Big Brother Season 28 just added three new surprise contestants.
The reality TV game show is already an enticing set-up— a group of strangers living in a house together forming alliances, and voting each other out—but clearly we needed even more drama.
The official Big Brother 2026 cast list of the new housemates was revealed Tuesday, July 7. But leave it to Big Brother to have a few more tricks up their sleeves. The reality TV series is known for keeping a few of the housemates secret during the initial cast reveal, and later dropping them during the live premiere.
It is also not unlike the series to include fan-favorite veterans of the series or cross-overs from other reality franchises. Season 28’s cast already includes Rupaul’s Drag Race alum Jason De Puy. But as seen in the premiere episode, Drag Race isn’t the only reality TV franchise going to be represented this season.
Who are the Big Brother Season 28 additional houseguests?
Prior to the premiere, Entertainment Weekly reported a certain Survivor cast member was joining this season. It is now confirmed that the rumors are true! Survivor alum Rick Devens has joined the Season 28 cast of Big Brother. Devens is a TV newscaster who competed on both Survivor: Edge of Extinction and Survivor 50. Although he did not win either season, he quickly became a fan favorite contestant due to his silly personality and risky strategy.
Another reality TV personality joining the cast this season is Angela Murray, an Big Brother Season 26 alum, who makes her return to the competition. Murray is a Utah-based real estate agent who became a standout Big Brother contestant by continuously surviving veto ceremonies. She eventually ended up placing sixth, and went on to compete on Season 38 of The Amazing Race with her daughter.
What happened on Big Brother Episode 1?
The season premiere of Big Brother had lots of surprises. A notable one was when host Julie Chen Moonves, said that the first time in Big Brother history, no one currently inside the house will become the first “Head of Household,” aka the person chosen to be in charge for the week.
The contestants were introduced, and later entered the Big Brother Time Trip themed house. The theme played a strong role surrounding the challenges the players competed in.
The premiere also had appearances from Big Brother alums such as Enzo Palumbo who explained the night’s first challenge. During the challenge, the houseguests were divided into three groups to compete for safety. The winning group will earn immunity, while one player from that group will receive the power to bring a reality TV icon into the game.
This challenge is how Murray and Devens were introduced to the cast. A third icon, Rachel Reilly was also briefly introduced as a third icon and contestant, but her entrance was short-lived after the group traveled back in time to the year 175 million BC, where she was attacked by a velociraptor and feel into a volcano to her death. Are we sure this is a reality TV show, and not a comic book?
Is Survivor winner Dee Valladares joining Big Brother 2026?
We don’t know for sure, but fans think Dee Valladares might be the next reality TV icon joining the Big Brother cast.
After Rachel Reilly’s “death,” Moonves announced that a fourth reality TV veteran will be taking Reilly’s place in the competition. To find her replacement Moonves uses the “Dinner Table Time Machine” to go back to December 2023. Fans believe that these signs point to Survivor 45 winner Dee Valladares, who won Survivor in December 2023.
Valladares not only is rumored to be joining the cast, but also to be the Head of House. Although this casting has not been officially confirmed, all will soon be revealed.
When does Big Brother come on?
Big Brother airs on CBS at Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sunday at 8 p.m. The next new episode airing Sunday, July 12 at 8 p.m. ET. Additionally, the new companion show, Big Brother: Unlocked, will air on Fridays.
How to watch Big Brother:
You’ll be able to watch Big Brother live on CBS, and streaming the next day on Paramount+.
Paramount+ offers two subscription plans, Essential and Premium. Right now, you can get started with a seven-day free trial on the Premium plan.
The ad-supported Essential plan typically costs $8.99/month, while the ad-free Premium plan (which comes with Showtime titles and live CBS) costs $13.99/month.