CBS' flagship reality TV program Big Brother is poised to return to the airwaves for a 24th season in the summer of 2022. While the cast members of the newest season have yet to be announced, it won't be easy to eclipse some of the series' best collection of characters seen over the past 22 years. Certain people stand out by themselves, but how will the collective fare when compared to some of the most memorable casts?
From some of the earliest ensembles to the All-Stars to some of the best modern casts the show has seen, here's hoping the newest iteration of Big Brother introduces as compelling a crop of contestants as the series' all-time best.
Big Brother 2
Vastly improving over the rocky format of the first season of the long-running reality TV show, Big Brother 2 introduced the world to Dr. Will Kirby, long considered as one of the best and most skillful players in show history. The cast also included Mike "Boogie" Malin, another polarizing recurring contestant who forged a memorable brotherhood with Will.
Mike and Will's bond became so strong and their methods of winning so manipulative that they were asked to return for the season 7 All-Stars edition of the show. But beyond the "Chilltown Alliance," the presence of runner-up Nicole Schaffrich really helped the season draw more viewers than the inaugural cast.
Big Brother 6
With singular standouts Maggie Ausburn, Janelle Pierzina, Howie Gordon, and James Rhine, BB 6 also witnessed the formation of The Sovereign Six, one of the show's most memorable alliances of all time. The group seemed impenetrable, which made their destruction so dramatic.
Aside from the infamy of the Sovereign Six, Janelle separated herself from the pack by winning more HoH competitions than anyone in the season and the entire series alike. The cast was so compelling that four contestants were asked to return the following season.
Big Brother 7 All-Stars
As the seasonal theme indicates, Big Brother 7 literally featured an All-Star cast of the show's best and brightest past contestants. As such, Will Kirby, Boogie Malin, Janelle Pierzina, Howie Gordon, James Rhines, and Kaysar Ridha all headlined the season with great amusement.
The return of the Sovereign Six, in particular, lead to a series of juicy dust-ups, back-stabbing betrayals, unforeseen romances, providing nary a dull moment over 28 episodes. Mike and Janelle also had some of the best Big Brother redemption arcs in the season. Besides, who in their right mind can forget the cast being subjected to eating slop as a form of punishment for the first time?
Big Brother 8
It's hard to discount the sentimental value of BB 8, which ended with a tearful tug at the heartstrings when Dick Donato barely bested his own daughter, Danielle, who finished as the season's runner-up.
In addition to making show history as the first cast to feature family members, the sheer joy of watching Dick and Danielle compete together in the Chain of Commands HoH by plunging into a tank of water and solving puzzles presented one of the more unique season finales of all. Both father and daughter were invited back for future episodes.
Big Brother 10
Several standout cast members populated BB 10, none more impactful than the notorious Dan Gheesling. Often hailed as one of the most masterful BB players of all, Dan's time outwitting the equally-impressive Jessie Godderz, who set a record for appearing on the most consecutive BB seasons with eight.
With no shortage of star power, BB 10 also saw the torrid rise of Robert "Memphis" Garrett, a wily player who gave Dan a real run for his money in the final weeks. However, despite the riveting gameplay, it was the jolly 75-year-old Jerry MacDonald as the oldest contestant in show history that really won fans over.
Big Brother 14
Almost every die-hard BB fan will admit that season 14 definitely boasted one of the best overall cast of competitors. The adorably awkward yet supremely smart Ian Terry took home the top prize after becoming a fan favorite and defeating the likes of the equally impressive Danielle Murphree, Frank Eudy, Jenn Arroyo, Kara Monaco, and more.
Aside from the combustible chemistry among the houseguests, BB 14 was the biggest cast in show history (16) and was bolstered by the return of all-time series favorites Dan Gheesling, Mike Malin, Janelle Pierzina, and Brittney Haynes, all of which imparted their sage advice to the guests as coaches. Both Ian and Janelle were invited back for BB 22 All-Stars, reinforcing the cast's intrinsic star power.
Big Brother 16
The first season to present a BB cast members in glorious HD, season 16 boasted the undeniable luminosity of Derek Levasseur, who took home the top prize after besting such hardcore competitors as runner-up Cody Calafiore, bona fide star Nicole Franzel, popular YouTuber Frankie Grande, and more.
Not only did all of the aforementioned contestants return for future seasons of the show, so did fan favorite Caleb Reynolds, who appeared on BB 17 the next year. However, nobody in the cast has proven to be a bigger reality TV star than Franzel, who has parlayed her popularity into appearances on The Amazing Race and The Challenge.
Big Brother 17
Aside from the cool casting gimmick that saw Kathy Griffin, Rob Gronkowski, and Phil Keoghan as Guest Takeovers, BB 17 made history by casting the first transgender contestant in Audrey Middleton. The season also featured popular poker-pro Vanessa Rousso, WWE NXT wrestler Austin Matelson, and more. The showmance between Clay Honeycutt and Shelli Poole was also a major seasonal standout.
Another cool casting wrinkle in season 17 included twins Julia and Liz Nolan competing as one player, which provided tons of entertainment. Also, the 15th and 16th houseguests included Jeff and Jackie from The Amazing Race 26, adding all sorts of crossover drama to entertain fans.
Big Brother 18
Thanks to the deliberate return of fan-favorites Nicole Franzel, James Huling, Frank Eudy, and Da'Vonne Rogers, BB 18 boasted one of the series' best modern casts. The inclusion of Vanessa Rousso's sister Tiffany and Cody Calafiore's brother Paulie also provided juicy gossip and unpredictable drama.
In addition to the entertainment value and integrity of the cast, BB 18 also saw the rise of runner-up Paul Abrahamian, who later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Moreover, five of the BB 18 contestants subsequently compete on The Challenge, proving their draw as TV stars.
Big Brother 22
As the second and most recent All-Stars edition of BB, season 22 may boast the best overall collation of contestants in show history. Indeed, the fierce cutthroat competition has never been more evenly matched on the show, with advanced gameplay and strategic moves lending some of the series' biggest surprise twists.
While Nicole Franzel made a serious run at the winner's circle, her third-place finish was bested by Cody Calafiore's masterful first-place run and the shocking fan vote of Da'Vonne Rogers, who returned after being evicted to win the vote. Even still, the sheer star power of past favorites Janelle Pierzina, Ian Terry, Dani Briones, Enzo Palumbo, and the others is too bright to omit.