Julie Chen Moonves Was ‘Almost Fired’ from “Big Brother”. 28 Seasons Later, the Show Is Hitting 1,000 Episodes

**Big Brother Season 28 to Embrace a “Time Trip” Theme as Show Marks 1,000th Episode**

The long-running reality television series Big Brother is set to launch its latest season on Thursday, 9 July, with an exciting new theme centred around time travel. This upcoming season will also celebrate a significant milestone: the 1,000th episode of the show.

Established in July 2000 and based on the Dutch format of the same name, Big Brother initially struggled to find its audience. In fact, critics were largely unimpressed with its debut, which led to discussions about the show potentially being cancelled mid-season. As the show’s veteran host, Julie Chen Moonves, highlights, its early days were fraught with challenges, but this resilient series has since become a staple of reality television.

Reflecting on its rocky beginnings, Chen Moonves noted her surprise at the show’s evolution. “We went from almost cancelled to me almost fired to the 1,000th episode,” she remarked during a recent tour of the Big Brother house. “It’s life. This is why I think Big Brother is so successful, because it’s like, life is unexpected.”

When the series first premiered, it did not fare well with viewers or critics alike. In 2000, it was described by some media outlets as comparable to “the entertainment equivalent of enduring gavel-to-gavel convention coverage on C-SPAN.” However, the show persevered, finding its footing in the subsequent seasons when it shifted to a format that empowered the contestants to vote one another out.

This season’s theme promises to provide a nostalgic trip for long-term fans, as contests and twists will draw inspiration from both the history of the series and historical events. “Time travel could go forwards or backwards, and that will play into some of the competitions,” Chen Moonves explained. “Does that mean we’re going to bring back some competition you haven’t seen since seasons 2, 3, 4, or 5? I sure hope so.”

She teased fans by hinting at unexpected twists, noting that beloved competitions from the past could take place under quirky scenarios, such as being “surrounded by dinosaurs.” The idea is to create moments that resonate with devoted viewers while surprising others new to the franchise.

Chen Moonves also expressed some of her ambitions for the show, including a potential theme involving contestants’ ex-partners sharing the house. Over the years, she has witnessed countless unforgettable moments, such as dramatic evictions and surprising gameplay choices, which have contributed to the series’ ongoing popularity.

Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of live television, she remarked, “I love live TV. I wouldn’t have it any other way, warts and all.” Previous attempts to pre-record episodes were dismissed as it could compromise the show’s integrity. “They talked about doing it once not live because the house guests were cursing up a storm, and I was like, ‘Oh no. We’ll be there all night,’” she recalled.

As anticipation grows, the season premiere is scheduled for a 90-minute slot at 8 p.m. ET/PT on 9 July, ensuring an exciting start for both returning fans and newcomers to the iconic show. Additionally, a follow-up segment titled Big Brother: Unlocked will air on the 10th of July, providing deeper insights into the unfolding drama.

In summary, Big Brother Season 28 is gearing up to honour its past while engaging viewers with fresh concepts that capitalise on its rich history. For those who have followed the program since its inception, the forthcoming season promises to blend nostalgia with a vibrant new approach that reinforces the essence of this beloved reality competition.