In what is normally the start of a Big Brother summer, fans now have to wait until August for the beginning of highly anticipated season 25. Premiering Wednesday, August 2nd at 8 p.m. ET/PT, the show kicks off with a 90-minute episode that will then be followed by weekly Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday night episodes. It is expected to be all-new houseguests, a confirmation which contradicts the surplus of Twitter rumors implying this would be a fan vs favorites or second chances returnee type season. Not to worry, because the producers are keeping the fans in mind with a, “season full of twists, turns, and throwbacks to the last 24 seasons” (TV Insider, May 22, 2023).
What This Means
This is likely a result of the ongoing writers strike, which would have influence over the fall line-up of shows for CBS. As the confirmed start date is early August, it can be assumed that the season will likely run the 82 day period from last season, or continue doing the regular 99 day season fans are more used to. That would leave a finale date in either late October or early November, somewhat paralleling the late start that took place for the all-star season 22 which began August 5th, and ended October 28th.
An all-newbie cast for fresh faces is what CBS producers must be focusing on, given that the all-star season 22 was all returnees and a major disappointment to most fans. So to have another all returnee or even half returnee season so soon would be somewhat risky, all though a second chances or fans vs favorites season is highly desired and discussed from the fans who want to see deserving players get their opportunity to play again.
What to Expect
The unexpected. Of course we never know what production may have in store for fans, but one thing that is certain is the returning of host veteran, Julie Chen, who will reappear to cover season 25 of Big Brother. We can also expect that the prize money will likely be the same as the last 2 seasons which stood at a high 750,000$. From the press release we also know that production is keeping in mind the nostalgia of the last 24 seasons, so fans can look forward to reliving their favorite moments in season 25, and maybe even binge those previous seasons as we have an extra month to fill in July as we wait for the premiere of Big Brother, season 25, on August 2nd 8 p.m. ET/PT.