The companion talk show “Big Brother: Unlocked” debuted alongside season 27 of Big Brother as a lively after-show extension, featuring hosts Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur, celebrity superfans and recently-evicted houseguests. As the season closed, executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan share their thoughts on whether Unlocked will return in 2026 and what needs to happen next.
What the Producers Know
Though the first season of Unlocked wrapped successfully, the network has not yet formally renewed it, and the producers are navigating both excitement and tentativeness. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rich Meehan admitted plainly, “We haven’t heard officially,” and added, “We hope that it continues on. It’s a fun extension of the show.”. The show aired five times on the CBS broadcast in season 27 and was clearly designed as a companion to Big Brother rather than a standalone series.
CBSThe timing and scheduling remain key questions. Grodner pointed out the challenge of building an audience for something new: “We need to teach people to find it and learn where it is. But I think we were getting there by the end…” wrote Entertainment Weekly. So while the producers are enthusiastic, the fate of Unlocked remains in limbo until the network signs off.
What Worked (& What May Need Fixing)
The producers spoke candidly about what they feel worked in the debut season — and what still needs refinement. “Overall, we were really happy with it,” said Allison Grodner, noting that “it seemed to be well received, and people came to watch.”. They celebrated the chemistry between Hale and Levasseur, as well as the guest line-up (including celebrity superfans) which added fresh energy.
CBSMeehan added: “It will evolve and get better the more we do it. Taylor and Derrick were great, and we had some really fun guests, so that’s something we’d like to continue doing and evolving, so hopefully it will come back.”. So the message is clear — the show worked enough to merit a return, but only if the format evolves, the audience grows, and the slot becomes more dependable.
CBS‘Big Brother’ Season 28 Factors
If Unlocked returns in 2026 alongside Big Brother season 28, several factors will determine how it plays out. The producers say the format must adapt and refine itself: scheduling clarity, stronger marketing so viewers know when and where to tune in, and possibly a streaming companion version if broadcast space remains constrained.
CBSGrodner emphasised: “We need to teach people to find it and learn where it is.” Meanwhile, Meehan underlined the format’s potential: “Taylor and Derrick were great … so hopefully it will come back.” But for now, “We haven’t heard officially” remains the status update. Until the network green-lights the next step, fans will be waiting, ready, and hopeful that Unlocked really stays “unlocked.”
Personally, I did not like BB unlocked. Sorry, it was a delay in me getting to watch BB.
I have read many many opinions about this. 95% said they will not watch if Taylor returns. Reason being given is that she talks over Derrick and thinks she is always correct. To guests also. Ppl have had enough of her.
I’m not a fan of Taylor. They need a new host. Honesty I didn’t find the show should have another season.