CBS Reveals 'Big Brother 28' Premiere Date and Return of 'Big Brother: Unlocked'
Summer is approaching and it's officially Big Brother season again. CBS just announced that Big Brother 28 will premiere Thursday, July 9 with a 90-minute episode airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The new season will also include the return of Big Brother: Unlocked, which premieres the following day, Friday, July 10.
Julie Chen Moonves will return as host as a new group of Houseguests moves in for what is being described as "unexpected moments and a season packed with twists and turns." CBS did not specify whether the cast will consist entirely of new players. (Last season saw the return of Big Brother 13 winner Rachel Reilly.)
According to the network, the upcoming installment will feature the "most programming hours ever" in franchise history as the series prepares to hit its milestone 1,000th episode. Notably, the press release also made no mention of the premiere being live.
Following the 90-minute premiere and a special 90-minute Sunday episode on July 12, the long-running series will then settle into its regular schedule, featuring 90-minute Wednesday episodes and hour-long Sunday and Thursday broadcasts, the latter of which will include the live eviction.
Meanwhile,Big Brother: Unlockedis also making a comeback after debuting during Season 27. The companion series will feature exclusive footage, extended interviews, behind-the-scenes content and surprise guests.
CBS has not yet confirmed whether Season 16 winner Derrick Levasseur and Season 24 winner Taylor Hale will return as hosts. However, sources tell me both are expected to be invited back. Unlocked will also feature a live studio audience yet further details remain unclear.
As usual, live feeds from inside the house will be available to stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
Big Brother 28 premieres Thursday, July 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 11:58 AM.