Julie Chen Moonves Will Not Be Hosting
Expect the unexpected is the unofficial motto of Big Brother, and this week proves it true once again. For the first time in Big Brother history, the beloved host Julie Chen Moonves will not be hosting the BB26 Live Eviction Show. After testing positive for COVID-19, Julie, affectionately known as the “Chenbot,” announced she would return from her usual hosting duties. The actor and The Talk co-host Jerry O’Connell will take her place, who brings his flair to the live stage. Fans first learned of Julie’s condition through her social media, where she received an outpouring of well-wishes for a speedy recovery.
This sudden change is a shake-up in a show that thrives on routine and familiarity. Big Brother has been a summer staple for CBS viewers since its debut in 2000, following Houseguests who are constantly under surveillance. Cameras and microphones capture their every interaction, strategy, and backdoor deal, making it a fan favorite for drama-filled, unfiltered reality television. But this Thursday’s live eviction episode promises to look quite different with Jerry O’Connell stepping into Julie’s iconic hosting role, even if just temporarily.
In her Instagram announcement, Julie Chen Moonves detailed the sequence of events leading up to her leave. “Friday morning, I woke up with a sore throat and went to see my good friend, who is an ENT. That night, he called to say I had COVID. Thankfully, this is only my second time, and it’s been very mild—no fever, just a sore throat. Unfortunately, I’m still testing positive as of this morning, and despite feeling good and strong and my cough is gone, I must sit tonight’s Big Brother live eviction show out.” She thanked Jerry O’Connell for stepping in and jokingly added, “I hope Jerry fits in my dress, has a ball, and tells the Houseguests I miss them but will be watching from home. See? Chenbot is human, after all!”
Julie Chen Moonves has been a part of Big Brother for 26 seasons, a legacy few hosts can claim. Each week, she guides Houseguests through their final moments in the game with her poised and calm demeanor. Viewers are used to seeing Houseguests offer compliments and gratitude to Julie Chen Moonves before casting their votes to evict. Now, fans are eager to see how the Houseguests will interact with Jerry O’Connell and whether he will add his own unique twist to the evening’s proceedings. Will Houseguests attempt to charm him similarly, and how will they handle this unexpected twist?
Big Brother remains a unique social experiment and a consistent ratings winner for CBS, with contestants vying for the grand prize of $500,000. The show demands strategic gameplay, social alliances, and the ability to adapt on the fly—all traits the Houseguests will need to employ this week as they navigate an eviction night unlike any they’ve experienced before.
For fans tuning in, this special BB26 Live Eviction Show offers a rare glimpse of the unexpected, a chance to see how the Houseguests—and Jerry O’Connell—respond to a big change in the usual routine. Will Jerry O’Connell bring fresh energy to the eviction episode? Could this substitution pave the way for other guest hosts in the future, or will it remain a one-time event? Either way, Big Brother fans are in for a treat, as tradition briefly pauses to keep everyone safe.
Catch Big Brother 26 on CBS, airing new episodes every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Fans can stream every episode and enjoy Big Brother Live Feeds on Paramount+.