“Big Brother 28” finally has a premiere date, so the preseason detective work is officially underway.
The long-running reality competition show will return for its 28th season on Thursday, July 9, CBS announced on May 13.
The announcement gave fans plenty of real updates about the new season. It also included one small wording detail that immediately started making the rounds online.
Fans Notice Inconsistent ‘Big Brother 28’ Announcement Wording
CBSThe detail started making the rounds after @1998BBfan on X compared the new “BB28” press release with several CBS press releases.
“BB28 is the first season since BB22 to not state ‘all-new’ houseguests in its press release #BB28,” the said in a post on X, which has since received nearly 100,000 views since it was shared on the evening of May 13.
The comparison points to a small wording shift. Recent CBS announcements for BB23 through BB27 all included some version of “all-new” when describing the season’s houseguests.
The BB28 press release uses a shorter line instead.
“The season ushers in a landmark summer as Houseguests enter the iconic BIG BROTHER house, with unexpected moments and a season packed with twists and turns,” CBS said in the announcement.
CBS has not announced the “BB28” cast yet. The network also has not confirmed any returning players.
CBSStill, fans noticed the wording because “BB22” was “Big Brother: All-Stars,” a season built around returning houseguests. That season’s announcement referred to “All-Star houseguests” instead of an all-new cast.
Additionally, since season 27 featured returning houseguest (and icon) Rachel Reilly, the wording in the press release said “a group of all-new Houseguests,” instead of just mentioning all-new houseguests outright.
Returning Houseguest Theories Build Around ‘Big Brother 28’
CBSThe wording detail comes after weeks of returning-houseguest theories already floating around the fandom.
In March, Julie Chen Moonves shared an Instagram photo near a pool table while holding a maroon 7 ball. Her caption was simple: “7️⃣7️⃣7️⃣ 🤗🍀”
Some viewers connected the number seven to “Big Brother” history, since “BB7” was the franchise’s first all-star season. Others thought the number could point to a possible group of seven returning players.
Britney Haynes, who appeared on “Big Brother” seasons 12 and 14, left one of the more detailed guesses in the comments.
“7 bb returners, 7 [newbies], 7 former survivor or racers 7️⃣7️⃣7️⃣ also call me I have endless good ideas,” Haynes wrote.
Chen Moonves also posted a cryptic video where eight footsteps can be heard. Fans and former houseguests believe it pointed to eight returning houseguests.
The speculation continued in April when season 27 star Morgan Pope asked fans on X what theories they had for the upcoming season. Returnees came up throughout the replies.
“Bb14/18 format with four returning players,” one fan wrote.
“Oh wait that would be fun!! BB14 was one of my fav seasons,” Pope replied.
Another fan suggested a larger returning group.
“I hope it’s 6 returnees like bb18!” the fan wrote.
“That would be pretty nuts!! Love it,” Pope replied, according to the same article.
None of those theories have been confirmed by CBS. They also do not mean the press release wording was meant as a hint. The cast reveal is still ahead, which leaves fans with plenty of time to keep comparing notes.
CBS Announces ‘Big Brother 28’ Premiere Date
CBS confirmed the biggest piece of “BB28” news fans were waiting for: The upcoming season starts Thursday, July 9.
The premiere will run 90 minutes, with Julie Chen Moonves returning as host.
The first week will also include the return of “Big Brother: Unlocked” on Friday, July 10. The companion show is getting a new live studio audience this season, along with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and guest appearances.
Season 28 will also include the show’s 1,000th original episode, making it a milestone summer for the CBS reality competition.
After premiere week, “Big Brother” will air on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Thursday nights will still be eviction nights.
