Julie Chen is gearing up for her 28th season as host of CBS’ hit reality competition series “Big Brother,” which returns Thursday, July 9, at 8 p.m. ET. While this season’s houseguests remain under wraps, that hasn’t stopped “BB” fans from trying to crack the code. With this year’s “Time Trip” theme, online speculation has centered on the possibility of returning players or other familiar faces. But as the “Big Brother” motto goes, expect the unexpected.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly about the upcoming season, host Chen reminded fans not to believe everything they see online. “It’s a big production, and people talk and yada yada,” she said.
“Some of you might be right what you’re speculating. Some of the stuff online might be accurate. Some of it is dead wrong. But there’s only one way to find out if what you’re hearing is true or not, and you gotta be there [on premiere night],” she added.
Julie Chen Teases The New ‘Big Brother’ House
Before the start of every “Big Brother” season, Chen gives fans a house tour and shares behind-the-scenes secrets about the season’s theme. This year, though, Chen is keeping her cards close to her chest, revealing that even she has been kept in the dark about some of the upcoming twists.
“Everything is so top secret and so last minute. I didn’t even see all the rooms yet!” she exclaimed. “But I’ve been told. And the room I didn’t see, it sounds horrendous.”
While she didn’t give anything away, Chen teased that the houseguests will be in for a rude awakening when they enter the “Big Brother” house next week, saying the secret room “sounds not fun.” At the same time, she said it’s what players must do if they want to win the whopping $750,000 grand prize.
“But you know, if you wanna win three quarters of a million dollars — no pain, no gain,” she said.
What Else Can Chen Share About The ‘Big Brother’ House This Year?
And that’s not all. According to Chen, there are even more twists and turns built into the house’s architecture, specifically the dining room table. In her interview with Entertainment Weekly, the 56-year-old said that the house’s dining table is actually a Lazy Susan and will be “integral” to the game.
“Let’s just say this year’s Lazy Susan is anything but lazy and has so much more to it that I can’t even describe, but it’s integral to the theme this year,” she said.
Julie Chen Shares More About The Season’s Theme … ‘Time Trip’
Regarding the season’s “Time Trip” theme, Chen said fans shouldn’t assume they know what it means. According to her, it could mean things go “backward,” or they can “go forward.” The host also said it could have pros and cons for someone’s game.
“So some people are gonna love it. Some people are gonna hate it. ‘Big Brother’ is so hard to win these days. There’s never been a formula, but the challenges have just leveled up because these people, they think they know the game,” she said.
“They practice at home with their version of the wall and this and that. So we have to keep it difficult. I wouldn’t last one day in that house,” she continued.
Will Season 28 Of ‘Big Brother’ Feature Familiar Faces?
As for casting, Chen teased that “Big Brother” fans could see some familiar faces when the new season premieres on July 9.
“I can say that if you love Big Brother and you’re a decent fan, it’s gonna register a big reaction,” she said. “Definitely big.”
Chen went on to say that “some people are gonna be very excited” about the cast, and some may say, “‘Oh boy.’”
“And I will say that if you are a lover of the top reality shows out there, then I think you’re gonna be very happy. Very, very happy,” she finished.
