Big Brother 26: Everything we know so far

Big Brother 26 is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, July 17, on CBS. The reality competition series is set to bring intense emotions and excitement with a new group of HouseGuests competing for a cash prize. The new theme for this year has been revealed and that is, 'BB AI.'

The show host, Julie Chen Moonves, has been teasing the show's theme on Instagram, hinting that the premiere would be live. The post on the official Big Brother's Instagram page reads:

"Wait, did you see that? 👀 #BB26 is coming your way for a TWO NIGHT premiere on Wednesday July 17 and Thursday July 18! Mark your calendars for a whole new season of #BigBrother"

With the premiere still a week away, some details about the upcoming season have already been unveiled. Here is what we know thus far that fans want to know before season 26 starts.

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Everything we know so far about Big Brother 26: Release date and streaming platforms

Big Brother 26 will premiere on July 17 and 18 over two nights, lasting one hour each. CBS stated that the show airs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Live eviction nights are to be held on Thursdays.

However, unlike previous seasons, the show will air this year at 9 pm ET/PT on all three days rather than 8 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays. Apart from that, viewers can see season 26 live on CBS and stream it on Paramount+. Although live feeds were not mentioned, they have been available on the streaming platform.

Typically, every season lasts no longer than 85 days. Last year, the season was prolonged into the fall due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, resulting in the HouseGuests being at home for a record-breaking 100 days. Julie Chen Moonves told US Weekly in May 2024 that she did not expect this to happen again this season.

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Big Brother 26 cast members

Big Brother 26 is approaching, with a new cast of HouseGuests ready to enter the house. However, specific details about the members are still under wraps.

Only the host, Julie Chen Moonves, has been confirmed for the 2024 season. She has been with the show for 23 seasons. Julie confirmed her return on Instagram in June 2024, teasing that season 26 will be unlike any previous installment. The post reads:

"Not everything is as it seems this summer. #BB26 is unlike any season we’ve had yet and we’re just one month away. #BigBrother"

According to Paramount, the cast will consist entirely of fresh faces, with no returning contestants from past seasons. Since season 14, the show has regularly featured 16 contestants, except for three seasons with 27 contestants.

Fans can expect a great cast this season as The Traitors' Emmy-winning casting directors Erin Tomasello and Holy Ositaf have joined the season 26 casting crew.

Historically, cast members have been announced just a few days before the season debut. For instance, season 23's cast was disclosed six days before its premiere, and contestants for season 24 were released publicly one day prior, Moreover, season 25's cast was revealed two days before the show officially began.

Therefore, fans can anticipate the season 26 cast announcement approximately a week before the first episode on July 17.

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Big Brother season 26 theme

CBS has officially announced that the theme for Big Brother 26 is "BB AI," inspired by the current artificial intelligence trend. Exclusive house photos shared with US Weekly reveal concrete walls with swirling graphics in the kitchen and dining areas. CBS's official press release reads:

"BB AI is taking over the House and the theme will deliver the most unpredictable season for Houseguests".

Despite the new theme and house design, the show will retain its original style that viewers have known throughout the years. HouseGuests will engage in competitions, strategize for alliances, vote on who should be evicted, and compete to reach the final night when one person will win the $750,000 grand prize.

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Big Brother 26 will set to premiere on CBS and Paramount+ on Wednesday, July 17, at 9 pm ET.