Full Breakdown
Big Brother Season 28 Returns with a “Time Trip” Theme and a Shuffled Cast
7/10/2026, 9:22:21 PM
Season 28 Launch and Cast Reveal
CBS kicked off the 28th season of *Big Brother* on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with a 90-minute premiere that introduced 14 new houseguests competing for a $750,000 prize. The announced lineup spans a wide range of ages and professions—including an MMA fighter, a rocket scientist, a drag-queen, a surgical dental assistant, a pickleball coach, and a 57-year-old boutique salesperson—plus two surprise “re-entries”: *Survivor* alum Rick Devens and former *Big Brother* contestant Angela Murray. The season also marks the show’s historic 1,000th episode.
Theme and Production Context
The 2026 season adopts the “Time Trip” theme, promising “time-bending twists inspired by different nostalgic eras.” Rooms, relics and competitions will transport contestants across moments from the ’80s, ’90s and Y2K, with the possibility of revisiting past challenges. Host Julie Chen Moonves said the twist could move “forwards or backwards” and may bring back competitions from earlier seasons. The production continues its surveillance-heavy format, employing 94 cameras and 113 microphones throughout the house.
Notable Contestants and Returning Players
- Rick Devens – *Survivor* veteran who reached seventh place in his most recent appearance.
- Angela Murray – Real-estate agent and *Big Brother* season 26 alum known for surviving multiple veto ceremonies.
- Jason De Puy (drag-queen “Salina EsTitties”) – Two-time *RuPaul’s Drag Race* competitor.
- Kamuela “Kamu” Kirk – 32-year-old MMA fighter and coach.
- Mallory Aurichio – 24-year-old rocket scientist.
- Lyric Medeiros – 25-year-old attorney from Honolulu.
Levi Banks, a 28-year-old who had been listed in early promotional materials, announced on Instagram that he left the show days before moving in, calling the decision “probably the hardest decision of my entire life.”
Schedule and Viewing Options
Episodes air three nights a week on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT: Wednesdays (90 minutes), Thursdays (live eviction, 60 minutes) and Sundays (60 minutes). The 24/7 live feeds launch Friday, July 10, on Paramount+ and Pluto TV. A companion after-show, *Big Brother: Unlocked*, premieres Friday, July 10, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, hosted by Jerry O’Connell, Derrick Levasseur and Taylor Hale, and continues weekly. Streaming is available via Paramount+ (ad-supported $8.99/month or ad-free $13.99/month) and other platforms such as Fubo, DirecTV Stream and Hulu + Live TV.
Official Statements & Responses
Julie Chen Moonves explained the “Time Trip” concept, emphasizing its potential to revisit classic competitions. A CBS spokesperson confirmed Levi Banks’ departure was his own choice and that the network remains “on good terms” with him. The network also confirmed that three additional reality-TV icons will join the house after the premiere, with one identity to be revealed in an upcoming episode.
Criticism & Opposition
Levi Banks’ exit sparked discussion among fans about the pressures of reality-TV participation. While no formal criticism was issued by CBS, observers noted that last-minute cast changes can affect viewer expectations and the competitive balance of the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[Time travel] could go forwards or backwards, and that will play into some of the competitions. Does that mean we’re going to bring back some competition you haven’t seen since season 3, 2, 4, 5? I sure hope so,” — Julie Chen Moonves, Host
- “As we got closer and closer and closer to the move-in day I just kinda realized that this was not the right fit for me personally,” — Levi Banks, Former Contestant
- “probably the hardest decision of my entire life” — Levi Banks, Former Contestant
- “Big Brother” is back for Season 28, a summer sure to be full of twists, shocking eliminations and even a few rumored “Survivor” players!” — Variety
- “BIG BROTHER unveils “BIG BROTHER: Time Trip” as the Season 28 theme, turning time into the ultimate twist.” — Forbes
What’s Next
The live feeds begin Friday, July 10, offering 24/7 access to house dynamics. *Big Brother: Unlocked* will provide behind-the-scenes analysis each Friday. CBS has indicated that the identity of the third surprise reality-TV star will be disclosed in a forthcoming episode, keeping the “Time Trip” narrative in motion throughout the summer schedule.
