Big Brother 2001, also known as Big Brother 1, was the first series of the Australian reality television series Big Brother. It is based upon the Dutch series of the same name, it premiered on Network Ten on April 23, 2001 and lasted twelve weeks until the live finale on July 16, 2001. Big Brother 1 proved to be an early ratings success. In total, the season averaged 1.4 million viewers, thus making it the fourth highest rated season to date. This season aired for a total of 85 days, with evictions occurring once every week beginning with the second week. In total, fourteen Housemates competed in Big Brother 1. The original twelve entered on the first night, with two intruders entering at a later date. Ultimately, Housemate Ben Williams was later announced as the winner of the series, with Blair McDonough becoming the Runner-Up.