Big Brother Season 28 just got a whole lot more exciting! The reality TV show has just added three new surprise contestants, and they're sure to bring even more drama to the already enticing setup. The official cast list was revealed on Tuesday, July 7, but as we all know, Big Brother loves to keep a few tricks up its sleeve. This season, they've managed to keep three housemates secret during the initial cast reveal, and they'll be dropped during the live premiere. It's also not uncommon for the series to include fan-favorite veterans or cross-overs from other reality franchises.
One of the most intriguing additions is Rick Devens, a TV newscaster and Survivor alum. Devens competed on both Survivor: Edge of Extinction and Survivor 50, quickly becoming a fan favorite due to his silly personality and risky strategy. He didn't win either season, but his presence on Big Brother is sure to bring a unique dynamic to the game.
Another familiar face is Angela Murray, a Big Brother Season 26 alum. Murray, a Utah-based real estate agent, made a standout appearance by continuously surviving veto ceremonies. She placed sixth and later competed on Season 38 of The Amazing Race with her daughter. Murray's return to the competition is sure to create some interesting alliances and strategies.
The premiere episode already had its fair share of surprises. Host Julie Chen Moonves revealed that no one currently inside the house would become the first 'Head of Household' for the week, a first in Big Brother history. The contestants were introduced and entered the Big Brother Time Trip-themed house, which played a significant role in the challenges they faced. The premiere also featured appearances from Big Brother alums, including Enzo Palumbo, who explained the night's first challenge.
One of the most entertaining moments was when Murray and Devens were introduced to the cast. A third icon, Rachel Reilly, was also briefly introduced, but her entrance took an unexpected turn. The group traveled back in time to the year 175 million BC, where Reilly was attacked by a velociraptor and fell into a volcano, resulting in her 'death'. It's safe to say that this is a reality TV show with a unique twist!
The question on everyone's mind is: will Survivor winner Dee Valladares join Big Brother 2026? Fans are speculating that she might be the next reality TV icon to join the cast. After Reilly's 'death', Moonves announced that a fourth reality TV veteran would take her place in the competition. Using the 'Dinner Table Time Machine', Moonves went back to December 2023, and fans believe that this points to Valladares, who won Survivor in that very same month. While this casting has not been officially confirmed, it's an exciting prospect that has the fans buzzing.
Big Brother airs on CBS on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET, with the next new episode airing on Sunday, July 12. The show is also available to stream on Paramount+, offering two subscription plans: Essential and Premium. The ad-supported Essential plan costs $8.99/month, while the ad-free Premium plan, which includes Showtime titles and live CBS, costs $13.99/month. With all these exciting developments, it's clear that Big Brother Season 28 is shaping up to be a must-watch reality TV spectacle!