The CBS reality competition series Big Brother kicked off its 28th season on Thursday, July 9, 2026, with a historical theme titled "Big Brother Time Trip" for its milestone 1,000th episode.
Fourteen initial contestants entered the house during the premiere. Contestant Drew correctly predicted that additional players would join the cast later in the evening.
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Twelve of the original houseguests participated in miniature backyard games.
These games granted safety from the first round of nominations and brought three previous reality television personalities into the game.
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The competitions resulted in safety for contestants Rome, Chuk, and Jason. They also secured the arrivals of past competitors Angela Murray, Rick Devens, and Rachel Reilly.
The twist concluded during the subsequent Head of Household competition. A thematic dinosaur element removed Reilly from the game immediately after her arrival.
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Television Line reported that CBS will reveal Reilly's replacement on Friday during a special broadcast of Big Brother: Unlocked at 8/7c.
