Fans of the long-running reality competition can officially mark their calendars for the new season. CBS has confirmed the return of Big Brother for its 28th season, and this summer’s installment will celebrate a massive ratings milestone for the show that first aired in 2000.
The network announced that Big Brother Season 28 will kick off with a special extended premiere on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The launch night episode will run for 90 minutes, starting at 8 p.m. ET. This summer marks a historic moment for the franchise as it is scheduled to air its 1,000th original episode, making it the first primetime series to reach this milestone.
Julie Chen Moonves Returns to Host the New Season
Julie Chen Moonves will be back behind the podium to guide the houseguests through live evictions. As the only host the show has ever had since its debut in 2000, Chen Moonves will be present for every live twist, betrayal, and elimination when the show returns this summer. Her return keeps the consistency of the franchise intact as the series prepares to celebrate its historic 1,000th episode.
Big Brother Season 28 Premiere Schedule and Streaming Details
The first week of Big Brother Season 28 is packed with content for reality TV fans. Following the 90-minute premiere on July 9, a second 90-minute episode will air on Sunday, July 12. After this launch week, the show will settle into its regular weekly time slots.
The standard broadcast schedule for the season will be:
- Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET
- Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET (Live Eviction shows)
- Sundays at 8 p.m. ET
Fans who prefer to stream can watch episodes on Paramount+. The episodes will be available on the platform the same day they air on CBS. Additionally, the companion series Big Brother: Unlocked is set to return on Friday, July 10, offering bonus content and discussions about the happenings inside the house.
Recapping Big Brother Season 27 Highlights
The reality series returns following a dramatic Season 27 finale. Ashley Hollis was crowned the winner of Big Brother Season 27, taking home the grand prize of $750,000. The finale aired on September 28, 2025, where Hollis secured the win with a jury vote of 6-1 against runner-up Vince Panaro.
The Season 27 finale also featured a notable moment when Hollis called out fellow finalist Panaro during her victory speech, creating a buzz among fans of the show. Morgan Pope finished in third place during the final head of household competitions. The season also awarded the title of “America’s Favorite Houseguest” to a fan-favorite player, who received an additional $50,000 prize.
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What to Expect in the New Season
While the full cast for Big Brother Season 28 has not yet been revealed, the show is expected to introduce a new group of houseguests with diverse backgrounds, similar to Season 27 which included a professional bull rider, an AI consultant, and an aura painter. The house will once again be wired with 94 HD cameras and 113 microphones, recording the contestants’ every move 24 hours a day.
The game follows a group of strangers living together while competing for power each week to avoid being evicted. Ultimately, only one houseguest will survive the vote and claim the $750,000 grand prize. As the show hits the 1,000-episode milestone, CBS is planning a summer filled with what they are billing as significant programming hours for the franchise.
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For more breaking news and exclusive updates on reality TV competitions, keep reading VvipTimes for everything you need to know before the new houseguests move in.
