‘Big Brother’ 2020 Spoilers: Season 22 Cast Reveal, COVID Rule Changes And Premiere Firsts

“Big Brother” is staying true to its tagline— expect the unexpected. After its usual summer debut was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBS show is making its Season 22 premiere on Wednesday, but with a twist.

Before episode one kicks off, here’s everything “Big Brother” fans need to know about the 2020 season.

The Cast

In years past, the cast is announced prior to filming and moves into the “Big Brother” house before the premiere date, giving production ample time to edit the first episode. This year, the contestants will move-in during the live premiere. Because of this, CBS has decided not to release the official cast list, but that hasn’t stopped some names from leaking.

A July 22 report from TMZ revealed that former winners Nicole Franzel, Ian Terry, Hayden Moss, and Josh Martinez (who has claimed he's not involved), as well as past contestants Bayleigh Dayton, Tyler Crispen, Paulie Calafiore and Janelle Pierzina, were in quarantine for the show.

CBS hasn't responded to the casting rumors but has confirmed that the season will have an "All-Star" theme and feature “past winners, finalists, memorable personalities and some of the best to never win the game.”

COVID Changes

Eliminated contestants will no longer be allowed to greet longtime host Julie Chen after exiting the house. "I'll be farther than ever from the houseguests as they get evicted. No hugs, not even a Chenbot handshake,” Chen revealed in a Monday sit-down with ET Online.

As far as other alterations being made to the show due to the pandemic, Chen said she is constantly being tested for COVID-19. Crew members will also be working “in a pod” in order to help stop the spread of the virus onset.

As for the cast, hookups and bed-sharing are still allowed, says Chen. Leading up to the premiere date, the cast is being tested “every few days” in quarantine and will only be allowed to enter the house once they’re “clean and clear” for at least 14 days. Cast members will continue to be tested during the season.

House Photos

After teasing a few photos of the new “BB” house on Monday, CBS released several new images of the cast member digs. The design is based on art lofts in downtown Los Angeles and features 16-foot tall warehouse windows. The network is referring to the house's theme as an “All-Star Loft designed for the veteran VIPs.”

Executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan said of the theming, “The All-Star Loft is amazing! It not only has an artistic nod to 'BIG BROTHER' past, but this house actually holds the key to some new twists that will keep these All-Stars on their toes all season long!”

Premiere Details

Fans can catch the first two-hour episode of “Big Brother” 2020 on Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT on CBS. Followup episodes will air Sundays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m EDT and Thursdays live at 9 p.m. EDT.