Big Brother is a popular show on CBS where 12-16 people live in a house, cut off from the outside world, and battle it out for a whole summer to win $500,000. If you have just started watching Big Brother, here are 10 things you probably didn't know about the show.
1. The first season was completely different
In the first season there were only 10 house guests. They were given weekly ‘tasks’ such as finishing a puzzle to find a reward, or figuring out what celebrities are still alive from a certain list. There were no ‘competitions,’ it was solely a social game. Consequently, there was no Head of Household, the house guests voted for who they thought should be nominated.
The top two were then up for eviction or 'banishment'. America voted on who would be banished that week. The house guests would actually walk outside of the building and be reunited with their loved ones. There were no audience members and no studio. The second season they changed the game completely since the first season was a flop.
2. Who created the 'back door' move
The infamous back door move was created in season 5. In an attempt to hide their alliance, Nakomis put two of her alliance members on the block. When it came time to pick who got to play in the Power of Veto competition, Nakomis and the two on the block chose three other alliance members. Whoever won the POV would take a member off the block. After, Nakomis nominated her true target in her alliance members place.
3. House guests are actually paid
House guests get paid $750 for every week they are in the house. CBS pays the shows competitors for the summer, unlike other reality TV shows. So even if you don't win the whole show, you at least get to walk away with some money in your pocket.
4. Process of getting on the show
The first step is to fill out an online application, create a video and send in a clear photo of yourself as well. You want to stand out in your video as much as possible. If you do, producers typically get back to you within 2-3 months. The show also uses casting calls and they have also recruited players in the past.
House guests are contractually not allowed to talk about the next step, so it is pretty unknown. But rumors have spread that they take personality tests, medical tests, IQ tests, etc. All in all, it is a lengthy process. Even after completing everything, they can still choose not to put you on the show. The application process is a risky one but according to former house guests, it is worth it.
5. What you can't bring into the house
There is a long list of items you are not allowed to bring into the Big Brother house. The house guests are completely in the dark for the whole summer. Here is a short list of some of the items that are not allowed:
- No clothes with art or logos
- Weapons
- Watches
- Cell Phones
- Agendas/diaries
- Magazines/books other than official religious texts
- Writing utensils/writing paper
6. The oldest competitor was 75 years old
Jerry MacDonald was 75 years old when he competed in Season 10. He made it to the final three with the alliance ‘The Renegades’. Unfortunately, he was voted out by Dan after losing the final three Head of House Hold competition.
7. How many cameras and microphones are actually in the house
There is a total of 87 cameras in the house and 110 microphones to capture everything the house guests do and say. Yes, there is even one in the bathroom, although they never use the footage on the show or during live feeds.
8. Longest and Shortest season
The longest season of Big Brother was season 18, it lasted for 99 days. The shortest season of Big Brother was season 10, it lasted for only 71 days.
9. How they get their food in the house
Groceries are delivered once a week to the storage room during the game. The house guests tell producers their dietary restrictions before the show starts. In addition, they tell them what they would like to have in the house for the next week.
10. Slop wasn't always slop
Until Season 7, house guests used to eat Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches for slop. But the All-star season saw all the PB & J's dumped on contestants competing in the first Veto competition of the season. Slop is now a mixture that looks like oatmeal.
There are many more interesting facts, but these are just some to start your obsession with the show. From the many twists in the game to what they eat, you can always expect the unexpected in the Big Brother house. Also, be sure to check out our other Big Brother posts including the Top 10 Showmances from Big Brother!
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