An online streaming video site in China is teaming up with Endemol China Inc. to bring reality TV show franchise "Big Brother" to the country.

Youku Toudu, one of two private Chinese online streaming platforms, said China's version of the popular reality TV show would run for 10 weeks. Production would start in the near future, probably in Beijing, and will be ready to roll online early next year.

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Youko Tudou said it had an agreement with Endemol China the "Big Brother" format owner to create a Chinese version of the show that throws together a dozen contestants into a heavily monitored house. Without any contact with the outside world, aside from show producers, contestants vote out fellow housemates each week until only one remains.

Endemol, founded by Dutch producer Jean de Mol, began its 'Big Brother' franchise 15 years ago in the Netherlands. The format has proved to be a big hit in the U.S. where it has become a summer television staple on CBS, hosted by Julie Chen, a former news anchor and the wife of CBS president Les Moonves. It also has had runs in Africa, Europe, Canada, Australia, Latin America and Asia.

The Chinese streaming site hosting the new "Big Brother" show has attracted younger visitors due to its freer operating environment. It has fewer restrictions than state-run entertainment companies, so it produces more varied programming aimed at a wider, diverse audience.

Chinese censors have restricted some entertainment programming, and restricted some types of foreign programming in recent years, so it remains to be seen how the format might be tweaked, or if it will be affected at all by government broadcast restrictions. Since "Big Brother" is a foreign format, it may be subject to tightened restrictions and need additional government approval.

"Big Brother," however, has proved to be a sturdy international format with the show changing based on where it's produced to connect more directly with local viewers and values, so analysts expect it to work with Chinese authorities successfully.

TagsBig Brother, TV, reality TV, television, endemol, Youku Tudou