Big Brother 28 Goes Big with Expanded Episodes, Milestone Premiere

Get ready for a supersized summer, because *Big Brother* is coming back with its most ambitious season yet. The long-running reality competition is set to launch its 28th season on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on CBS, and it’s pulling out all the stops with an expanded 90-minute premiere. This isn't just any premiere; it will be the show's historic 1,000th original primetime episode, a first for any primetime entertainment series.

The extended premiere is just the beginning of a significant format overhaul. CBS plans to air several weekly 90-minute episodes throughout the season, specifically on Sundays and Wednesdays. Regular episodes will follow a consistent schedule: Wednesdays will feature 90-minute broadcasts, Thursdays will host the one-hour live evictions, and Sundays will round out the week with a one-hour episode, all airing at 8 p.m. ET. This increased runtime is expected to give viewers a deeper dive into the houseguests' strategic alliances, simmering rivalries, and intricate gameplay, elements that often feel condensed in shorter episodes. For die-hard fans, 24/7 live feeds from inside the *Big Brother* house will remain available for streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, ensuring no moment is missed. The ultimate winner of *Big Brother 28* will walk away with a grand prize of $750,000.

Adding to the excitement, the companion series, *Big Brother: Unlocked*, is also making a comeback, scheduled to premiere on Friday, July 10, 2026. This season, *Unlocked* will introduce a live studio audience for the first time, aiming to create a more interactive viewing experience for fans. Reports indicate the aftershow will feature “Exclusive footage from inside the house, extended interviews, surprise guest appearances, and behind-the-scenes access.” Executive producer Rich Meehan commented on the companion series' evolution, noting, “It will evolve and get better the more we do it.” He further added, “Taylor and Derrick were great, and we had some really fun guests, so that's something we'd like to continue doing and evolving.” Fellow executive producer Allison Grodner expressed satisfaction with its prior reception, stating, “Overall, we were really happy with it. It seemed to be well received, and people came to watch.” While Derrick Levasseur and Taylor Hale have hosted *Big Brother: Unlocked* in the past, their return for Season 28 is anticipated, though not yet officially confirmed.

At the helm of *Big Brother* since its debut in 2000, Julie Chen Moonves is set to return as host for Season 28. Behind the scenes, executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, who have been integral to the show's production since 2001 and 2004 respectively, continue their roles. The show itself is an adaptation of the original Dutch format, which was conceived by John de Mol Jr. and Ron Diesel in 1997, demonstrating its enduring global appeal and adaptability over decades.

While the US version is expanding, Canadian viewers received a different kind of news. On May 26, 2026, Global Television Network announced that *Big Brother 28* will be the final season of the US reality competition series to air on their network. Jennifer Abrams, Senior Vice-President of Content and Marketing at Corus Entertainment, issued a statement regarding the decision, saying, “We are incredibly proud to have been the Canadian home of Big Brother since its launch in 2000, bringing this series to audiences nationwide.” Abrams elaborated on the network's strategic shift, explaining, “As we look ahead, we've made the decision to move on from the series and refresh Global's summer lineup.” She added, “We are excited about the new programming opportunities this transition creates for Global's schedule in the coming year and remain committed to delivering high-impact summer content, with a focus on broad, mainstream hits and new formats designed to engage audiences across both linear and streaming.” This announcement follows the conclusion of *Big Brother Canada* in 2024 after 12 seasons, indicating a broader strategic pivot for Global's programming slate.

Fan reactions to the upcoming season and its format changes have been a mixed bag across online communities. On platforms like Reddit, excitement is palpable, with comments ranging from “WE ARE SO BACK.” to “I'm going to be recovering from surgery through all of July and this was the news I was hoping for!” However, opinions on the return of *Big Brother: Unlocked* are more divided. Some viewers have called it “completely garbage as it is,” while others see it as a valuable resource for casual fans, stating, “It adds a lot for a casual viewer who can't really commit to the feeds.” Adding to the buzz, fan speculation is rampant regarding the possibility of an "All-Stars" season. This theory is partly fueled by the wording of CBS's press release, which notably did not explicitly mention "new cast members" or "new houseguests" as it typically does. This has sparked discussions about whether former houseguests might return, either as players or in a coaching capacity, though CBS has not confirmed any such twists. The highly anticipated cast list for Season 28 typically gets announced closer to the premiere date, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The network's decision to invest more heavily in *Big Brother* with expanded episodes and a revamped aftershow highlights its confidence in the franchise's enduring appeal. The 1,000th episode milestone underscores its cultural impact and longevity in the reality television landscape. For viewers, the longer episodes promise more drama and strategic depth, potentially elevating the game to new levels. Meanwhile, Global Canada's departure signals a shift in the international broadcasting landscape for the show, but for US fans, the stage is set for a summer of intense competition and unprecedented access.

As the premiere date approaches, all eyes are on CBS to see how these format changes will play out and whether the highly anticipated cast will live up to the hype. With a bigger budget, longer episodes, and a significant milestone to celebrate, *Big Brother 28* is poised to deliver a season that could redefine the series for years to come.