Big Brother Season 28: Meet the Cast and Explore the "Time Trip" Theme

17 days agoUS
Big Brother Season 28: Meet the Cast and Explore the "Time Trip" ThemeSource: ew.com
Big Brother is back for its 28th season, and this time, the past, present, and future collide. Premiering on **July 9, 2026**, on CBS, Season 28 — billed as the "biggest season yet" — introduces **14 new houseguests** (with more surprises to be revealed on air) who will battle it out in the ultimate social strategy game for a life-changing **$750,000 grand prize**. With a retro-futuristic **"Time Trip"** theme, a milestone **1,000th episode**, and a cast that includes an MMA fighter, a rocket scientist, a Drag Race All-Star, and a Survivor fan-favorite, this season promises to be one for the history books.

Key Insights

14 Houseguests + Surprise Entrants:: The confirmed cast includes Ashley Trail (Bartender), Barrett Pfeiffer (Jumbotron Engineer), Chuck Anyanwu (Supply Chain Analyst), Drew Campbell (Surgical Dental Assistant), Haley Thogmartin (Telemedicine Executive), Jason De Puy (Drag Queen), Kamuela "Kamu" Kirk (MMA Fighter), LaTrice Verrett (Boutique Salesperson), Lyric Medeiros (Attorney), Mallory Aurichio (Rocket Scientist), Melody Morris (Corporate Game Show Host), Rome Seymour (Pickleball Coach), Taylor Brown (Elementary School Counselor), and Yash Patel (Financial Analyst). Additional surprise houseguests will be revealed during the premiere.\n- **Survivor Star Crosses Over:** Fresh off his memorable run on *Survivor 50*, news anchor **Rick Devens** joins the house as a surprise player, bridging two iconic CBS competition shows.\n- **"Time Trip" Theme:** The house features a Time-Bending Entryway, Living Room of Eras, Clockwork Bathroom, Artifact Bedroom, and Futuristic Sleep Pods — transporting contestants across decades.\n- **Milestone 1,000th Episode:** Big Brother becomes the first primetime series to hit 1,000 original episodes.\n- **Celebrity Panelists:** Former champions **Taylor Hale** and **Derrick Levasseur**, along with superfan **Jerry O'Connell**, will analyze the game on *Big Brother: Unlocked*.\n- **Why This Matters:** With nearly 90 days of content, 24/7 live feeds, and a diverse cast spanning ages 22 to 57, Season 28 is set to deliver one of the most unpredictable seasons yet, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.

In-Depth Analysis

The "Time Trip" Theme and House Design

This season's "Time Trip" aesthetic is more than just a visual gimmick — it's woven into the gameplay. According to CBS, houseguests will enter a world where "rooms, relics and competitions transport them across moments in time." The Time-Bending Entryway, Living Room of Eras, and Futuristic Sleep Pods are designed to immerse players in an environment that blends nostalgia with innovation. Early twists are expected to shake up the game from the start, meaning alliances formed in the first week could be tested by unexpected time-themed challenges.

A Cast Like No Other

The diversity of the Season 28 cast is striking — not just in background, but in life experience. At 57 years old, LaTrice Verrett represents the oldest contestant in recent memory, bringing a lifetime of perspective to a game often dominated by younger players. Meanwhile, Mallory Aurichio (24) defies stereotypes as a rocket scientist, and Kamuela "Kamu" Kirk (32) brings the physical discipline of an MMA fighter. The inclusion of Rick Devens (*Survivor 50*) adds a fascinating strategic layer — how will his experience in Fiji translate to the Big Brother house?

This mix of professions — from a pickleball coach to a financial analyst to a drag queen — ensures a wide range of social dynamics. The youngest houseguest, Drew Campbell (22), and the oldest, LaTrice (57), represent a 35-year age gap that could fuel both conflict and mentorship.

The Return of Familiar Faces

While the cast is primarily fresh, the return of certain figures has sparked debate among fans. Comments on social media and news outlets have expressed mixed feelings about the reappearance of past houseguests, with some viewers concerned about potential negativity. However, the inclusion of beloved champions Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur as celebrity panelists on *Big Brother: Unlocked* (premiering July 10 on CBS) offers a strategic breakdown that hardcore fans will appreciate.

How to Watch and What to Expect

The season kicks off with a special 90-minute premiere on Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The following night, *Big Brother: Unlocked* airs, and the 24/7 Live Feeds go live on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and YouTube. Throughout the season, episodes air Wednesdays (8 p.m.), Thursdays (live evictions), and Sundays (8 p.m.). Paramount+ Premium subscribers can stream live; Essential subscribers get episodes the next day.

Who This Affects Most: Reality TV enthusiasts, competition show fans, and anyone fascinated by social strategy games. For viewers who enjoy predicting outcomes, this season's diverse cast makes for compelling fantasy league and betting pool material.

FAQs

When does Big Brother Season 28 premiere?

The season premieres on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS with a special 90-minute episode.

How can I watch the live feeds?

Live feeds go live on Friday, July 10, at 9 p.m. ET on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and YouTube. Paramount+ Premium subscribers have access from the start.

What is the "Time Trip" theme?

It's a retro-futuristic aesthetic blending the '80s and Y2K eras. The house features themed rooms including the Time-Bending Entryway, Living Room of Eras, Clockwork Bathroom, Artifact Bedroom, and Futuristic Sleep Pods.

Who are the celebrity panelists this season?

Former winners Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur, along with actor and superfan Jerry O'Connell, will host *Big Brother: Unlocked* starting July 10.

Is Rick Devens from Survivor really competing?

Yes! Rick Devens, fresh off his appearance on *Survivor 50*, joins the Big Brother house as a surprise contestant, per Entertainment Weekly.

What is the grand prize?

The winner takes home $750,000 — the standard top prize for the show.

Key Takeaways

Mark Your Calendars:: Set a reminder for the **July 9 premiere** on CBS and subscribe to **Paramount+** ([paramountplus.com](https://www.paramountplus.com/?ref=yanuki.com)) for live feeds and full episodes.\n- **Get to Know the Cast:** Familiarize yourself with the 14 houseguests — from the rocket scientist to the drag queen — to make your early-season predictions.\n- **Watch Big Brother: Unlocked:** Starting July 10, tune in for expert analysis from Taylor Hale, Derrick Levasseur, and Jerry O'Connell to deepen your strategic understanding.\n- **Engage with the Community:** Join discussions on [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/BigBrother/?ref=yanuki.com) and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/search?q=BigBrother&ref=yanuki.com) to share your predictions and reactions each week.\n- **Prepare for Twists:** With the "Time Trip" theme promising early surprises, keep an open mind — the first few weeks could see unprecedented power shifts.

Discussion

This season's cast is one of the most eclectic in Big Brother history — from a rocket scientist to a pickleball coach to a Survivor alum. Which houseguest do you think has the best shot at winning? Will the "Time Trip" twists help or hurt the veterans?

Do you think this trend of cross-over players (from Survivor and Drag Race) will become a regular thing in reality TV? Let us know!

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