‘Big Brother’ Hits 1,000 Episodes: How the CBS Competition Series Became Summer’s Longest TV Habit

Big Brother reaches historic milestone of 1,000 episodes

The long-running CBS reality competition series "Big Brother" will air its 1,000th episode on Thursday, a feat that even the show's creators are struggling to believe given its humble beginnings. Originally based on a popular Dutch format and produced by its original creators, the show debuted on July 2000 to high expectations, right after CBS's hit "Survivor" premiere.

The original "Big Brother" followed a group of strangers living together under constant video surveillance, competing for a life-changing cash prize. 24/7 live feeds via AOL broadcasted everything that happened inside the house, with viewers voting on which player to banish each week and ultimately choose the winner. Despite passionate feedback, the show initially faced harsh criticism from critics and even threats of cancellation.

However, CBS believed in the unique social experiment, and upon Season 2 renewal, the network brought in a new team led by executive producer Allison Grodner. She and Rich Meehan turned the show into a more strategic game, introducing social interactions and competition as crucial factors for success. Over two decades of evolution, twists, and controversies later, "Big Brother" stands alongside "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race" as one of CBS's unscripted tentpole franchises.

The show has proven to be a summer staple for reality TV fans, generating $25.1 million in streaming revenue for Paramount+ between 2021 and 2026. The success of the show can be attributed to its consistent presence on the TV calendar, airing three days a week, and occasional aftershow content. Additionally, the 24/7 live feeds available on Paramount+, Pluto TV, and YouTube have kept viewers engaged throughout the seasons.

Despite a 56% decline in linear viewing since the 2000s, "Big Brother" has seen a rise in viewership, with the Season 28 premiere scoring 3.9 million viewers, a 22% increase from the previous year. Social media engagement has also grown significantly, with Season 28 content generating 179 million views so far, up 170% year over year, and official accounts experiencing a 170% increase in followers.

The show's success is attributed to its ability to constantly evolve and keep up with technology, making it the only reality show to stream live. As "Big Brother" continues to reach new generations and maintain its status as a summer TV habit, it has proven that it will likely be a long-lasting part of American television history.