Entertainment
CBS reality show 'Big Brother' prepares for 1,000th episode milestone
Executive producers and host Julie Chen Moonves reflect on the evolution, format changes, and future of the long-running series.
The short version
- CBS reality show 'Big Brother' will become the first primetime series to reach 1,000 episodes on Thursday, August 27, celebrating with a 90-minute special during its 28th season.
- Host Julie Chen Moonves and executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan reflected on key format shifts since the 2000 premiere, including the addition of strategic rules and recent live eviction twists.
- Show leadership discussed future possibilities for the franchise, including host succession and potential shortened all-winners seasons.
Key facts
- 'Big Brother' is marking its 1,000th episode with a 90-minute special airing on Thursday, August 27, during its 28th season.[Variety]
- Julie Chen Moonves has hosted 'Big Brother' since its premiere in 2000.[Variety]
- Following a 2020 CBS directive mandating at least 50% people of color in unscripted series casts, every 'Big Brother' winner since Season 23 has been a person of color.[Variety]
- The show's grand prize was raised from $500,000 to $750,000 starting in Season 23.[Variety]
What remains uncertain
- While Julie Chen Moonves has suggested shortened, month-long versions of an all-winners season, no official plans or network approvals have been announced.[Variety]