Big Brother: 4 times players didn’t use PoV to save themselves

Big Brother is currently on its 26th season and is one of the longest-running reality TV series in the United States. "America's Veto," a new element for this season, allows fans to choose a substitute nominee and take full control of the game. When the veto power was implemented for Big Brother 3 in 2002, houseguests who were put up for eviction utilized it to remove themselves from the competition.

In contrast to the traditional Power of Veto, America's Veto allows the audience to have a say in the conclusion when the winner can save a nominee. Now that the stakes are higher, houseguests must exercise caution when forming alliances and devising plans because America has the power to alter the outcome of the game.

Viewers of Big Brother can select a houseguest they think ought to be eliminated each week. The replacement nominee is the houseguest with the most votes, which could alter the dynamics of the house as a whole.

This twist introduces another level of complexity to the game, as participants must now consider making an impression on American fans in addition to trying to look good at home.

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Big Brother players who didn’t use the power of veto on themselves

1. Dick Donato — ‘Big Brother 8’

Dick and his daughter Daniele Briones were put up for eviction in the sixth week of the 2007 season. After gaining the veto power, he chose to use it against Daniele rather than against himself. Subsequently, Dustin Erikstrup offered himself as the substitute candidate, thinking he had enough support to defeat Dick. On eviction night, Dustin was taken by surprise when he lost by a vote of 4 to 2, while Dick and Daniele finished first and second, respectively.

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2. Daniele Briones — ‘Big Brother 8’

During week 10 of season 8, Daniele got the chance to pay her father back when they were paired up again on the block. Daniele prevailed this time and applied the veto to Dick rather than to herself. Jameka Cameron was the only substitute nominee that was available, considering that they were in the final four. Dick was the only one to vote for her removal.

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3. Brendon Villegas — 'Big Brother 13'

During week four of the 2011 season, Brendon found himself on the block next to his then-fiancée, Rachel Reilly. He won the veto but chose to use it on Rachel instead and was then evicted over the replacement nominee, Jordan Lloyd.

Rachel went on to win the season, and she and Brendon tied the knot in 2012. They welcomed daughter Adora in 2016 and son Adler in 2020.

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4. Matt Clines — 'Big Brother 19'

Even though he was on the block, Matt used his veto power to save Jason Dent in the seventh week of the 2017 season. After taking Jason's place, Cody Nickson was overwhelmingly ousted.

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The CBS show is currently airing season 26 and has seen several cast members win the Power of Veto so far. Ahead of Week 8, those who acquired this power each week were Lisa Weintraub (Week 1), Kenney Kelley (Week 2), Tucker Des Lauriers (Weeks 3, 4, and 5), Cam Sullivan-Brown (Week 6), and Leah Peters (Week 7).

Viewers can catch all seasons and episodes of the show on Paramount+, Netflix, and fuboTV.