‘Big Brother 23’ Set To Return To CBS Earlier in 2021
Big Brother has been a summer staple on the CBS programming since its premiere back in the year 2000. Julie Chen has been the host of the popular reality show and is set to continue in that role for the year ahead. The show was hit last year due to the pandemic and many changes had to take place. However, for the summer of 2021, the competition is expected to return earlier than expected.
When is ‘Big Brother’ airing?
Although CBS has not returned when the premiere date for Big Brother 23 is, fans can expect to see it on their screens earlier than last year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the eye network pushed the premiere and made the season an All-Stars edition.
Players were isolated prior to starting the competition and tested for coronavirus routinely. Josh Martinez even said that he had been sequestered and expected to enter the house but he tested positive for COVID-19. Martinez had to forgo the competition and another player was called in to take his place.
Given the strict measures, CBS took to safeguard the crew and castmates the show aired out of the ordinary timeframe. However, Mitch Graham, SVP, Alternative Programming at the eye network, recently revealed Big Brother is in pre-production and says it will “be able to air earlier.”
“I’m excited to see how having Big Brother more in pattern this summer combined with Love Island, that’s a good, solid, one-two punch for the schedule. It gives us a lot of hours, a lot of content and hopefully, we can use each of those shows to feed off one another,” he told Deadline.
‘Big Brother’ has a change of casting
Big Brother was renewed for season 23 back in October 28, announcing Chen would return as host as well.
“At Big Brother, we always say ‘expect the unexpected,’ but 2020 gave us our biggest challenge to date! We could not be prouder of the entire team who delivered a fantastic season under such extreme circumstances,” Graham told Deadline. “It feels fitting for this unprecedented season to conclude with an announcement of the show’s return next summer.”
The show has been plagued by controversies regarding racism in the house. There was no bigger example than Big Brother 21, when Michie was accused of being racially insensitive during the live finale. He ended up winning but his face was that of someone who lost as he was blindsided by the accusations.
Fans of the show and former cast members have called on CBS to diversify the contestants as it has been formulaic for some years now. Earlier this year, long-time casting director Robyn Kass announced she was leaving the show.
“Bitter Sweet news. I’ve been offered some big opportunities in the New Year,” Kass tweeted. “After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to move forward w these projects & take a leave from BB23. I am excited [and] have no doubt you’ll be in good hands this season!
The change in the person doing the casting for Big Brother will give an opportunity to have someone fresh take on the task of diversifying the cast. Fans have been waiting for this change for a long time and it’s something they have been vocal about it on social media.
