“Big Brother” celebrated a major television milestone Thursday as the CBS reality competition aired its historic 1,000th episode. Moreover, fans got a chance to weigh in on some of the most memorable moments, players, and quotes in the show’s history.
As part of the special episode, fan votes were tallied across several categories. These categories highlighted the people, moments, and strategies that have helped define the franchise since its debut in 2000.
Favorite Alliance: The Cookout
The Cookout was voted fans’ favorite alliance.
Formed during “Big Brother 23,” the alliance consisted of Xavier Prather, Derek Frazier, Tiffany Mitchell, Hannah Chaddha, Kyland Young, and Azah Awasum. The group made history by ensuring that all six members reached the final six. Notably, it marked the first time in the U.S. version of “Big Brother” that a Black alliance made it that far together.
Xavier ultimately won the season, with Derek Frazier finishing as the runner-up.
Best to Never Win: Janelle Pierzina
Fans selected Janelle Pierzina as the “Big Brother” player they believe was the best to never win the game.
Pierzina is widely regarded as one of the most memorable competitors in franchise history. She first appeared on “Big Brother 6” in 2005. Later, she returned for “Big Brother 7,” “Big Brother 14,” and “Big Brother 22.”
Despite making deep runs in multiple seasons and becoming known for her competition prowess and strategic play, Pierzina never claimed the $500,000 grand prize.
Her reputation as one of the franchise’s greatest players without a win has remained strong among fans.
Favorite Moment: Dan’s Funeral
One of the most iconic moments in “Big Brother” history also took the top spot in the fan voting.
Dan Gheesling’s “funeral” from “Big Brother 14” was named fans’ favorite moment.
Facing eviction and seemingly trapped in the game, Gheesling staged an elaborate fake funeral for his “Big Brother” game. The moment quickly became one of the most infamous strategic moves in the show’s history. Specifically, Gheesling used the emotional confrontation to turn the house against one another and ultimately save himself.
The move helped cement Gheesling’s reputation as one of the greatest strategists to ever play the game.
Favorite Quote: “Floaters, Grab a Life Vest”
Rachel Reilly’s iconic warning, “Floaters, grab a life vest,” was voted fans’ favorite “Big Brother” quote.
Reilly delivered the line during “Big Brother 12” as she criticized players she viewed as riding the coattails of stronger competitors.
The quote became closely associated with Reilly’s outspoken personality and competitive approach to the game. Eventually, it became one of the most recognizable sayings in the franchise.
Favorite Winner: Dan Gheesling
Fans also selected Dan Gheesling as their favorite “Big Brother” winner.
Gheesling first competed on “Big Brother 10,” where he won the season and established himself as one of the game’s strongest strategic players. He later returned for “Big Brother 14.” In that season, Gheesling finished as the runner-up.
His two appearances produced some of the franchise’s most memorable strategic moments, including the infamous “Dan’s Funeral.”
The fan-voted categories offered a snapshot of what viewers have continued to celebrate throughout “Big Brother’s” run: memorable personalities, bold strategic moves, unforgettable competitions, and quotes that have become part of reality TV history.
The 1,000th episode arrives as “Big Brother 28” continues its own season-long battle. This proves that after more than two decades, the franchise still has plenty of surprises left in the house.
