Big Brotherhas tried a range of different game styles through the years, and with the return of aBBalum to the game,they’re finally settling back into the best style of gameplay the show has to offer. WhileBig Brother27has only just begun, it’s broken a curse that viewers didn’t realize was even there by inviting an alum into the game.
SinceBig Brother22, the COVID sanctioned pre-game riddled second iteration of All-Stars, there hasn’t beena returning player in theBBhouse. While that may not seem like a long time, the four years of seasons with brand-new houseguests playing the game has felt like an eternity, especially with how the show has been cast in its recent seasons.
WhileBig Brotherhas gone through fits and startsof including alumni, things have changed a fair bit since the advent of social media and the access viewers have to their favorites. With much more access, it’s not as simple to bring players back, and it’s not always good for new players. Regardless,bringingBBalumni back makes the game so much better.
Big Brother Hasn’t Featured Returning Houseguests Since BB 22
The Last All-Star Season Was A Disaster
Big Brother22 was a disaster for a slew of reasons, butthe major issues in the game came down to the mechanics of the way veterans were brought backinto the mix. After years of waiting, the highly anticipatedsecond version ofBig Brother: All-Starswas planned for 2020, when viewers were searching for anything to keep their attention.
Although some veterans couldn’t or wouldn’t participate in the season due to COVID restrictions, the group of veterans who returned forBB22 was a surprisingly well combined mix of legendary players and newer favorites, along with some surprises. Unfortunately,the amount of pre-gaming that allegedly occurred beforeBB22 started led to a steamrollby a mega-alliance, The Committee.
Despite knowing that viewers weren’t going to enjoy the gameplay, many of the veterans worked together to get out massive targets like Janelle Pierzina early in the game, and ultimately made the season difficult to watch. By the timeCody Calafiore was crowned the winner, most viewers had opted out. SinceBB22, viewershaven’t seen a returning houseguest until this year.
Big Brother 27 Brought Back BB Legend Rachel Reilly
She’s Playing The Game For The First Time In A Decade
WithBig Brother27 choosing to finally bring a returning houseguest into the game,it was exciting for the reveal of Rachel Reilly to be (somewhat) kept under wrapsuntil the season premiere. While some viewers feel that bringing a veteran into a house of new players creates an unfair advantage for the veteran, it’s one of the most exciting styles ofBig Brother.
Rachel, who wonBig Brother13 after competing onBB12, has become a reality TV veteran since her time on the series. Going on to compete three times onThe Amazing Race, play a season ofThe Traitors, and participate in various other reality shows,Rachel’s become an even better strategist since her last timein theBBhouse.
Gameplay With Veterans & Rookies Creates Superior BB
The Conditions Immediately Become More Difficult
While some aren’t fans of veterans returning and others enjoy it with a larger group of veterans in general, it creates themost diverse gameplay onBig Brother. Though the veteran may have an advantage of knowing the mechanics of the house,they’re only at an advantage if they have a social game they can rely on, asBig Brotherchanges from year to year.
AsBig Brotherhas shifted into new game modes,veterans and rookie players tend to be on more of an even playing field. The way rookies either choose to accept veteran players or isolate them is always fascinating to watch. The fact that veterans can sometimes dictate the tone of the house makes a huge difference in the quality of aBig Brotherseason.
Big Brotherairs Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on CBS.
