CBS Dropping ‘Glass House’ Suit, Citing Poor Ratings

Says viewers "delivered the ultimate form of justice"

CBS is dropping a lawsuit accusing ABC's "Glass House" of ripping off CBS's "Big Brother," saying viewers already "delivered the ultimate form of justice" by largely ignoring the show.

A judge rejected CBS's demand in June that ABC not be allowed to air the reality series, which employs several former "Big Brother" producers. Like "Big Brother," "Glass House" features several people who live together in a home in which they are constantly monitored.

"Glass House" has earned poor ratings since its June 18 premiere.

Also read: CBS Bitterly Mocks 'Glass House' With Fake News Release

"The viewers have spoken and delivered the ultimate form of justice against 'The Glass House,'" CBS said in a statement. "As a result, we filed in federal court this morning a voluntary dismissal without prejudice of our claims against ABC."

The network will continue to pursue claims, however, against former "Big Brother" producers it accuses of "violating their confidentiality agreements." Those claims will continue in arbitration.

CBS also said it retains the right to refile its claim against ABC and "Glass House" — "or any other entity, that goes to such shocking lengths to duplicate our copyright material."

Also read: 'Glass House' Scores Soft Ratings Amid Legal Dispute

ABC declined to comment.

CBS has used the lawsuit not only to defend what it says are legitimate copyright claims, but also to embarrass ABC. At one point during the dispute it sent out a mock press release saying it planned to air a series called "Dancing on the Stars" — an obvious ripoff of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" — in which competitors would dance on the graves of dead celebrities.

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