Key Takeaways
- Big Brother executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan decided to bring in two Survivor 50 contestants after a collaborative brainstorming session that considered past cross‑show experiments (e.g., Cirie Fields on BB 25).
- The timing of Survivor 50’s airing coincided with BB’s planning for returning players, making the duo a natural fit.
- Rick Devens was chosen for his standout, mischievous, and creative gameplay—qualities the EPs hoped would stir unexpected dynamics in the BB house.
- Dee Valladares was selected for her hyper‑competitive, no‑nonsense attitude, strong challenge performance, and magnetic social game, which the producers view as essential for succeeding in Big Brother.
- The producers intentionally brought two players rather than one to showcase contrasting Survivor styles and to attract fans from both shows.
- While Dee has hinted at being open to a showmance in the BB house, the EPs stress that both newcomers are primarily motivated to win the game, not just to appear on TV.
The idea to import Survivor talent into Big Brother did not spring from a single source; it emerged from a group brainstorm among the BB production team, including Allison Grodner, Rich Meehan, and casting partners. Grodner explained that after years of working together, the team routinely discusses ways to refresh the format. Bringing in a contestant from another CBS flagship—Survivor—offers a fresh lens on how different strategic mindsets adapt to BB’s unique social‑game mechanics. The success of Cirie Fields’ appearance on season 25 demonstrated both the appeal and the difficulty of such a crossover, reinforcing the notion that there was still untapped potential in mixing the two franchises.
When Survivor 50 began airing, the BB team was already deliberating which former players to bring back for season 28. Meehan noted that the simultaneous timing made it logical to look at the current Survivor cast for candidates who could “really mix it up” in the BB house. Rick Devens and Dee Valladares stood out not only because of their strong individual games but also because they represented complementary playstyles. The EPs liked them as players, admired their memorability, and believed their existing fan bases could help draw new viewers to Big Brother.
Asked why they settled on Rick Devens specifically, Grodner highlighted his ability to “pop” and stand out on screen. She described him as a strategist who thrives on creativity and unpredictability—traits that could generate fresh, unexpected moments within BB’s established format. Meehan echoed this, calling Devens a “mischief maker” whose inventive approach could produce the sort of novelty that, after many seasons, feels like a successful breakthrough. The producers were thrilled when Devens agreed to join, seeing him as a catalyst for the kind of surprise that keeps the show feeling vibrant.
Dee Valladares presented a different but equally valuable skill set. Grodner pointed out that Dee is an amazing competitor and strategist who brings a “cutthroat” edge to the game, while also possessing a magnetic personality and strong social game—an attribute the EPs deem crucial for navigating BB’s house dynamics. Meehan added that Dee’s hyper‑competitive, win‑at‑all‑costs mentality aligns perfectly with the type of player BB seeks: someone who is there to play the game seriously, not merely to be on television. Her no‑nonsense attitude and challenge prowess make her a formidable opponent, and her ability to connect with others socially could help her forge alliances that survive the inevitable betrayals.
The discussion of a potential showmance naturally arose, given Dee’s recent romantic entanglement on Survivor 45. Grodner noted that the early stages of BB 28 feature many single housemates, and Dee has openly declared her single status, leaving room for a romantic storyline to develop. However, the EPs were quick to emphasize that both newcomers’ primary motivation is competition. They stressed that the show’s longevity depends on contestants who genuinely want to win, and both Devens and Valladares fit that criterion.
Ultimately, the decision to bring two Survivor stars rather than one was driven by a desire to showcase contrasting styles and to maximize the cross‑pollination appeal. By pairing Devens’ inventive mischief with Valladares’ fierce competitiveness and social acuity, the BB team hopes to create a season rich in strategic depth, entertaining moments, and fresh viewer interest—while staying true to the core premise that Big Brother is, first and foremost, a game to be won.