“Big Brother” is filmed at the Radford Studio Center, alternatively known as the CBS Studio Center, located in Los Angeles, California. The show premiered in 2000 on CBS and is the longest-running show in the franchise. In a house equipped with 94 HD cameras and 113 microphones, the contestants known as “Houseguests”, are constantly monitored and their actions recorded.
The program follows a strict elimination process with a Houseguest being voted out each week. Hosted by Julie Chen Moonves, the winner of the season receives an ultimate cash reward worth $750,000.
Big Brother premieres on CBS and streams on Paramount+. It is all set to return in the summer of 2025 with its brand-new season 27.
Where is Big Brother filmed?
Specifically filmed at Stage 18 of Radford Studio Center, the Big Brother house is essentially a set. The show follows a different theme every season and equips the house accordingly. Season 26, in 2024, adopted an AI-based theme, with the décor focusing on a futuristic aesthetic with shades of blue and gray.
Founded in May 1928, by silent film director and producer Mack Sennett, the studio is the filming site for several iconic programs. American Housewife (2016), Family Feud (2003), The Muppets (2011), and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013), are among the many shows and films previously recorded in the studio.
What does the Big Brother house look like?
The Big Brother house reportedly does not change its actual layout. Year after year they refurbish and decorate the set according to the season’s chosen theme. The 14000 square feet complex comprises beautiful bedrooms, a common living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and the Head of Household (HOH) room. Moreover, the house also has an outdoor backyard featuring a pool, bathrooms, and a cozy lounge.
Certain seasons have introduced additions to the space. For example, the Season 26 set which was designed using “Big Brother Intelligence” or “BBAI” prompts included a fantasy fairy room, a Have-Not room, and a Sci-Fi room.
The camera and production crew film the Houseguests 24/7 via the numerous cameras and microphones placed throughout the house. They decide which contestants to follow and which scenes to broadcast. A 2010 NPR article also mentions the presence of more than a hundred two-way mirrors placed around the perimeter.
The crew wears dark-colored clothing, as white clothing would make them visible from the other side. For the entire duration of the show, the isolated contestants interact only with each other and the mysterious Big Brother voice in the Diary Room.
FAQs about Big Brother
A. Unfortunately, the Big Brother house is not open for public tours.
A. Yes. Fans can access the Live Feeds via streaming platforms.
A. Big Brother seasons last for approximately 90 days (three months).
