Big Brother is back with the 27th instalment of the hit reality series that follows a group of house contestants fighting for a massive chunk of money, testing loyalties, and pulling betrayal-as-friendship moves. This time, the prize is $750,000. And while guests have already entered the house, there are certain rules they’ve got to follow. While the no phone no internet bit is common knowledge, some of the other rules are so bizarre, you might just think twice before filling out that contestant form for next year.
24/7 surveillance, even in bathrooms
According to PEOPLE, it was confirmed that the contestants inside the Big Brother house are always being watched. There are 94 cameras and 113 mics recording everything, including in shared bathrooms. Forget private moments, there is surveillance inside the shower as well. While there’s no clear answer on whether it’s a camera or just a mic, even shower stalls and bathroom conversations get caught. Never in the show’s history have they aired any bathroom footage, but if something shady happens in there, like secret alliances or heated talks, it might make the cut.
Background checks and IQ tests
Just being popular and eligible might not land you in the famous Big Brother house. Before being selected, contestants often go through deep screening, background checks, IQ tests, and psychological evaluations. This is done to check if they’d be able to handle the on-screen pressure and make good TV.
Producers can remove contestants anytime
Though the normal process of contestant removal is via elimination and votes, in some cases, producers are allowed to step in if someone breaks rules or crosses a line. There have been multiple past instances, for example, when a contestant was removed after holding a knife to another’s throat, one refused to wear a mic, another was kicked out for using the N-word, and last year, Mickey Rourke was forced to quit after using homophobic language.
No Housekeepers
While viewers may think that contestants shown cleaning the house are just doing it for TV and entertainment, in reality, there are no housekeepers. Contestants have to clean everything themselves, no matter their level of stardom. Fights break out over dirty dishes and who’s not doing their task.
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No singing copyrighted songs
Contestants are not allowed to sing any popular songs because it messes with the live feed and causes copyright issues. Producers will step in and tell you to stop, even if you’re just humming a Taylor Swift song. The same goes for anything by other popular artists. Movie quotes are off-limits too, you can’t say or refer to anything that could cause a problem for the show.
No control over how you’re shown on TV
The best and the worst part of this kind of reality show is that one person can be hailed a hero overnight, and another, the villain. You can’t control the narrative inside. Everything you say or do can be edited however the producers want. The contract you sign gives them full rights to shape your image, twist your storyline, and even throw in some spice for drama.
Exit interviews
No matter if you’re controversial, humiliated, angry, devastated, or crying, the camera will roll, and you’ll still have to do that exit interview. Evicted houseguests must sit down for a live chat with host Julie Chen Moonves before heading out. No exceptions.
Certain fashion is not allowed
You’re not allowed to wear everything you’ve brought with you. Most contestants show up with bags stuffed with designer labels and loud logos. It’s not allowed because of branding issues. Some patterns are also banned, like polka dots, silk, or thin stripes, most likely because the cameras can’t pick them up right.
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Contestants have to quit their jobs
Doesn’t matter if you’re an actor, model, or someone from the corporate world; every contestant who enters the Big Brother house has to be unemployed. No exceptions. Each one, no matter how long they last, signs a 96-day contract. Some manage to take a break from their jobs, others have no choice but to quit. But one rule stands: no work obligations allowed. That said, the show does pay them per episode.
Speak English, but can’t speak about the show after exiting
House contestants are required to speak in English, no matter what. On the other hand, as per the contract, once you’re out of the show, you’re not allowed to talk about your experience or any fellow contestant (unless it’s pre-approved for interviews) to any media or publication for at least 3 years. If you’re caught breaking it, you can be slapped with a heavy fine.
