It’s almost that time of year when I ditch social events in the name of watching the Big Brother live feeds.
Honestly, I think watching the series should be a full-time job because it’s far too easy to get immersed in the strategy.
There’s something satisfying about watching a group of people thrown into a pressure-cooker environment and forced to navigate alliances, betrayals, and competition for a life-changing cash prize.
(Matthew Taplinger/CBS)
The series is no stranger to bringing back former houseguests, and if all signs are pointing to Big Brother Season 28 featuring some franchise alums, I’m surprisingly okay with it.
Something is alluring about new houseguests getting their shot at the game for the first time. Watching people learn the ropes in real time is part of what makes Big Brother so compelling.
At the same time, returning players have had years to reflect on the mistakes that cost them the game.
As a viewer, it’s fun watching them put those lessons into practice if they’re fortunate enough to get a second chance.
(Sonja Fleming/CBS)
Nicole Franzel springs to mind here. She first appeared on Big Brother Season 16 before returning and winning Big Brother Season 18.
She later returned for Big Brother Season 22 and made it all the way to the final three.
Big Brother Has Had Some Stellar Returning Players
Whether you’re a fan of Nicole or not, it’s hard to deny she built an impressive Big Brother legacy. Her 255 days in the house across three seasons are a testament to how well she adapted her strategy over time.
That doesn’t mean I want to see her play again, but she’s a good example of how returning players can evolve and make for compelling television.
(CBS/Screenshot)
The biggest issue I have with returning players is when people from completely different eras of the game are thrown back into the house and quickly discover that the game they once mastered barely exists anymore.
Janelle Pierzina, Keesha Smith, and Kaysar Ridha were done dirty on Big Brother Season 22 because of that.
Fortunately, recent seasons have done a better job of making competitions more accessible to a wider range of players.
Gone are the days when a handful of houseguests could steamroll the competition and maintain control of the game for weeks on end.
(CBS/Screenshot)
That’s one of the reasons I’m more open to returning players now than I was a few years ago.
Big Brother Season 27 brought back former winner Rachel Reilly, and despite the polarizing reaction to her return, the series posted impressive ratings gains.
As a result, there have been plenty of questions about whether CBS will try a similar twist again.
Adding fuel to the speculation, the press release announcing the July 9 premiere made no mention of an all-new cast.
(CBS/Screenshot)
Then there’s Julie Chen herself dropping Instagram clues featuring returning players from various eras of the franchise.
There’s always the possibility of another All-Star season, but after Big Brother Season 22, that feels unlikely.
If CBS does bring back alums, I think a coaches-style twist makes the most sense.
With everything pointing to Big Brother Season 28 featuring franchise veterans, I hope we get an even split between new and returning players.
(CBS/Screenshot)
That way, both sides have a legitimate shot at winning the $750,000 prize.
Sometimes production gives certain players too many advantages, and frankly, I’d much rather the game be fair from the outset.
With ratings on the rise, CBS will undoubtedly want to build on last season’s momentum.
If that means bringing back some familiar faces alongside a fresh crop of houseguests, I’m all for it. I want everyone entering the house on equal footing.
(CBS/Screenshot)
What do you think of the chatter about returning players, Big Brother Fanatics?
Are you interested in franchise alums, or do you want newbies for Big Brother Season 28?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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