‘Big Brother: Over The Top’ Spoilers: Julie Chen Reveals Details About ‘BBOTT,’ Including Number Of Houseguests, Safety Ceremonies, America’s Role, And Key Times To Watch


The Big Brother 18 finale aired Wednesday night, and fans are now anticipating a new version of the popular reality show, Big Brother: Over the Top (or what some are calling Big Brother 19). The online-only show is set to begin airing on CBS All Access on September 28, and until recently, very few details had been released regarding the novel format.

Nonetheless, during the Big Brother 18 backyard finale interviews, held annually following the end of a season, host Julie Chen offered a bevy of information regarding the highly anticipated Big Brother: Over the Top, including the number of houseguests, the lack of nomination ceremonies, America’s role, and key times to watch the online show.

Julie spoke with Rob Cesternino of Rob Has a Podcast, telling him Big Brother: Over the Top will consist of “twelve brand new houseguests that you’re going to grow to love and hate, and a returner… the thirteenth member…”

At one point, Julie turned to the viewing audience and stated, “Remember… you guys get to vote…” and noted that either Jason Roy from Big Brother 17 or Jozea Flores from Big Brother 18 will be chosen by the viewers to participate.

Rob explained to Julie that fans have so many questions about the new format of Big Brother: Over the Top and how it will actually work. Julie said, unlike regular seasons of the show, there will be no nomination ceremonies. Instead, Julie noted the following.

“We’re doing safety ceremonies on Saturdays and Sundays. The houseguests will gather around and they want to hear their name called out because if it’s called out, they’re safe.”

Julie also revealed that 10 p.m. Eastern time is an important hour for fans to watch the online Big Brother: Over the Top stream each day because there will be either “an update of what’s been happening, or a safety ceremony on the weekends.”

She added that “on Wednesday nights you’re going to see a recap of the whole week leading up to the live eviction, and Thursdays you’re going to see my eviction interview.”

Rob noted that on Wednesday night’s episode of BB18, Julie mentioned that America would decide the winner of Big Brother: Over the Top. He then inquired as to whether America will choose who goes home week to week, and Julie responded tentatively with the following.

“America will be deciding more than just the winner… I can’t get into specifics… but they’re going to control a lot of the game.”

Julie also felt this unique Big Brother format will make for a “crazier” show.

“With the CBS version you get one hour of me, like talking to them [houseguests]. They know they’re live on the satellite to all of America. With [BB]OTT it’s going to feel a lot more intimate because they’re not going to… hear the clapping live audience, so I think they’re going to really let loose.”

Rob questioned Julie as to whether she was ready for another season of Big Brother and she joked, “Chenbot (the nickname fans have affectionately given her) is always ready. Chenbot does not sleep.”

As for the outcome of Big Brother 18, Julie told Rob she was pleased Nicole Franzel and Paul Abrahamian were in the final two, and could make an argument for either one of them to win the grand prize.

However, Julie said as a woman she was happy that Nicole won the season because this is the first time in Big Brother history a woman has won over a man when both sat in the final two. Julie stated, “You know what, I tip my hat to her.”

According to CBS, the new cast of Big Brother: Over the Top will be introduced to fans on Monday, September 26, two days before the show commences.

Big Brother: Over the Top premieres Wednesday, September 28, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on CBS All Access.

[Featured Image via CBS]

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