The Eye is seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the broadcast of the new reality, game show, which is slated to debut on the Alphabet on June 18.
- Jun 8, 2012
AceShowbiz - ABC is in threat of not being able to launch its new reality series "The Glass House" on its scheduled date. On late Thursday, June 7, CBS, through its outside attorney, filed for a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court to prevent the Alphabet from premiering the show on June 18.
In a statement released in response to the court filing made by CBS, ABC claimed the Eye's effort is weak. "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," so the Alphabet said.
CBS had filed a lawsuit against ABC and its parent The Walt Disney Company in May, alleging them of copyright infringement, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition and breach of fiduciary duty, among other complaints. Additionally, the Eye claimed "Glass House" is "a carbon copy of 'Big Brother' and an obvious attempt by Defendants to capitalize on its unique success."
In his deposition last Sunday, "Glass House" executive producer Kenny Rosen, who is also a former producer of "Big Brother", revealed that there were actually 27 or 28 former "Big Brother" employees who are now working for the ABC series. He additionally admitted to have had access to the "Big Brother" manual, which helped him prepare for the production of "Glass House".
CBS has planned to use portions of Rosen's deposition to support its complaints. However, ABC called the Eye's characterization of Rosen's deposition testimony "misleading, inaccurate and wrong." The Alphabet additionally said it was "preposterous" for CBS to argue that a "one page outdated master control room schedule from an old season of 'Big Brother' is a trade secret."
"Glass House" itself follows 14 contestants who are living together and competing for the grand prize in a totally wired, state-of-the-art house. Viewers can vote to determine which contestants are sent home and which eliminated players will get a chance to return to the show. Moreover, audience can vote to decide what the players wear and eat, what games they play, and even where they sleep.
