Big Brother is back for its 27th season, promising drama and a huge cash prize, but contestants face some truly bizarre and unexpected rules that go far beyond just living without phones.
The All-Seeing Eye: Unpacking Surveillance
If you thought the Big Brother house offered any privacy, think again. There are a staggering 94 cameras and 113 microphones recording everything, everywhere, 24/7. This includes shared bathrooms and even inside shower stalls.
While bathroom footage is rarely aired, producers can use it if something truly scandalous happens, like a secret alliance being formed or a heated argument unfolding in a “private” moment. Every conversation, every move, is potentially on record.
Beyond the Application: Intense Vetting
IQ Tests and Psychological Checks
Getting into the Big Brother house isn’t just about charisma or being good on camera. Potential contestants undergo deep screening, including extensive background checks, IQ tests, and thorough psychological evaluations.
This rigorous process ensures that houseguests can handle the immense pressure of constant surveillance and isolation. It also helps producers identify personalities that will make for engaging, high-stakes television.
Producer Power: Control Inside and Out
No Copyrighted Tunes Allowed
Contestants might feel the urge to belt out their favorite tunes, but singing popular songs is strictly forbidden. This applies to anything from a chart-topping hit by Taylor Swift to a classic movie quote, all to avoid copyright issues.
Producers will quickly step in to stop any copyrighted material from being performed, ensuring the live feeds remain compliant and the show avoids legal headaches.
Producers Call the Shots on Exits and Image
While eviction is typically by house vote, producers retain the power to remove a contestant at any time for rule violations or inappropriate behavior. There have been instances where houseguests were ejected for everything from refusing to wear a mic to using offensive language or threatening others.
What’s more, contestants have no control over how they are portrayed on screen. Producers have full rights to edit footage, shape storylines, and craft a narrative that might cast a houseguest as a hero or a villain, regardless of their original intent.
Housekeeping and Style: Unexpected Restrictions
No Housekeepers Here
Don’t expect any maid service inside the Big Brother house. Contestants are solely responsible for all cleaning and chores. This often leads to arguments and friction among housemates over dirty dishes and shared responsibilities.
Fashion Faux Pas
Contestants might pack their most stylish designer outfits, but not everything makes it on screen. Loud logos and certain patterns like polka dots, silk, or thin stripes are often banned due to branding conflicts or simply because they don’t look good on camera.
The Strict Exit Protocol
Mandatory Exit Interviews
No matter how controversial their exit, how devastated they feel, or how much they might be crying, every evicted houseguest must sit down for a live interview with host Julie Chen Moonves. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Quit Your Day Job
Entering the Big Brother house means putting your career on hold, or often, quitting your job entirely. Contestants sign a 96-day contract and are expected to be fully unemployed during their time on the show, with no outside work obligations.
English Only, Silence Afterward
Inside the house, contestants are required to speak English. However, once outside, a strict gag order comes into play. For up to three years, former houseguests are generally prohibited from discussing their experience or fellow contestants with any media without prior approval, facing heavy fines if they break the rules.
- Every corner of the Big Brother house, including bathrooms, is under constant camera surveillance.
- Contestants undergo rigorous IQ and psychological testing before being selected.
- Producers have the power to remove houseguests, dictate on-screen portrayal, and even ban copyrighted songs.
- Houseguests are responsible for all chores, and their clothing choices are often restricted.
- After eviction, a mandatory live interview is required, and strict silence rules apply for years regarding their time on the show.
These surprising rules truly highlight the controlled environment and unique pressures faced by those competing for the Big Brother prize, making the drama even more compelling for viewers.
