Shocking Big Brother Season 28 Twist: CBS Is Ready to Bring Back Veterans in a Move Fans Didn’t See Coming
Big Brother is about to shake up its formula in a way that could send longtime viewers into a frenzy, with Season 28 now expected to lean into a dramatic format overhaul that also taps into a wave of nostalgia.
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal that former houseguests are finally on track to re-enter the game after more than six years of all-newcomer casts only.
Sources close to production say CBS executives are actively working on a plan to mix veteran players with brand-new contestants, a move that would mark the first returnee-heavy setup in years.
Behind the scenes, producers appear to have taken notice of fan frustration over “safe,” influencer-driven casting and strategy that has increasingly felt polished, predictable and overly cautious.
According to an insider, the goal is simple: bring back the chaos that made the series a true obsession.
They added that the team has grown tired of recruits who feel more focused on their image than the actual game.
The source continued: “They want people who already know how to play hard, make big moves, stir drama and create moments fans actually remember.”
Several familiar names are already being discussed internally as possible returnees, including Season 23 favorite Derek Xiao, fiery Big Brother 26 standout Tucker Des Lauriers, and Season 27 finalist Morgan Pope.
Sources say the producers are not simply chasing fan favorites. They are also eyeing people who could split opinion and fuel nonstop conversation online.
One insider put it bluntly: “They don’t necessarily want an easy, universally-loved cast. They want personalities that get people talking online too.”
While conversations with former players are reportedly underway, casting is still far from locked and could change sharply before filming begins later this summer.
If the plan goes ahead, Season 28 would become the franchise’s first major returnee-focused installment since Big Brother: All-Stars aired in 2020 during the pandemic.
That season brought back iconic names such as Cody Calafiore, Janelle Pierzina, Kaysar Ridha, Da’Vonne Rogers and Tyler Crispen, but fan response was mixed after many felt the game quickly became dominated by alliances.
Since then, CBS has stuck with all-newcomer casts across Seasons 23 through 27, even as longtime fans kept pushing for veterans to return to the Big Brother house.
Viewers have also repeatedly asked for a more “old school” approach, with bigger fights, sharper blindsides, split houses and ruthless strategy—elements that once defined the show’s most explosive eras.
Returnee seasons have historically delivered some of the franchise’s most unforgettable moments, from Dan Gheesling’s legendary “funeral” move in Season 14 to Rachel Reilly’s fierce clashes and the high-pressure rivalries that fueled earlier all-star editions.
For now, CBS has not officially confirmed the Season 28 format, though the cast reveal is expected in the coming weeks.
Big Brother Season 28 officially premieres on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS with a special 90-minute episode hosted by longtime franchise face, Julie Chen Moonves.
