The popular reality show “Big Brother” is set to return for its 28th season on 9 July 2026, and this time, it will embrace a captivating time-travel theme. Longtime host Julie Chen Moonves has shared intriguing insights about the upcoming season, revealing her personal connections to the show’s iconic catchphrases and her reflections on her life as a parent.
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Chen Moonves, who has been a mainstay of the series for more than 25 years, noted that phrases like “expect the unexpected” have slipped into her everyday conversations, especially in her parenting. Speaking to a group of reporters, she humorously indicated that this particular catchphrase resonates particularly well when managing her teenage son, Charlie. “If you’re parenting a teen … just say that, ‘expect the unexpected,’” she quipped.
The host, who is married to Les Moonves and is a mother to 16-year-old Charlie, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of competing alongside her son on the adventure reality show “The Amazing Race.” “He’s a water polo player,” she explained. “We’d be a great team; he’s like my personal bodyguard now, although I’d probably slow him down.” This light-hearted revelation also underscores the close bond she shares with her son.
Although she hinted that Charlie might one day take over hosting duties on “Big Brother,” she acknowledged the challenges of that prospect. “I would love to see him do it, but I don’t think it’s his thing,” she admitted. Chen Moonves often draws inspiration from the longevity of television legends, citing Bob Barker, who hosted “The Price is Right” for 35 seasons. “I’m a competitive person,” she remarked, expressing her hopes of continuing her journey with “Big Brother” far into the future, as long as she is able.
Reflecting on her time with the show, Chen Moonves acknowledged how intertwined her identity has become with “Big Brother,” joking about her nickname “Chenbot.” Although initially intended as an insult, she finds humour in it. “I know it was meant as an insult, but it made me laugh so hard because it was true,” she stated. “No one likes to laugh more than me.”
This upcoming season is set to be particularly notable as it marks the show’s 1,000th episode. It promises an array of challenges inspired not only by significant historical moments but also by memorable events from the series itself. The twisty narrative of time travel will influence the competitions and gameplay significantly, which has piqued the interest of fans old and new.
In a teaser for the season, Chen Moonves hinted at the inclusion of “controversial people” among the houseguests. “If you’re a Big Brother fan, you’ll be like, ‘Ah ha!’ I think a lot of people will be like, ‘Yes,’” she teased. “But some people may say, ‘What?’” With the deliberate inclusion of such personalities, the drama is sure to unfold, making it essential viewing for reality television enthusiasts.
Fans can catch the excitement of the “Big Brother” premiere on CBS, airing for 90 minutes from 8 p.m. ET/PT on 9 July. Furthermore, the spin-off series “Big Brother: Unlocked” will follow on 10 July, offering additional insights and behind-the-scenes looks into the unfolding drama of the house.
As the anticipation builds for this new season, long-time viewers and newcomers alike are left eager to see how the combination of time travel and controversial houseguests will reshape the dynamics of “Big Brother.” With its rich history and Chen Moonves at the helm, the show looks poised to deliver yet another thrilling chapter in its legacy.