With the massive success of the reality game show Big Brother, it's no question that fans are enthralled by the unique dynamic of the game. Between the isolation aspect and the thrilling competitions, the game offers an entertainment factor no other reality show does.
The uniqueness of the game, though, comes with a whole new set of questions fans have about the show. From the Big Brother house itself to the complicated and strange game rules, there are some frequently asked questions that many fans want the answers to.
Where Is The Big Brother House Located?
Despite it being advertised as a house, it's not a standalone house, but rather a set. The Big Brother "house" is located in the CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles. The house occupies stage 18, with the lot spanning 40 acres, which is necessary with the house being a loft-style with a spacious backyard.
When fans first discovered this fact, they were shocked, and some even felt betrayed, almost as if all they thought they knew was a lie. Rest assured, though, it still feels like a house to the houseguests that live there, and it's good that the precious house is protected on the CBS lot.
Do The Contestants Really Not Know They Are Going To Be On Big Brother Until The Cameras Find Them In Their Hometown?
As many fans can probably gather by the contestants' bad acting, the whole camera crew coming by "surprise" is an organized skit. The contestants typically know a week beforehand if they are accepted so they have time to prepare.
However, the contract states that in dire times, it could be possible that the contestants are contacted only 24 hours before they have to leave. All in all, it's necessary for those that apply to be flexible with their schedules and be ready to leave at any given moment.
Do Houseguests Go Through Any Type Of Background Checks?
While some of the contestants might seem a little off their rocker, it's all for entertainment purposes. Before coming on the show, all houseguests must undergo psychological evaluations, IQ tests, and even STD tests.
Big Brother may house contestants that have their struggles, but they thoroughly make sure that nobody could be a risk to the other players in the house. Even the STD tests are a staple, as showmances are inevitable and they want everyone to be safe.
Are Houseguests Allowed Any Writing Tools Or Paper?
The houseguests are not allowed to bring any writing tools or paper, as this could be a great advantage to their gameplay. If the players were allowed these items, they would surely use them to keep track of gameplay and to pass notes that the cameras couldn't catch.
Especially in a game where some competitions are testing purely their mind power and recollection of events during the summer, players are responsible for relying on their memory. If notes were lying around the house, this could be another complication between houseguests and could be considered cheating.
How Do Players Know The Time?
Short answer: they have no way of knowing the time. The houseguests aren’t allowed to bring or use calendars or watches of any kind. They can only tell the difference between day and night by the sun and they have to keep track of the number of days in their head, which comes in handy during some competitions.
The houseguests are also awakened by music every morning at 8:00 am, so they can gauge how their days are moving along from there. As a whole, though, players have no idea what time of day it is besides when they wake up.
Can The Houseguests Bring Any Technology?
As many fans already know, houseguests are not allowed to bring their phones, as they could use them for communication with the outside world, which is very much against the rules. Although it's not just phones that aren't allowed, any tablets, televisions, radios, or technology of any kind.
However, the Head Of Household is allowed the perk of listening to the music of their choice with headphones on, which is the most amount of technology fans will ever see in the house besides all of the cameras.
Are There Producers Inside The House Or Is It Just Security Cameras?
While in the past there have been producers and cameramen inside the house, things are now different, mostly due to COVID19. An executive producer of the show told Entertainment Tonight how the cameras are set up currently: “We produce this behind the walls. They only hear our voices. They don't see us throughout their stay in the Big Brother house."
It would also supposedly be a risk to have producers from the outside world come into the house, as some players might even try to talk game with them and get them to spill insider details. It seems that producers and cameramen remaining separate from the houseguests is for the better.
What Happens If An Outsider Goes Near The House Or Backyard?
It is stated in the show's rulebook that if for whatever reason, an outside object or person is to wander on the premises, several precautions will be taken. The houseguests will not only be instructed to go inside immediately and stay there but to not mention, acknowledge, or interact with the outside object or person.
The rule book even goes into detail about any noises or distractions that may come from the backyard, as well: “Housemates must ignore any noise they hear from outside the Big Brother compound. If any objects appear in the garden the Housemates MUST NOT touch or go near them. If people appear in the garden the Housemates MUST NOT communicate with them.”
Do They Have To Keep A Microphone On At All Times?
Houseguests are contractually obligated to keep their mics on at all times, even in intimate and deeply private moments. The producers will make them put it on or they will be kicked out, which has happened before with houseguest Chima from season 11.
This rule is a pet peeve for fans, as even the live feed watchers do not want to be involved in the intimate moments between houseguests. Knowing that showmances are pretty much inevitable at this point, fans believe that some things shouldn't be telecasted.
Do Contestants Get Paid To Be On The Show?
While fans are only aware of the winner earning a cash prize, along with America’s Favorite Houseguest, all contestants are paid to be on the show, $750 per week. Although the grand prize would without a doubt be nice to have, it seems that all houseguests are paid pretty well just to be there.
In addition to what they earn during their time on the show, many former Big Brother contestants go on to continue brand deals on social media as a separate income. It seems safe to say that whether players win the game or not, they don't have to worry about money.