With 784 episodes and counting, CBS's tentpole reality competition series Big Brother marked its 20th anniversary this past May. In October of 2020, the network announced plans to renew the popular series for an unprecedented 23rd season.
Most recently, houseguest Cody Calafiore was voted the winner of Big Brother 22 after defeating his showmance, Holly Allen, in a decisive 6-3 final jury vote. However, along with nine others, Allen is one of many underrated and overlooked runner-ups in the show's long-running history. For a look at the show's most unheralded second-place finishers, scroll below.
Josh Souza - BB1
Since he placed second way back in 2001, it's easy to overlook Big Brother's inaugural runner-up, Josh Souza. But the fact remains that Souza gave a valiant effort that garnered 41% of the national vote tally before losing to Eddie McGee.
In Big Brother 1, the winner was awarded by a popular vote cast by the viewing audience, rather than facing household vote tallies as seen later in the series. In navigating the early stages of the game rules and regulations, Souza was adept enough to make a close 59-41 final outcome.
Erika Landin - BB7
After finishing in 4th place during her stint on BB4, Erika Landin returned to the house in the show's first All-Stars competition in Season 7. Despite garnering a single vote against her showmance Mike "Boogie" Malin in the Final 2, Erika remains an underrated runner-up.
Erika beat out 19 other houseguests when chosen by the public to return as an All-Star in Season 7. She became most known for her fearless exposure of Will's lies to Janelle, prompting his eviction and Erika's ascent to the finale.
Michael Ellis - BB5
Michael "Cowboy" Ellis lost a close battle with his close alliance member Drew Daniel, arguably the most underrated winner in BB history, during the show's fifth season. Ellis's slick gameplay garnered three out of the final seven jury votes for a narrow 4:3 loss.
One of the most memorable parts of Cowboy's run was his involvement in the Project DNA twist, during which he learned he was competing with his half-sister, Jennifer Dedmon. Cowboy made the hard decision to evict his own kin en route to finishing as runner-up.
Holly Allen - BB21
As mentioned in the introduction, Holly Allen lost a 6:3 final jury vote against her showmance, Jackson Michie. Despite taking her beau to the brink, Holly remained an under-the-radar silent killer for much of the season.
Known for her secret affair with Kathryn Dunn, which was outed by Jack Matthews on the show, Holly overcame her romantic issues to reach the Final 2. However, her gameplay was nixed in favor of Jackson's, who framed Tommy and brought Holly to the final showdown.
Natalie Martinez - BB11
Although she caught a ton of flak for the unnecessary fib about her age, Natalie Martinez is one of the most underappreciated players in BB history. Even after alienating the jury and her alliance member Jessie with her lies, Martinez rallied to nab two out of seven final votes.
In the end, Natalie lost to Jordan Lloyd by a final vote total of 5:2. Her brimming confidence and lack of intimidation as a Tae Kwon Do bronze medalist made her one of the most feisty and formidable runners up in the entire series.
Ivette Corredero - BB6
In a very close 4:3 defeat to Maggie Ausburn, Ivette Corredero proved her tenacity as the underrated runner-up in BB6. The boisterous member of the Friendship Alliance forged strategic bonds with James Rhine and Beau Beasley before reaching the Final 2.
Ivette faced her alliance member Maggie in the Final 2 but lost the ultimate vote count due to her sarcastic attitude and frequent back-talking. Ivette was nominated for a return during BB7 was not selected.
Daniele Donato - BB8
In BB8, Daniele Donato (now Daniele Briones) bore the indubious distinction of losing to her own father, Dick Donato, during the show's rival twist. In finishing second with two total votes, Daniele won two HOH competitions and five POVs.
Daniele became such a likable figure on the show that she was invited back twice, once in BB13 and again in BB22. In BB13, Daniele lost a slim 3:2 vote to finish in 8th place.
Lane Elenburg - BB12
Anyone who takes Hayden Moss to the brink of defeat, one of the most underrated winners in the show's history, deserves their flowers. Such is the case for David "Lane" Elenburg, who fought Moss to a close 4:3 defeat in BB12.
Lane Elenburg excelled at playing the social game during his time in the house, manipulating everyone for his own personal gain. As part of the Brigade alliance, Lane also forged a tight bond with Britney Haynes. Lane was also the first guest to reach the end of the Have-Not portion without being named a Have-Not.
Tyler Crispen - BB20
With a razor-thin 5:4 defeat, Tyler Crispen proved his wily worth during his run on BB20. With his surfer locks and laidback demeanor, Tyler used his natural charm and charisma to forge alliances with Level 6 guests Kaycee and Angela.
All told, Tyler won three HOH and three POV competitions, making him the 12th contestant in the history of the show to win six challenges. In addition to being named runner-up, Tyler was also nominated for America's Favorite Houseguest, losing to Da'Vonne Rogers.
Porsche Briggs - BB13
Porsche Briggs is the single most underrated Big Brother runner-up to date. After showing tremendous skill in fostering multiple alliances, Porsche lost a contentious 4:3 final jury vote to the eventual winner, Rachel Reilly.
During her stay, Porsche successfully navigated friendships with Rachel, Keith, Daniele, and Kaila before winning Head of Household. After opening Pandora's Box to reveal an extended duo twist for another week, Porsche was able to make her way to the Final 2 before losing a split decision.