If you just clicked over to CBS hoping to see Julie Chen Moonves and a bunch of people arguing about a veto meeting, you might be a little confused. Usually, by mid-January, we're deep into the winter TV cycle. You’re likely wondering, what time is Big Brother on tonight, and honestly, the answer is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation.
Right now, as of Friday, January 16, 2026, there isn't a standard episode of Big Brother airing tonight. If you check your local listings, you'll see that CBS is filling the 8:00 PM slot with Hollywood Squares—which is fun, don't get me wrong, but it’s not exactly the 24/7 surveillance drama we crave.
Why Big Brother Isn't on Tonight
Most fans forget that Big Brother is primarily a summer beast. We just came off an absolutely wild Season 27 that wrapped up in late September 2025. Ashley Hollis took home the $750,000 prize after that "Murder Mystery Hotel" theme kept everyone on their toes. Since then, the house has been empty.
CBS generally reserves the January and February slots for their heavy-hitting scripted dramas and new midseason launches. Tonight’s schedule is a perfect example. Instead of live evictions, the network is leaning into its "Friday Night Lights" (not the show, just the vibe) with Sheriff Country and Boston Blue.
- 8:00 PM ET: Hollywood Squares (Back-to-back episodes)
- 9:00 PM ET: Sheriff Country * 10:00 PM ET: Boston Blue
It’s a bummer, I know. You've got the itch for the live feeds, but the backyard is literally being dismantled or renovated for the next crew.
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When Is Big Brother Season 28 Coming?
So, if you’re asking what time is Big Brother on tonight because you’re looking for Season 28, you’ve got a bit of a wait. Historically, and based on the latest word from CBS casting, Season 28 is slated for a July 2026 premiere.
The casting doors are officially open right now. If you think you can handle being locked in a house with 15 strangers and a robot, you can actually apply at the official casting site. They usually start narrowing down the finalists in the spring, which is when the hype train really starts moving.
The Celebrity Big Brother Rumor Mill
Every year around this time, the internet starts buzzing about a potential Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) season. Why? Because CBB usually airs in the winter to counterprogram against big sporting events like the Olympics or the Super Bowl.
However, for 2026, CBS has gone a different route. They’ve stacked their midseason with new reality ventures and the revival of Hollywood Squares. While we’ve had three seasons of the celebrity spin-off in the past, there is no Celebrity Big Brother scheduled for this winter window.
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How to Get Your Big Brother Fix Right Now
Just because there isn't a new episode tonight doesn't mean you can't watch. If you’re a Paramount+ subscriber, you basically have the entire library at your fingertips.
I’ve spent way too many late nights re-watching Season 10 (Dan Gheesling is still the GOAT, don't @ me) or going back to Season 16 to see Derrick Levasseur’s masterclass. You can stream every single past season whenever you want.
Also, keep an eye on social media. The Season 27 cast, especially Keanu Soto and Ashley, are still very active. The "post-season" drama on Twitter and Instagram is sometimes more entertaining than the actual show.
Key Takeaways for Tonight's Viewers
Basically, if you were planning your Friday night around a live eviction, you’ll need to pivot.
- Check the Clock: There is no Big Brother on CBS tonight, January 16.
- Alternative Viewing: CBS is airing Hollywood Squares starting at 8:00 PM ET.
- Summer Outlook: Mark your calendars for July 2026 for the premiere of Season 28.
- Live Feeds: These are currently dark. They will return once the new cast enters the house this summer.
The best thing you can do right now is head over to the CBS casting website if you’ve ever dreamt of being on the show yourself. Applications are currently being reviewed, and you never know—you might be the one we’re searching for this time next year.