The top reality competition show “Big Brother” has returned to American television in 2021 for season 23. If you’ve missed the biggest reality television show on TV, then buckle up: Here’s everything you need to know about “Big Brother” in 2021.
What Happened Last Season?
Season 22 of “Big Brother” was the second “All-Stars” edition in the history of the show, after the seventh season in 2006.
The season aired from Aug. 5, 2020, to Oct. 28, 2020, spanning 85 days of competition. Thirty-seven episodes of the competition were broadcast on CBS.
Who Were the Contestants?
Sixteen contestants — also known as “HouseGuests” — entered the Big Brother House for last season’s competition. Here’s the low-down on each one of them:
- Janelle Pierzina: This 40-year-old real estate agent was the housemate with the most appearances on “Big Brother” (three). She was a contestant on “Big Brother” seasons six, seven (“Big Brother: All-Stars”), and 14. Her highest placement was third place in the former two seasons she competed in.
- Nicole Anthony: This 25-year-old podcast host from Long Island, New York, had previously participated in season 21 where she was evicted in third place. She was evicted again in season 22.
- Keesha Smith: This 42-year-old waitress from Los Angeles, California, had participated in “Big Brother” season 10. She was evicted on day nine in season 22.
- Da’Vonne Rogers: The 32-year-old acting coach was featured in “Big Brother” seasons 17 and 18 before last season’s appearance. He was evicted on day 51.
- Kaysar Ridha: This biotech executive from Irvine, California, was evicted on day 30. She has previously featured in “Big Brother” seasons six and seven.
- Ian Terry: The 29-year-old management consultant from Houston, Texas, won “Big Brother” season 14. He was evicted on day 44 in season 22.
- Bayleigh Dayton: The 27-year-old model from Los Angeles, California, was evicted after 37 days in the house.
- Kevin Campbell: The 40-year-old ad agency executive from Chula Vista, California, placed third during “Big Brother” season 11. He could only manage 58 days in the House in season 22, though.
- David Alexander: The 30-year-old senior sales executive from Los Angeles, California, was similarly evicted on day 58.
- Daniele “Dani” Briones: The stay-at-home mom finished as the runner-up in season eight and was evicted in eighth place in season 13. She was evicted on day 58 in season 22.
- Cody Calafiore: The soccer coach from New Jersey, was the runner-up for “Big Brother” season 16. He went all the way and won season 22.
- Tyler Crispen: This co-owner of a jewelry company was the runner-up in his previous appearance on “Big Brother” season 20.
- Robert “Memphis” Garrett: The 37-year-old restaurateur from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, came in second on season 10 but could only manage 72 days in the House last season.
- Nicole Franzel: The social media hotshot was evicted in seventh place during season 16 but came back to win the 18th season of the competition. She was evicted on the last day of the competition in season 22.
- Vincenzo Palombo: The 42-year-old Bayonne, New Jersey, resident had previously competed in season 12 but finished as the runner-up to last season’s winner.
What Were Some of the Most Memorable Moments?
“Big Brother” never fails to provide memorable moments. When you put an all-star cast in the House, there’s always room for even more drama.
Who could forget the Triple Eviction? Evicting three HouseGuests in one night is pure theater. It was an action-packed night that saw Nicole on tethers a couple of times and Dani having something to diss about Christmas! Considering she had just been evicted, you could understand why. The running rivalry between Nicole and Janelle was also enjoyable to watch. While there was no meltdown from either of them, which perhaps dampened the current bubbling underneath, it still provided something to look forward to each episode.
Cody Calafiore winning the first Head of House (HoH) challenge was a good moment, especially when he nominated Keesha Smith and Kevin Campbell instead of going after a potential threat in any of the former winners. Hi! Bye! was the name of the game for Keesha Smith who became the first HouseGuest to be evicted. The vote was unanimous: 13-0.
Who Won the Latest Season of “Big Brother”?
Cody Calafiore won “Big Brother: All-Stars.” He defeated Enzo Palumbo in the final jury vote by 9-0. Cody had previously participated in “Big Brother” season 16, where he came in second place.
What to Know About the Current Season of “Big Brother” in 2021
The 2021 season of “Big Brother,” season 23, is currently on. The show premiered on July 7, 2021, with a special 90-minute live move-in. Host Julie Chen Moonves returned for this season’s competition (she is the only person to host the show). The season finale will air on Sept. 29, 2021, as a two-hour show. This means the season will run for 85 days.
This season will also see the prize money upped for the first time in the series. Previous winners went away with $500,000, but for “Big Brother” season 23, contestants will be competing for $750,000.
Who Are the Contestants?
Having featured a returning cast of former contestants in the All-Stars edition for only the second time in “Big Brother” history, season 23 has a fresh roster of HouseGuests.
- Alyssa Lopez: The 24-year-old swimwear designer from Sarasota, Florida, is a huge BB fan and has been since age 11. Can she go all the way and be a winner?
- Azah Awasum: The 30-year-old Baltimore native is hoping to become a part of the “Big Brother” family. With over 300 cousins, she must know something about managing household squabbles.
- Brandon “Frenchie” French: Popularly called Frenchie, the 34-year-old is a father and farmer. While he’s a family man at heart, he’s no longer part of the BB family. He was evicted on day 16.
- Brent Champagne: The Rhode Island resident and flight attendant lives by the motto “here for a good time, not a long time.” That’s certainly true, as he was evicted on day 23.
- Brittini D’Angelo: This 24-year-old kindergarten teacher from Niagara Falls has gone through martial arts training.
- Christian Birkenberger: The 23-year-old general contractor assistant is hoping his charm can see him through the ups and downs of BB23.
- Claire Rehfuss: With an impressive career writing code for Fortune 500 companies to boast of, this AI engineer might just have the perfect code for taking her participation in this program all the way.
- Derek Frazier: Son of renowned boxer Joe Frazier, the 29-year-old Philadelphia native is looking to exercise his leadership skills and take charge of things early.
- Derek Xiao: As the other Derek in the House, this 24-year-old entrepreneur is looking to leverage the publicity of the show to land some seed money for his innovative business idea.
- Hannah Chaddha: This graduate student is taking the competition one week at a time, playing the long game with short-term focus.
- Kyland Young: Movie buff Kyland will hopefully turn 30 in the House. Can she go all the way and be the big winner in her milestone year?
- Sarah Beth Steagal: This forensic scientist is hoping to use all of her analytical skills to unearth ways to stay in the game longer than anyone else.
- Tiffany Mitchell: The mother of one says she’s all in for the win. With a son watching from home, she is on her A-game as she strives to get to the final day at least.
- Travis Long: The 22-year-old tech sales consultant was full of pranks. However, it didn’t work to his advantage as he’s already been evicted.
- Whitney Williams: The 30-year-old mother and makeup artist is determined to win for her sons.
- Xavier Prather: Xavier is an attorney with strict opinions on letting emotions creep into the game. Can he really keep sentiments out of the way throughout his stay?
Can You Still Audition to Be on “Big Brother” for Next Season?
No, you can’t. The “Big Brother” 2021 season has already started, but applications are already open for season 24 of “Big Brother.” Excited about the possibility of being cast for the show? Click here to send in your application.
Where to Watch “Big Brother”
You can also watch all the episodes of “Big Brother” season 23 on CBS. You can watch full episodes on the official CBS website or app, or stream on Paramount+ or fuboTV.
Get All the Latest Updates on “Big Brother” From BuddyTV
Worried about missing another moment of season 23 of “Big Brother” in 2021? We’ve got you. You can keep up with all the latest updates on “Big Brother” from BuddyTV.
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
