother my first reaction was extreme excitement for him because after watching just one Live Feed Update of his I think you will quickly understand how great of a storyteller he is. But my next thought was "well, what could he say in here that I haven't heard him talk about before?" The answer was a lot!
The history behind the development of the show was one of the most intriguing parts to me, because I didn't know most of it. It seems like this show kind of fell from the sky along with all the others, such as Survivor and The Challenge. He does a great job of explaining the big players involved and how unique this concept was at the time that it was originally developed.
He uses the show to reflect on where society was at that time in a fascinating way. Early 2000's were a lot different than where we are now, and it's evident in how serious topics were handled by production and the audience. My favorite quote about Season 2 : "Nothing screams early 2000's television more than solving homophobia through the power of friendship".
When he walks through the different season piece by piece, it is so nostalgic for me. I remember where I was in life when certain events happened, and how big of a deal they felt to me. As I mentioned before, Taran is a wonderful storyteller, and he was able to bring out all the important context needed for the reader to understand how big of a deal some of these things were. I love that he included little snippets of his own life, and how the show helped mold his childhood, as it did mine.
The Taylor Hale chapter was an absolute masterpiece. Reading her speech again brought me back to tears all over again. He brought me back to that moment of absolute joy that the entire fandom experienced together. I will never forget how that moment made me feel.
If you are superfan like me, then you probably know Taran wrote a book by now and you should definitely read it. But I think this book is also for those who watch casually, haven't watched in a long time, or haven't watched it at all. While it was nostalgic for me personally in some parts, it has a lot of valuable observations about our society that would be interesting to someone who knows nothing about the show. Maybe it could even convince someone who watched the show once, saw the weird costumes and goofy editing and turned it off to give it another chance.
I was hooked from the very beginning, and literally stopped the book I was reading mid page to start this one. Big Brother and reading are two of my favorite things in life, so the fact that this exists makes me so happy. I can't imagine anyone else writing it and I'm glad he did.
November 19, 2025
thank you LibroFM for the ALC 🙌
as a Big Brother superfan who grew up watching the show every summer with my dad, I couldn’t resist listening to this and overall I had a great time. I loved going down memory lane and revisting some of the most iconic players and moments from the game.
I also appreciated the behind-the-scenes looks into casting and production choices but wish there had been more. the title is only slightly misleading as this mostly functions as an oral history / gameplay strategy analysis of BB US seasons 1 - 24 more than anything else. (international versions of BB are only briefly mentioned.)
this is a fun read if you are either familiar with Big Brother or are an intense feed-watching superfan, but I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who is new to the show.
I will say the organization confused me at times as we jumped back and forth discussing players from different seasons. I think the book could have flowed better if everything was discussed chronologically from season 1 onward.
I also have no investment in the author’s personal BB memories, his podcast, or Rob from Survivor ... so the personal stories took me out of the narrative a bit. while they certainly explain why Taran was the perfect person to write this book (and he did a fantastic job doing so), it didn’t add anything beneficial to my reading experience. I think it could have been condensed into one opening or closing chapter.
as a Big Brother superfan who grew up watching the show every summer with my dad, I couldn’t resist listening to this and overall I had a great time. I loved going down memory lane and revisting some of the most iconic players and moments from the game.
I also appreciated the behind-the-scenes looks into casting and production choices but wish there had been more. the title is only slightly misleading as this mostly functions as an oral history / gameplay strategy analysis of BB US seasons 1 - 24 more than anything else. (international versions of BB are only briefly mentioned.)
this is a fun read if you are either familiar with Big Brother or are an intense feed-watching superfan, but I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who is new to the show.
I will say the organization confused me at times as we jumped back and forth discussing players from different seasons. I think the book could have flowed better if everything was discussed chronologically from season 1 onward.
I also have no investment in the author’s personal BB memories, his podcast, or Rob from Survivor ... so the personal stories took me out of the narrative a bit. while they certainly explain why Taran was the perfect person to write this book (and he did a fantastic job doing so), it didn’t add anything beneficial to my reading experience. I think it could have been condensed into one opening or closing chapter.
November 19, 2025
Five exciting stars for this masterpiece! As a Big Brother super fan, I couldn't get enough. This book made me feel nostalgic, amazed, and validated. I enjoyed the in-depth look into my heroes of a game I have loved since its inception. I was also gripped as I learned about the birth of Big Brother and the sociology behind the television show I cherish. I loved getting a peek into Taran’s childhood and its connection to Big Brother. Taran’s narration added intensity and emotion to this informative glimpse into the world of Big Brother. Big Brother takes over my life every summer as I become addicted to the live feeds and the game's dynamics. This book made me feel that I am not alone with my fascination. Taran’s daily updates help to keep me informed during my yearly look behind the mirror of my favorite obsession. Thank you to the author, Tantor Media and NetGalley for my audiobook.
July 27, 2025
I'm a Big Brother fan, but it's more accurate to say I'm a fan of RHAP, and for a few summers now Taran Armstrong has been the soundtrack to my lunch breaks with his live feed updates. Always fair, nerdy, and while keeping it light, Armstrong strategically analyzes BB's live feeds. It makes sense that podcasting translates well to writing and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see a more wide-lens view of the show. He went over the ways the game has changed from the Shapiro to Grodner eras, and how BB is like a mirror, which includes how it can reflect societal prejudices. I liked seeing the slant of personal narrative to this and why BB means so much to each of us who obsesses over the live feeds for the summer. Thanks so much to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
July 28, 2025
This rocked and I’m SO glad there are people who think and feel as deeply about this show as I do.
Disclaimer: I’m a huge fan of Big Brother and regularly watch Taran’s coverage each season, so I knew I would like this from the jump. Still, it was so much more than I expected it to be. It’s part history and part memoir, and it combines objective and personal accounts of the show in a really compelling way.
Taran does a great job at explaining the game mechanisms, but I do think someone who hasn’t seen the show would have trouble following various parts. So if you haven’t seen Big Brother and are interested in reading this, I WOULD recommend that you watch a season (specifically season 10) before this comes out <3
Disclaimer: I’m a huge fan of Big Brother and regularly watch Taran’s coverage each season, so I knew I would like this from the jump. Still, it was so much more than I expected it to be. It’s part history and part memoir, and it combines objective and personal accounts of the show in a really compelling way.
Taran does a great job at explaining the game mechanisms, but I do think someone who hasn’t seen the show would have trouble following various parts. So if you haven’t seen Big Brother and are interested in reading this, I WOULD recommend that you watch a season (specifically season 10) before this comes out <3
July 16, 2025
This was a very interesting read that truly delved into the world of big brother! Personally I haven’t watched big brother in a while but I used to love watching it when I was younger, I watched it almost religiously for years!
This book caught my attention when I saw the premise and captured my whole brain while reading! Absolutely loved seeing everything that went into this book and seeing the way the author described and shared stories of players!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book caught my attention when I saw the premise and captured my whole brain while reading! Absolutely loved seeing everything that went into this book and seeing the way the author described and shared stories of players!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 23, 2025
I’ll admit that it’s a little dull to listen to detailed deconstructions of strategies in a game show I’ve never watched – the names blur together and the “shock twists” make little impact. But that’s not to say that Behind The Mirror has nothing to offer the uninitiated: the chapters about the history and development of the show, and the discussion of it as a precursor to platforms like Twitch, are fascinating. So, it would be a great pick for American readers who have watched at least a season or two, and an okay pick for everyone else.
My full review of Behind The Mirror is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Behind The Mirror is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
December 8, 2025
A Big Brother off season must read.
As a life time big brother viewer & long time RHAP & Taran fan, I have to say thank you to Taran for writing the book only he could have written & explaining the BB madness so well.
As a life time big brother viewer & long time RHAP & Taran fan, I have to say thank you to Taran for writing the book only he could have written & explaining the BB madness so well.
October 31, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Behind The Mirror: Inside The World Of Big Brother is a fascinating look at the US Big Brother show.
I am a Big Brother (BB) fan. And am a big Taran fan, watching his Live Feed Updates every day during the season.
This book focuses a lot on gameplay and strategies of some of the winners and important players throughout the years
Taran goes through so many of the past seasons focusing on key players and strategies. It brought back so many memories. His insight into the show and players makes for such an interesting read.
Also a bit of his personal life is weaved into the book. Taran’s relationship with the show throughout the years is fascinating. I enjoyed seeing Taran as a young boy watching the show. And then seeing where he was in his life during various seasons.
He goes through so many of the past seasons. I have been watching the show since season one. But I haven’t gone back to re-watch any of the seasons. So being reminded of so many key moments in the show’s history was amazing.
I really enjoyed his love for players like Kaysar. His appreciation for players like Dan and Tiffany (the Cookout). And his accurate description of what happened to Taylor. I also really enjoyed seeing how he first started at RHAP/Rob Has A Podcast and how his live feed updates became a thing.
The book also mentions important issues on Big Brother including mental health challenges, racism and the diversity initiative.
Overall this was a very good read. You can definitely read this book if you have never watched BB or if you are a casual fan. However I definitely think that if you are a superfan then reading this book is a must.
Thanks to netgalley and Sourcebooks (non-fiction) for allowing me to read this book.
Behind The Mirror: Inside The World Of Big Brother is a fascinating look at the US Big Brother show.
I am a Big Brother (BB) fan. And am a big Taran fan, watching his Live Feed Updates every day during the season.
This book focuses a lot on gameplay and strategies of some of the winners and important players throughout the years
Taran goes through so many of the past seasons focusing on key players and strategies. It brought back so many memories. His insight into the show and players makes for such an interesting read.
Also a bit of his personal life is weaved into the book. Taran’s relationship with the show throughout the years is fascinating. I enjoyed seeing Taran as a young boy watching the show. And then seeing where he was in his life during various seasons.
He goes through so many of the past seasons. I have been watching the show since season one. But I haven’t gone back to re-watch any of the seasons. So being reminded of so many key moments in the show’s history was amazing.
I really enjoyed his love for players like Kaysar. His appreciation for players like Dan and Tiffany (the Cookout). And his accurate description of what happened to Taylor. I also really enjoyed seeing how he first started at RHAP/Rob Has A Podcast and how his live feed updates became a thing.
The book also mentions important issues on Big Brother including mental health challenges, racism and the diversity initiative.
Overall this was a very good read. You can definitely read this book if you have never watched BB or if you are a casual fan. However I definitely think that if you are a superfan then reading this book is a must.
Thanks to netgalley and Sourcebooks (non-fiction) for allowing me to read this book.
August 26, 2025
where can i buy taran stock for the stockwatch? i think he's onto something. taran, this was incredible. thank u for being my bb guru & eyes on the feeds the past few years.
• you think you know ‘big brother’? think again. a superfan & podcaster of the show, taran armstrong takes the reader on a deep dive of 25 years of ‘big brother’ history. by peeling back the layers of the show, from its origins in europe to the slime-filled competitions it’s known for today, taran makes a case for a show that truly turns human lives into entertainment that also gives us a much deeper look at the evolution of reality tv and the social commentary around race, gender, identity, power, and surveillance. written for fans of the show and those who have never seen an episode, there’s so much we can learn from a silly reality game show.
• as a more recent fan of the show, this was SO GOOD. i’ve listened to taran’s daily updates for the past 3 seasons, but understanding more of the show’s origin stories & evolution, as well as some of the iconic cast members & alliances was so useful!
• taran’s own relationship with the show also plays a big part in this book, which gave this story a human touch that made me fly thru this.
• you think you know ‘big brother’? think again. a superfan & podcaster of the show, taran armstrong takes the reader on a deep dive of 25 years of ‘big brother’ history. by peeling back the layers of the show, from its origins in europe to the slime-filled competitions it’s known for today, taran makes a case for a show that truly turns human lives into entertainment that also gives us a much deeper look at the evolution of reality tv and the social commentary around race, gender, identity, power, and surveillance. written for fans of the show and those who have never seen an episode, there’s so much we can learn from a silly reality game show.
• as a more recent fan of the show, this was SO GOOD. i’ve listened to taran’s daily updates for the past 3 seasons, but understanding more of the show’s origin stories & evolution, as well as some of the iconic cast members & alliances was so useful!
• taran’s own relationship with the show also plays a big part in this book, which gave this story a human touch that made me fly thru this.
September 8, 2025
I have been obsessed with the CBS original reality show, Big Brother, since its inception. Actually since Season 2 because real fans agree that the first season does not count. A new book is hitting shelves in late November titled Behind the Mirror. It is a detailed look inside of the iconic television show. It dives deep into the game that never sleeps, season by season.
For those unfamiliar, Big Brother is one of the original reality series. Sixteen strangers are sequestered in a house with no contact with the outside world. No news, no phones, no technology and very limited censored correspondence. They are watched every second until evicted from the house one by one. Viewers—including myself—tune in to live 24/7 feeds and broadcast episodes that air three (3) times every week, every summer. The community is oh so serious: we podcast, take over social media timelines, have our own vocabulary, participate in fantasy leagues and obsessively check live updates. IYKYK
Behind the Mirror is the best literary source for all things Big Brother US. It is a must-read for all BB fans. Reading Armstrong's research, interviews and insight was like having a long conversation with a fellow superfan. I was nodding my head in agreement, responding aloud as if Armstrong and I were in the backyard hammock together. There were houseguests that I forgot all about (Dani and Jason starting secret alliances) while all the pertinent ones (The Cookout, Jun the queen of floaters, Dan's perfect game, Chilltown, What up, Kaysaaaaaar!) had whole chapters dedicated to their gameplay.
This book is so well done and necessary for the BB culture. You are absolutely in good company, Armstrong! It is a pleasure sharing this space with you. To my Bookhearts/BB Superfans, adding Behind the Mirror to your TBR is akin to voting with the house. Do it!
Happy Early Pub Day, Taran Armstrong! Behind the Mirror will be available Tuesday, November 25.
Side Note: BB27 jury starts tomorrow!
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
For those unfamiliar, Big Brother is one of the original reality series. Sixteen strangers are sequestered in a house with no contact with the outside world. No news, no phones, no technology and very limited censored correspondence. They are watched every second until evicted from the house one by one. Viewers—including myself—tune in to live 24/7 feeds and broadcast episodes that air three (3) times every week, every summer. The community is oh so serious: we podcast, take over social media timelines, have our own vocabulary, participate in fantasy leagues and obsessively check live updates. IYKYK
Behind the Mirror is the best literary source for all things Big Brother US. It is a must-read for all BB fans. Reading Armstrong's research, interviews and insight was like having a long conversation with a fellow superfan. I was nodding my head in agreement, responding aloud as if Armstrong and I were in the backyard hammock together. There were houseguests that I forgot all about (Dani and Jason starting secret alliances) while all the pertinent ones (The Cookout, Jun the queen of floaters, Dan's perfect game, Chilltown, What up, Kaysaaaaaar!) had whole chapters dedicated to their gameplay.
This book is so well done and necessary for the BB culture. You are absolutely in good company, Armstrong! It is a pleasure sharing this space with you. To my Bookhearts/BB Superfans, adding Behind the Mirror to your TBR is akin to voting with the house. Do it!
Happy Early Pub Day, Taran Armstrong! Behind the Mirror will be available Tuesday, November 25.
Side Note: BB27 jury starts tomorrow!
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie
August 14, 2025
5/5 Stars!
Short Review: Taran does an excellent job highlighting the connections between Big Brother, our society and himself with vulnerable personal reflections that add additional depth to the analysis of the whacky yet strategic show of Big Brother.
I have been a fan of Big Brother since Season 12 and a fan of RHAP and Taran for many years. I really enjoyed the reflection and history of 24 seasons of Big Brother US. I learned a lot about the concept and formation of the show and it was very helpful to set the stage and contextualize the impact of Big Brother on its viewers and reality television.
I enjoyed recapping the memorable characters, moves and moments throughout the seasons. As I've watched all seasons (except Season 1), it was easy to follow and bring me back to those pivotal moments. I believe someone who hasn't watched these moments could still follow along, because the messages that Taran highlights are less about analyzing specific seasons and more about the heart and impact of the show, and tracking the strategic evolution over time.
Taran brings his own personal connections and experiences into his writing that is easy to connect and empathize with. The heart and vulnerability make this book unique and shows his passion for the show, while reminding me of my connections to Big Brother, throughout high and low moments of my own life. Taran also brings the emotion of the show to light many times, especially during the Taylor Hale chapter where I teared up remembering her grace and resilience.
Taran cites a dearth of sources, including first hand accounts and interviews, to support his claims and give the reader confidence of his knowledge and accuracy. I enjoyed the exploration of the claim that Big Brother is a reflection of us and vice versa, I believe he supported his discussion of these points well.
Overall this was a fun and surprisingly emotional discussion of Big Brother US that I would recommend to strategic reality show fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!
Short Review: Taran does an excellent job highlighting the connections between Big Brother, our society and himself with vulnerable personal reflections that add additional depth to the analysis of the whacky yet strategic show of Big Brother.
I have been a fan of Big Brother since Season 12 and a fan of RHAP and Taran for many years. I really enjoyed the reflection and history of 24 seasons of Big Brother US. I learned a lot about the concept and formation of the show and it was very helpful to set the stage and contextualize the impact of Big Brother on its viewers and reality television.
I enjoyed recapping the memorable characters, moves and moments throughout the seasons. As I've watched all seasons (except Season 1), it was easy to follow and bring me back to those pivotal moments. I believe someone who hasn't watched these moments could still follow along, because the messages that Taran highlights are less about analyzing specific seasons and more about the heart and impact of the show, and tracking the strategic evolution over time.
Taran brings his own personal connections and experiences into his writing that is easy to connect and empathize with. The heart and vulnerability make this book unique and shows his passion for the show, while reminding me of my connections to Big Brother, throughout high and low moments of my own life. Taran also brings the emotion of the show to light many times, especially during the Taylor Hale chapter where I teared up remembering her grace and resilience.
Taran cites a dearth of sources, including first hand accounts and interviews, to support his claims and give the reader confidence of his knowledge and accuracy. I enjoyed the exploration of the claim that Big Brother is a reflection of us and vice versa, I believe he supported his discussion of these points well.
Overall this was a fun and surprisingly emotional discussion of Big Brother US that I would recommend to strategic reality show fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!
July 31, 2025
In the early 2000s, reality TV was finding its footing and so Big Brother began in the U.S. Behind the Mirror follows the history of what, from the outside, might seem like just a silly game show but in reality is a microcosm of society — full of strategy, manipulation, and paranoia, yes, but also friendships, relationships, kindness, bigotry, and every other aspect of humanity you can think of. 16 people stuck in a house for months, on live camera 24/7… anything could happen. And it does.
Behind the Mirror dives deep into the history and heart of the franchise. The author contemplates how the show reflects society but also how society reflects the show. After all, there are players in later seasons who were shaped by growing up with Big Brother.
You do NOT need to be familiar with Big Brother to enjoy this book. The author explains everything you need to know and you’ll find yourself invested in these real-life characters jumping off the page.
For those who are superfans and know the show like the back of your hand, you’ll love this book too. I was impressed by how drawn in I was by a book that didn’t claim to have behind the scene secrets. Taran is just that good at telling a story and understanding people.
In case it’s not obvious already: I am a Big Brother fan but, most importantly, I am a Taran fan. I truly think Taran keeps the lights on over on the BB sound stage because his daily coverage is incredible. So I was very excited when he nonchalantly announced that he had written a book and it would be coming out this fall — and I was THRILLED to receive an advanced copy! Anyone who has watched or listened to Taran podcast about BB knows he has a way with words, and that absolutely translates to the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Taran Armstrong, and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Behind the Mirror dives deep into the history and heart of the franchise. The author contemplates how the show reflects society but also how society reflects the show. After all, there are players in later seasons who were shaped by growing up with Big Brother.
You do NOT need to be familiar with Big Brother to enjoy this book. The author explains everything you need to know and you’ll find yourself invested in these real-life characters jumping off the page.
For those who are superfans and know the show like the back of your hand, you’ll love this book too. I was impressed by how drawn in I was by a book that didn’t claim to have behind the scene secrets. Taran is just that good at telling a story and understanding people.
In case it’s not obvious already: I am a Big Brother fan but, most importantly, I am a Taran fan. I truly think Taran keeps the lights on over on the BB sound stage because his daily coverage is incredible. So I was very excited when he nonchalantly announced that he had written a book and it would be coming out this fall — and I was THRILLED to receive an advanced copy! Anyone who has watched or listened to Taran podcast about BB knows he has a way with words, and that absolutely translates to the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Taran Armstrong, and Sourcebooks for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2025
For the sake of full transparency, I should begin by saying that I’ve been listening to Taran on RHAP since he started on the network over 10 years ago. His Big Brother commentary and Twitch streams have been a constant presence in my life for the past decade, so obviously I already had a strong bias when starting the book. And I’m incredibly grateful to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review it in advance of its publication date.
In Behind the Mirror, Taran Armstrong takes the reader through the entire history of the TV show Big Brother– from its inspiration and international impetus all the way up through modern seasons of the US show. For those who aren’t familiar, Taran is a podcaster who’s considered the foremost Big Brother expert by many. His knowledge of the US show in particular runs deep, and I imagine that writing this book only deepened it. I can’t imagine a better person to literally write the book on Big Brother.
There are three really special things about this book that I want to highlight. First, Taran’s authorial voice is so strong. There are a lot of readers who don’t pick up much non-fiction due to its perception as being dry and boring. Behind the Mirror is neither of those things. Taran’s bread and butter is his live feed updates– taking a whole day of events in the Big Brother house and crafting a narrative out of them. Telling the facts in an interesting, engaging way– telling the story of the day. And that’s exactly what he’s done here– he’s not just telling you the facts, he’s telling the STORY of Big Brother. His narrative perfectly captures the strong emotions I’ve felt while watching the show– excitement, compassion, rage– and made me feel them all over again. I’ve never cried while reading a non-fiction book, but I absolutely did here– and that is a testament to Taran’s ability to tell an engaging, emotional story.
Second, I really loved the way he chose to structure the book. Big Brother is not just the US show, although that is central to the book. Big Brother began internationally. Moments from Big Brother have transcended the show itself. And most importantly, life and culture outside of Big Brother seeps into Big Brother by the players chosen to play the game. It’s an incredibly difficult task to try to wrangle all of those pieces together in a way that makes sense. Taran very strategically chose when and how to address outside-of-show elements and was able to tie them back into the main narrative of the show incredibly seamlessly. It gave the book a clear flow, and I thought it was brilliantly done.
Third, and perhaps most important– Taran continues to celebrate Big Brother when deserved, and hold their feet to the fire when necessary. Taran has always been very good at criticizing Big Brother when they need to be criticized, and he does a spectacular job of that here. He does not shy away from discussing the uglier sides of Big Brother. The season where the racism in the house got so bad that the show was finally forced to acknowledge it after years of suppressing it. The mental, emotional, and traumatic toll the show and its fans can take on contestants. The years and years of cast imbalances and systemic racism and the triumph of The Cookout. Taran confronts these head-on, just as he always has on the podcasts. He calls out the show, insists that they do better. He stands ten toes down, no excuses, and I found that to be incredibly impactful.
Overall, I hardly need to convince RHAP listeners or Taran listeners to give this book a read. But I would also highly recommend this to casual Big Brother fans and those interested in reality TV and pop culture in general. I also read Disney High (behind the scenes of the Disney Channel) and Cue the Sun (the entire history of reality TV) this year and thoroughly enjoyed both, but Behind the Mirror was my favorite above both of those for how engaged I was the entire way through and for Taran’s really brilliant storytelling.
In Behind the Mirror, Taran Armstrong takes the reader through the entire history of the TV show Big Brother– from its inspiration and international impetus all the way up through modern seasons of the US show. For those who aren’t familiar, Taran is a podcaster who’s considered the foremost Big Brother expert by many. His knowledge of the US show in particular runs deep, and I imagine that writing this book only deepened it. I can’t imagine a better person to literally write the book on Big Brother.
There are three really special things about this book that I want to highlight. First, Taran’s authorial voice is so strong. There are a lot of readers who don’t pick up much non-fiction due to its perception as being dry and boring. Behind the Mirror is neither of those things. Taran’s bread and butter is his live feed updates– taking a whole day of events in the Big Brother house and crafting a narrative out of them. Telling the facts in an interesting, engaging way– telling the story of the day. And that’s exactly what he’s done here– he’s not just telling you the facts, he’s telling the STORY of Big Brother. His narrative perfectly captures the strong emotions I’ve felt while watching the show– excitement, compassion, rage– and made me feel them all over again. I’ve never cried while reading a non-fiction book, but I absolutely did here– and that is a testament to Taran’s ability to tell an engaging, emotional story.
Second, I really loved the way he chose to structure the book. Big Brother is not just the US show, although that is central to the book. Big Brother began internationally. Moments from Big Brother have transcended the show itself. And most importantly, life and culture outside of Big Brother seeps into Big Brother by the players chosen to play the game. It’s an incredibly difficult task to try to wrangle all of those pieces together in a way that makes sense. Taran very strategically chose when and how to address outside-of-show elements and was able to tie them back into the main narrative of the show incredibly seamlessly. It gave the book a clear flow, and I thought it was brilliantly done.
Third, and perhaps most important– Taran continues to celebrate Big Brother when deserved, and hold their feet to the fire when necessary. Taran has always been very good at criticizing Big Brother when they need to be criticized, and he does a spectacular job of that here. He does not shy away from discussing the uglier sides of Big Brother. The season where the racism in the house got so bad that the show was finally forced to acknowledge it after years of suppressing it. The mental, emotional, and traumatic toll the show and its fans can take on contestants. The years and years of cast imbalances and systemic racism and the triumph of The Cookout. Taran confronts these head-on, just as he always has on the podcasts. He calls out the show, insists that they do better. He stands ten toes down, no excuses, and I found that to be incredibly impactful.
Overall, I hardly need to convince RHAP listeners or Taran listeners to give this book a read. But I would also highly recommend this to casual Big Brother fans and those interested in reality TV and pop culture in general. I also read Disney High (behind the scenes of the Disney Channel) and Cue the Sun (the entire history of reality TV) this year and thoroughly enjoyed both, but Behind the Mirror was my favorite above both of those for how engaged I was the entire way through and for Taran’s really brilliant storytelling.
December 5, 2025
If I could give it five gazillion stars, I would. Go Taran!
August 20, 2025
Behind the Mirror is a fascinating look at Big Brother through the last two decades. Fans will love the behind-the-scenes details of how the show came to be, and how it runs, and they will revel in the thoughtful deep-dive into the strategy across the seasons. When I was finished I wanted to go back and binge all the seasons now that I know more of the juicy details about how they unfolded. If you are a Big Brother fan, buying this book is a no-brainer. You'll love it.
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the early read.
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the early read.
December 11, 2025
5 stars! I’m a bit biased as I love the show, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I took away from this book. Not only does it talk about the show and its history, but it also talks about how it parallels with our society. It was also interesting to learn about the history of reality TV, how the show shaped the author’s personal experiences, and to read anecdotes from past players.
November 21, 2025
i love u taran
November 26, 2025
As a Big Brother superfan—when I can get past the embarrassment of calling myself one, that is—I was very excited to read Taran Armstrong's book about the subject. As he notes in his Acknowledgements, there are thousands of paths he could have chosen with this book, and he had to choose one. I was curious to see what he would discuss (and, conversely, what he would leave out).
In a mostly chronological account, Taran extrapolates strategy from the most influential seasons of the show, as well as the show's origins and controversies. And he does a good job of breaking down the show for fans and non-fans alike. As someone who hasn't watched the early seasons—though, admittedly, knows quite a lot about them—I was able to follow along with ease.
While I found the structure hard to follow at times, Taran does an excellent job of finding the core of Big Brother. Maybe he doesn't go into your favorite season as much as you'd like, but that's because he's already spent five chapters talking about seasons that influenced your favorite season, so there's not much to say about its strategy—it has already been said. I also loved the personal notes throughout, how his own life was shaped by the show.
I don't tend to read a lot of nonfiction, and, yes, I had a vested interest in this book. That being said, I was able to finish this book in five days without trying to, unable to put the book down (many times) when I needed to.
If you want a comprehensive overview on the world of Big Brother, then this book is for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
In a mostly chronological account, Taran extrapolates strategy from the most influential seasons of the show, as well as the show's origins and controversies. And he does a good job of breaking down the show for fans and non-fans alike. As someone who hasn't watched the early seasons—though, admittedly, knows quite a lot about them—I was able to follow along with ease.
While I found the structure hard to follow at times, Taran does an excellent job of finding the core of Big Brother. Maybe he doesn't go into your favorite season as much as you'd like, but that's because he's already spent five chapters talking about seasons that influenced your favorite season, so there's not much to say about its strategy—it has already been said. I also loved the personal notes throughout, how his own life was shaped by the show.
I don't tend to read a lot of nonfiction, and, yes, I had a vested interest in this book. That being said, I was able to finish this book in five days without trying to, unable to put the book down (many times) when I needed to.
If you want a comprehensive overview on the world of Big Brother, then this book is for you.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
December 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Behind the Mirror is more than a book. It’s a lifeline for anyone who has ever loved Big Brother. Taran Armstrong pours his heart and soul into every page, capturing not just the strategy and gameplay but the humanity behind it. Reading this, I felt seen as a fan, reminded of every moment I’ve laughed, cried, cheered, and gasped along with the houseguests.
Taran doesn’t just recount history; he holds up a mirror to the community, showing us why we care so deeply about this game. He reveals the layers of loyalty, betrayal, courage, and vulnerability that make Big Brother unforgettable. Every story, every memory, every analysis is infused with a passion that hits you right in the heart.
This book is a gift to the fandom in a time when we need it most. It reconnects us to the excitement, the heartbreak, and the triumphs that have made us love this show for decades. It reminds us that Big Brother isn’t just a game. It’s a reflection of human nature, of the choices we make under pressure, of the bonds we form, and the risks we take.
Taran’s words give context to the strategies, depth to the drama, and meaning to the moments we’ve lived with week after week. For anyone who has ever stayed up late cheering for their favorites, debating every move, or feeling the sting of a blindsided eviction, this book is a reminder that we are part of something bigger . This is a community, a story, and a legacy that continues to shape us.
Behind the Mirror is more than a book. It’s a lifeline for anyone who has ever loved Big Brother. Taran Armstrong pours his heart and soul into every page, capturing not just the strategy and gameplay but the humanity behind it. Reading this, I felt seen as a fan, reminded of every moment I’ve laughed, cried, cheered, and gasped along with the houseguests.
Taran doesn’t just recount history; he holds up a mirror to the community, showing us why we care so deeply about this game. He reveals the layers of loyalty, betrayal, courage, and vulnerability that make Big Brother unforgettable. Every story, every memory, every analysis is infused with a passion that hits you right in the heart.
This book is a gift to the fandom in a time when we need it most. It reconnects us to the excitement, the heartbreak, and the triumphs that have made us love this show for decades. It reminds us that Big Brother isn’t just a game. It’s a reflection of human nature, of the choices we make under pressure, of the bonds we form, and the risks we take.
Taran’s words give context to the strategies, depth to the drama, and meaning to the moments we’ve lived with week after week. For anyone who has ever stayed up late cheering for their favorites, debating every move, or feeling the sting of a blindsided eviction, this book is a reminder that we are part of something bigger . This is a community, a story, and a legacy that continues to shape us.
December 3, 2025
I tend to cycle through interests rather quickly, but the one interest of mine that has persisted is my unbridled love for Big Brother. I have spent roughly 3 months every year since the seventh grade completely immersed in the bb universe. This obviously includes a long-time devotion to the RHAP cinematic universe. Specifically, to Taran Armstrong and his daily live feed updates. As Rob Cesternino so poignantly stated at the beginning of the bb27 coverage, Taran Armstrong is the sound of summer. Taran’s captivating and trustworthy recounts of the live feeds are something I and so many members of Big Brother community rely on to fill the gaps of madness a season of bb is often set to create. It cannot be overstated how much trust I have in Taran’s ability to paint the story of bb. And with my incredibly high expectations, I am pleased to say that Taran met and massively exceeded every bar I had in place for this book.
As a fellow gamebot, I just loved the retelling of the evolution of the game. Starting and ending the story of gameplay with Dr. Will’s famous and ridiculous quote from his jury speech felt so eloquent and poetic for the tale. Then I had the joy of geeking out about the retelling of my favorite alliance in the history of the franchise, The Secret Alliance. Taran captures the brilliance and innovation of Danielle and Jason perfectly, truly lending them every ounce of credit they have always deserved. In addition, we got to hear the priceless insight of the endlessly wonderful Jason Guy, who I could not possibly adore more if I tried. Taran also tells the stories of many game changers (not the ones Survivor casting would recognize) such as Jun, Kaysar, Eric, and Mike “The Don” Lubinski.
But the excitement of the story somehow ramps up from there with the tale of Dan Gheesling. I audibly giggled at the way Dan’s story is introduced. I don’t think any person could have captured the showmanship and chaos that Dan’s game oozes in the way Taran has. Taran completely allows for Dan’s charm and mastery of the game to shine in the way it deserves.
The tales of bb gameplay are concluded with a remarkable account of the story of Taylor Hale. I have been Team Taylor since I saw her cast photo and Taran’s retelling of her story is flawless. It physically hurt to read, as it physically hurt to watch. I love that the Taylor section began with discussion of bb3, “the culture of the house”, the way players are forced to follow arbitrary rules, and how Taylor was able to rewrite those rules. Reading her speech gave me goosebumps the way watching it gave me goosebumps. I have a profound amount of respect for Taran’s ability to capture the underrated gaming and endless kindness of The Sword.
Taran Armstrong is a pillar of knowledge and perspective that the Big Brother community would be lost without. I can’t adequately explain my love for this book and my appreciation for Taran and his contributions to the bb community. Here’s to many more summers of gameplay, insight, laughs, and ridiculously accurate impressions. The community thanks you Taran!
As a fellow gamebot, I just loved the retelling of the evolution of the game. Starting and ending the story of gameplay with Dr. Will’s famous and ridiculous quote from his jury speech felt so eloquent and poetic for the tale. Then I had the joy of geeking out about the retelling of my favorite alliance in the history of the franchise, The Secret Alliance. Taran captures the brilliance and innovation of Danielle and Jason perfectly, truly lending them every ounce of credit they have always deserved. In addition, we got to hear the priceless insight of the endlessly wonderful Jason Guy, who I could not possibly adore more if I tried. Taran also tells the stories of many game changers (not the ones Survivor casting would recognize) such as Jun, Kaysar, Eric, and Mike “The Don” Lubinski.
But the excitement of the story somehow ramps up from there with the tale of Dan Gheesling. I audibly giggled at the way Dan’s story is introduced. I don’t think any person could have captured the showmanship and chaos that Dan’s game oozes in the way Taran has. Taran completely allows for Dan’s charm and mastery of the game to shine in the way it deserves.
The tales of bb gameplay are concluded with a remarkable account of the story of Taylor Hale. I have been Team Taylor since I saw her cast photo and Taran’s retelling of her story is flawless. It physically hurt to read, as it physically hurt to watch. I love that the Taylor section began with discussion of bb3, “the culture of the house”, the way players are forced to follow arbitrary rules, and how Taylor was able to rewrite those rules. Reading her speech gave me goosebumps the way watching it gave me goosebumps. I have a profound amount of respect for Taran’s ability to capture the underrated gaming and endless kindness of The Sword.
Taran Armstrong is a pillar of knowledge and perspective that the Big Brother community would be lost without. I can’t adequately explain my love for this book and my appreciation for Taran and his contributions to the bb community. Here’s to many more summers of gameplay, insight, laughs, and ridiculously accurate impressions. The community thanks you Taran!
September 7, 2025
I'm such a huge fan of Big Brother; I've been watching it religiously since season 17. I've since gone back and watched prior seasons and gone down multiple YouTube rabbit holes over the years about the memorable players and moments. Yes, it's a slightly embarrassing obsession that takes over my brain every summer, but it's so nice to know that I'm not alone. Taran Armstrong and his coverage every year is essential to my consumption of the show.
I don't have people in my everyday life who watch Big Brother with the same intensity as I do. Rob Has A Podcast aka RHAP really fill that void for me, and I've been watching/listening to episode recaps since the moment I started watching the show. Bless Rob Cesternino and all the podcasters on the network, they do amazing work. It wasn't until season 20 that I started consuming Taran's live feed updates every morning, and I'm so grateful I did.
It's one thing reading updates on Twitter about the live feeds, but it's an entirely different experience watching Taran act out the house chaos and explain horrible and/or amazing gameplay moves. His Vince reenactments alone this season in BB27 have been a masterclass. He's an incredible and engaging storyteller, and that talent carries over remarkably well with his writing in this book.
I don't think you necessarily need to be a Big Brother fan to appreciate this book, but I do think all Big Brother fans need to read it. Taran brings a great understanding to the creation of the show and the context in which it was made. He breaks down some really iconic and heartbreaking moments and made me look at them from a different perspective. His writing is so accessible and clever while also being funny and analytical. So basically, Taran on a typical live feed update but in book form.
Taran also dives into the reality TV genre as a whole and how it can reflect our society. Big Brother is just so unique within the genre due to the live feeds and the "24/7" surveillance of the houseguests. One passage that really stood out to me:
"...I don't see the show itself as being a representative sample of our society and culture. Instead I see it as a funhouse of mirrors, reflecting back what's in front of it while also stretching, contorting, and exaggerating where it sees fit."
Sometimes I wonder why I love a show about strangers trapped in a fake house on the CBS parking lot, but it's paragraphs like the above that make it clear how fascinating this very silly show can be.
It was also a joy taking a break from the current fury I feel at the state of BB27 production and let this book remind me of why I still love the show at its core. I can't wait to have my physical copy in November and make all of my friends and family read it.
Thank you to the publisher Sourcebooks and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I don't have people in my everyday life who watch Big Brother with the same intensity as I do. Rob Has A Podcast aka RHAP really fill that void for me, and I've been watching/listening to episode recaps since the moment I started watching the show. Bless Rob Cesternino and all the podcasters on the network, they do amazing work. It wasn't until season 20 that I started consuming Taran's live feed updates every morning, and I'm so grateful I did.
It's one thing reading updates on Twitter about the live feeds, but it's an entirely different experience watching Taran act out the house chaos and explain horrible and/or amazing gameplay moves. His Vince reenactments alone this season in BB27 have been a masterclass. He's an incredible and engaging storyteller, and that talent carries over remarkably well with his writing in this book.
I don't think you necessarily need to be a Big Brother fan to appreciate this book, but I do think all Big Brother fans need to read it. Taran brings a great understanding to the creation of the show and the context in which it was made. He breaks down some really iconic and heartbreaking moments and made me look at them from a different perspective. His writing is so accessible and clever while also being funny and analytical. So basically, Taran on a typical live feed update but in book form.
Taran also dives into the reality TV genre as a whole and how it can reflect our society. Big Brother is just so unique within the genre due to the live feeds and the "24/7" surveillance of the houseguests. One passage that really stood out to me:
"...I don't see the show itself as being a representative sample of our society and culture. Instead I see it as a funhouse of mirrors, reflecting back what's in front of it while also stretching, contorting, and exaggerating where it sees fit."
Sometimes I wonder why I love a show about strangers trapped in a fake house on the CBS parking lot, but it's paragraphs like the above that make it clear how fascinating this very silly show can be.
It was also a joy taking a break from the current fury I feel at the state of BB27 production and let this book remind me of why I still love the show at its core. I can't wait to have my physical copy in November and make all of my friends and family read it.
Thank you to the publisher Sourcebooks and NetGalley for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
September 30, 2025
I don’t really like Big Brother. I’ve watched every season live since season 12. I’ve gone back and watched a few earlier seasons. To anyone who knows that, it would probably seem like I love the show. But every season I get frustrated and think about quitting forever. The main reason I don’t? Taran Armstrong. I love his live feed updates on RHAP, so as soon as I heard he’d written this book, I had to read it. It’s incredible. He’s an entertaining and insightful storyteller, weaving the history of the show, sociological insights, and personal anecdotes together to get at the heart or what makes Big Brother interesting and meaningful. Highly recommend!
Thanks to the publisher for the arc!
Thanks to the publisher for the arc!
December 14, 2025
I’ve started to read other books about reality tv shows and found myself moving on to other books instead but something about the way taran writes and recaps and analyzes had me sucked in. not all that surprised because i’ve listened to many a Live Feed Update from taran. he finds a good balance between being thorough and concise. i’ve seen a bunch of the seasons he covered in-depth but the ones i haven’t seen were easy to follow the overarching storyline and game innovations being outlined. i, naturally, got goosebumps reading quotes from taylor’s finale speech.
December 19, 2025
This book is a love letter from Taran Armstrong to the game of Big Brother. He does an excellent job of diving into the history of the show and explaining how it has evolved over time. This book was a great reminder as to why so many people love this show; it gives us a real look into the lives of strangers living together and how they use social skills and strategy to get what they want. This is not a handbook for how to play the game, but it should still be a required reading for all future houseguests. I mean, how can you play a game if you don’t understand the foundations of it? Very happy for Taran, I hope there’s more to come from him!
December 1, 2025
it’s always hard for me describe why big brother has been one of my favorite shows for the last 13 years, but this book does a great job of explaining why.
since becoming a fan of taran/RHAP a few years ago, my perception of how the game is played has completely changed and reignited my love for the show. as the title suggests, big brother is more than the typical reality show—it holds a “mirror” up to society and all of its imperfections. this book is a deep dive into the games evolution, the ins and outs of game play and so many beloved houseguests. despite every flaw taran points out, he reminds me everything that makes the show special and why i tune in summer after summer.
this audiobook is perfect for fans to get their fix in the off season! it was literally one long live feed update and i was locked in from start to finish. thank you taran for allowing me to geek out with you every summer and while reading this book!
since becoming a fan of taran/RHAP a few years ago, my perception of how the game is played has completely changed and reignited my love for the show. as the title suggests, big brother is more than the typical reality show—it holds a “mirror” up to society and all of its imperfections. this book is a deep dive into the games evolution, the ins and outs of game play and so many beloved houseguests. despite every flaw taran points out, he reminds me everything that makes the show special and why i tune in summer after summer.
this audiobook is perfect for fans to get their fix in the off season! it was literally one long live feed update and i was locked in from start to finish. thank you taran for allowing me to geek out with you every summer and while reading this book!
September 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced digital copy.
As a Big Brother fan and an avid watcher of Taran's live feed updates, I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed learning about the origins of Big Brother and the evolution of the game and players' strategy throughout the years. Taran does such a great job of breaking down game events and strategy, even if you've never actually seen the episode or season he is discussing. My favorite part was how he tied the game back to his own personal life and society at large. This is an interesting read whether you're a super fan who never misses an episode or someone who's never seen a minute of Big Brother play out on your screen.
As a Big Brother fan and an avid watcher of Taran's live feed updates, I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed learning about the origins of Big Brother and the evolution of the game and players' strategy throughout the years. Taran does such a great job of breaking down game events and strategy, even if you've never actually seen the episode or season he is discussing. My favorite part was how he tied the game back to his own personal life and society at large. This is an interesting read whether you're a super fan who never misses an episode or someone who's never seen a minute of Big Brother play out on your screen.
September 3, 2025
I have an *embarassing* confession…I’m a huge Big Brother fan. Yes, I spend every summer watching a show that is full of silly jokes, ridiculous costumes, and screaming. But…hear me out…the show is about way more than that. It’s about social dynamics and game strategy. It’s layered and complicated and fascinating. I promise!
Somewhere around season 17 or so, I started listening to RHAP (Rob Has a Podcast) and discovered Taran. I thought, “This is fantastic! Someone who gets all that I see watching the live feeds.” So now I watch the show, the live feeds, and Taran’s daily updates each July through end game.
Taran’s book “Behind the Mirror: Inside the World of Big Brother” is releasing in November of 2025. I was lucky enough to receive a review copy. I tore through the pages that are packed full of a history of the show and detailed analysis of key players and strategy. It’s a must read for fans of the game. IMHO, it should also be required reading for future contestants. If you enjoy Taran’s breakdowns of game play, this book is definitely for you. It felt like a trip through memory lane for this fan who has been on board since season 1 (blech) and the true 1st season of the game in season 2.
Somewhere around season 17 or so, I started listening to RHAP (Rob Has a Podcast) and discovered Taran. I thought, “This is fantastic! Someone who gets all that I see watching the live feeds.” So now I watch the show, the live feeds, and Taran’s daily updates each July through end game.
Taran’s book “Behind the Mirror: Inside the World of Big Brother” is releasing in November of 2025. I was lucky enough to receive a review copy. I tore through the pages that are packed full of a history of the show and detailed analysis of key players and strategy. It’s a must read for fans of the game. IMHO, it should also be required reading for future contestants. If you enjoy Taran’s breakdowns of game play, this book is definitely for you. It felt like a trip through memory lane for this fan who has been on board since season 1 (blech) and the true 1st season of the game in season 2.
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