Big Brother 23: 8 Most Exciting Moments In The Premiere
Launching into yet another Big Brother season, some things are radically different this time around, while some things remain crucial constants.
After much wait, fans finally get to see another season of Big Brother with an entirely new cast of players. As with every season, fans are introduced to each houseguest via a short intro video, after which Julie Chen, impeccably dressed as always, welcomes them into the house in small groups of a few at a time. But, this year, some things were different; instead of rushing into the house to claim the bed and room of their choice, players instead were told to head right outside for their first competition. The game was literally on right from the get-go.
Through the hour-and-a-half premiere episode, which will be followed by several episodes weekly through the summer, there were some pretty exciting moments.
8 Diverse Cast Reveal
While it was already confirmed that the show has committed to 50% BIPOC representation going forward, fans finally got to meet the players. Each has their own unique personality and career or educational background, from a black belt in karate to several with a background in science, entrepreneurs, single moms, and even a lawyer pretending to be a bartender.
It was exciting to not only meet the new cast of players and learn more about them than what has been revealed prior to the show, but also to see how diverse the cast is, for the first time in the show's history.
7 Playing In Teams
Big Brother's mantra is to "expect the unexpected," and, while it isn’t the first time the show has employed a teams strategy, and producers confirmed it in late June, it was still a surprise for the players when Julie announced that they would be playing in teams from the start.
The house was divided into four playing card-themed teams of four people, each with two men and two women: the Aces, Kings, Queens, and Jokers. The teams were chosen by the leaders—the four people who won the first competition—though they were given the choice between two people in each round versus having their pick of the litter. It made immediate alliances among people who might not have otherwise been aligned with one another.
6 Prize Money Increase
Arguably the biggest announcement of the premiere episode was the reveal that the prize money would, for the first time ever, be much bigger; the winner this season will take home $750,000.
The prize for all of the winners to date, including the first 10 winners of Big Brother, has always been a half-million dollars, so, for it to move up to three-quarters of a million is both a testament to the popularity of the show and the difficulty in winning. In order to win, players must survive in the house and away from their families and any connection to the outside world for an entire summer.
5 Frenchie's Double Down Offer
As Julie noted, while there have been some creative HoH competitions through the series' run to date, it was the first time in 21 years that an opportunity like the double down was offered to a player right off the bat. After Frenchie won the first HoH, he was given the opportunity to play a double or nothing game that went along perfectly with the casino theme of the house and competition.
If he won, his team would be safe for two weeks instead of one. If he lost, he would no longer be HoH, and the team that came in second place would be safe. Frenchie ultimately chose not to play, but the game was played anyway just for fun, and it was intense, nonetheless, when he learned that he might very well have won.
4 Players (Maybe) Looking For Showmances
It's no secret that Big Brother has a pretty good success rate in the romance department, having spawned some beloved showmances (and some cringe-worthy ones, too.) There are always a few people who announce that they would be open to a showmance—or those who swear they weren't looking for one only to meet the supposed person of their dreams in the house. But, this season, several players actively said they would be looking for one.
Whitney, a single mom, noted that she might not be able to resist if she found the right guy even if she wasn't looking, also admitting that she has terrible taste in men. Meanwhile, flight attendant Brent noted he was open to one, and Connecticut native Christian said he believed the ladies would not be able to "resist his luscious locks."
3 Player Who Is Autistic
Details about the players were revealed ahead of the show, including Britini, a kindergarten teacher and Black Belt in karate from Niagara Falls, New York. Britini also revealed in her intro video that she is autistic. The young woman with the bubbly personality and fierce fighting skills proceeded to talk about how it has never held her back and how she plans to represent the community in a positive way.
Coming off a season that includesd one of the biggest Big Brother controversies, particularly involving the treatment of Ian, a previous autistic player, this was refreshing and exciting news.
2 House Reveal To The Players
It's always exciting when the players get to enter the house for the first time, marking their official role as houseguests. While this time, they had to head right to the backyard, they still stopped to take it all in for a moment, wide-eyed and elated.
Seeing them look at all the pictures on the wall, take in the furniture and décor, and realize this would be their home for the next potentially few months was just as exciting for die-hard fans as it was for the players.
1 Players Already Have Nots
As noted, the competitions began immediately on the season, with players competing first to become the team captains, then for HoH. But, Big Brother is pulling out all the punches this season, as the team to come in last in the challenge immediately became Have Nots.
As fans of the show know, this means they have to occupy the most uncomfortable room in the house, can only eat Slop—Big Brother's form of oatmeal—and they have to take cold showers. It's not a great start to the show for these four players, giving them an immediate disadvantage.