Pandemic All-Stars

CBS’s Big Brother 22: All-Stars (Summer 2020) brought back 16 previous players during COVID-19’s first summer, filmed in isolation with no studio audience. The season—featuring winners Dan Gheesling, Nicole Franzel, and Ian Terry alongside iconic players—promised legendary gameplay but delivered the opposite.

The Committee alliance dominated start-to-finish, steamrolling opposition. Cody Calafiore played near-perfect game, winning 9-0 over Nicole Franzel. The season’s predictability and lack of power shifts made it among the franchise’s worst-rated despite all-star casting.

Controversies: Dani Briones, Nicole, and Christmas Abbott faced accusations of bullying Ian Terry (autism spectrum), mocking his rocking behavior. Memphis Garrett and David Alexander racial dynamics created uncomfortable moments. The season reflected poorly on “fan favorites,” revealing uglier sides when reunited under 24/7 cameras.

The pandemic production—sequestered cast and crew, no audience—created sterile atmosphere lacking Big Brother’s usual energy. Fans hoping for strategic fireworks got conservative gameplay prioritizing jury management over entertainment.

Sources: CBS ratings, live feed subscriber analysis, post-season player statements