What’s Worth Watching: Big Brother Adds Twists Galore For The New Season

Big Brother (Wednesday, June 24, 8/7c, CBS)

Last year, CBS declared that Big Brother was its “most twisted season ever.” But by the sounds of it, Season 17 will give it a serious run for the money. Dubbed “BB Takeover,” this summer’s concept is a surprise guest each week to introduce a new twist to the game. With all that turmoil, the houseguests will have no choice but to follow Julie Chen’s unrelenting refrain: “Expect the unexpected.”

But the biggest game changer on Big Brother this season may actually be in the casting. For the first time, a transgender woman will be competing for the half-a-million dollar prize—Audry Middleton, a 25-year-old digital media consultant from Georgia. CBS has said that Middleton will “discuss her story” in tonight’s premiere. It’s a big move for a show that has dealt with criticism in the past for contestants making viciously homophobic and racist remarks. Given the shifting cultural climate, Middleton’s casting has the potential to be a major step forward for the show.