When does summer begin? Some might say on Memorial Day, when they can finally bust out their finest white clothes. Others might point to the summer solstice, which this year falls on June 20. But true connoisseurs of reality television know when summer truly begins. Summer begins when Big Brother begins.
Which is why we can now tell you that summer officially begins July 10, because that is also the premiere date for season 27 of Big Brother on CBS. That’s a full week earlier than last year, and three weeks earlier than the 2023 premiere — which started extra-late on Aug. 2 to cover the network’s lack of scripted programming due to the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes.
CBS
Chelsie Baham, Julie Chen Moonves, and Makensy Manbeck on ‘Big Brother’ season 26
But an earlier premiere date isn’t the only notable information to come out of the Big Brother house Wednesday. CBS announced that season 27 will feature an “all-new group of Houseguests.” That’s something of a surprise considering that the show’s 25th anniversary offered an easy opportunity to mark the milestone by bringing back fan favorites from the past (as Survivor is doing for season 50). Former players will be involved in a different capacity, however.
Big Brother also announced some modifications to its standard Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule. While the Thursday and Sunday airings will be traditional hourlong installments after initial 90-minute episodes during premiere week, the Wednesday airings will be supersized at 90 minutes all season long.
Not only that, but starting July 25, there will be Friday-night episodes every other week under the title Big Brother: Unlocked. What in the name of Jankie is Big Brother: Unlocked, you might ask? And does in involve a Time Laser, by chance?
Sadly, it does not. Judging by the CBS-provided description, Big Brother: Unlocked sounds like essentially a Big Brother talk show. (House Calls, anyone?) From the press release: “Three BB All-Stars offer never-before-seen broadcast footage from the house, exclusive interviews, surprise guest appearances and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. Former Houseguests share firsthand insight and expertise as they analyze gameplay, assess the competition and give their insider’s perspective.”
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So, bottom line: There’s a lot more Big Brother coming your way this summer. Unless this is all elaborate ruse concocted by none other than Ainsley in her quest for world domination. One can never be quite sure with this show.
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