“I lost 45 minutes of sleep because I was watching the drama of who gets to take a shower,” host Julie Chen Moonves tells Parade.com. She adds, “I’ve also seen deals that in the first few days that were talked about, suddenly are not being talked about,” a testament to both the quickened pace of the celebrity version and perhaps the energetic caliber of this cast. Keep reading for our full interview with Julie Chen Moonves, including her thoughts on the celebrity format and who she thinks fits some of our BB superlatives. Celebrity Big Brother 3 premieres Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
Generally, what would you say is the main difference between celebrities as Big Brother players as opposed to civilians?
Celebrities have usually walked to the ends of this world and back whereas civilians usually have not so their perspectives on life and this game are very different. But living in the house becomes a pretty big equalizer at the end of the day as we end up realizing we actually have more that unites us people than divides us!
The celebrities have already been moved in for a little under a week. What can you tell us about the general mood of the house?
I hope they got a plumber! I was watching the live feeds, which the public doesn’t get until after the premiere on Paramount+. But I got it after they moved in. And I lost 45 minutes of sleep because I was watching the drama about who gets to take a shower. It was right after the first challenge we gave them, which got messy. It’s Big Brother, it’s an endurance challenge. I’ve also seen deals that in the first few days that were talked about, suddenly are not being talked about. I won’t use the words not being honored. But things shift. They turn on a dime in the Big Brother house. I’ve been there so many times on live show night, where they’re like, “Oh, the house is flipping!” It’s “expect the unexpected” times ten.
In talking about the Celebrity Big Brother cast, I want you to give me who is most likely to fill the role of some BB superlatives. Let’s start with “Most Likely to Start a House Meeting.”
I’m gonna say Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC. He’s a super fan. And I think he is the type of person who probably could have one and come out smelling like a rose. I think he’s mature and he loves the game. And he knows how to take command of a room.
“Most Likely to Be Blindsided on Eviction Night.”
Chris Kattan. I don’t think he quite knew what he was signing up for.
“Most Likely to Be a Competition Beast.”
Miesha Tate. She is a UFC fighter, so I think she’s got the muscles and the stamina. I think she is going to be a comp beast at the physical ones. I can’t speak on other comps, like memory or outwitting your opponents.
“Most Likely to Be a Strategic Mastermind.”
Either Todrick Hall or Carson Kressley will be the puppeteer this year. Or they’ll work hand in hand! Or Chris Kirkpatrick because he knows his game. And I think he’s lived a lot and has some wisdom to bring to the table.
“Most Likely to Be a Social Butterfly.”
Carson Kressley is going to be the social butterfly. He’s going to check off a lot of boxes, which makes me think he’s someone who could take it very far, if not to the very end. Or Todd Bridges!
“Most Likely to Break a Deal.”
I’m going to say Shanna Moakler. She’s a super fan. And she knows you can bounce checks in the Big Brother house.
“Most Likely to Offer Themselves as a Pawn.”
I would say Olympian Mirai Nagasu. She’s 28, and I think she might be a little bit naive to the game of life and Big Brother.
“Least Likely to Adjust to Life in the Big Brother House.”
Hands down, Lamar Odom. The guy has a size 15 shoe. He looks 6'10" to me. He’s going to have this Goldilocks moment, “None of these beds fit me. The showers are only so big. The sinks are only so big.” It’s going to be trying for him from a physical perspective, as well as a mental one. Winning an NBA title is a very different skillset from what you need to win this game.
“Most Likely to Use the Veto on Someone Else.”
I’m going to say Cynthia Bailey from Real Housewives of Atlanta. She’s the most likely to say, “I’m going to throw you a helping hand.”
And finally, “Most Likely to Surprise Fans with Their Gameplay.”
I think Todd Bridges is most likely to surprise the outside world with their gameplay. No one quite knows what to expect with him, right? They really don’t. And if they want to fit them in a box, they might be like, “Oh no, he’s not cut out for this.” I think he’s one to watch. Next, read how the houseguests from Celebrity Big Brother 3 answered our burning questions before entering the house!
