George Orwell warned of a future where someone was always watching you no matter where you were. This dystopian horror premise inspired one of the most enduring guilty pleasure reality series of all times in Big Brother.
Unlike 1984, don’t expect the Thought Police to drag you away. It’s far more fun than that. Every season, a rag tag collection of “house guests” live isolated from the outside world, where they are continuously monitored by cameras and audio microphones. As time progresses, they are evicted one by one, with the last remaining house guest taking home a sweet cash prize. But until then, there’s tons of juicy drama that takes place between them in an absolute bloodbath of egos. You know, the kind of thing that makes reality TV so gosh darn addictive.
Here’s everything you need to know to stream Big Brother.
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What is Big Brother?
The American version of the show is based on the Dutch TV show of the same name which first aired in 1997. Big Brother now airs in multiple countries. It first aired in the US in July 2000 and has gone on to 22 seasons.
- Launched: July 2000
- Channel: CBS
- Genre: Reality
- Host by: Julie Chen Moonves
- Seasons: 22
- Status: Pending
Big Brother Reviews
What the critics are saying:
- “Last summer, the BB cast was full of vibrant personalities like the frisky Marcellas and yappy Josh. This summer, they’re a dour, self-conscious bunch, some of whom can be made entertaining only via editing.” –Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly
- “What’s most irritating about Big Brother 2, even more annoying than its desire to titillate, is its self-importance. These people carry on as if they were locked in a momentous event rather than just a silly game show about 12 strangers struggling to live together in a secluded house for a shot at the grand prize of $500,000.” –Hal Boedeker, Orlando Sentinel
How to stream Big Brother
CBS is available on a few of the major live TV streaming services. When trying to decide which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming
Big Brother on Hulu with Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a great way to stream live TV, as it comes with access to Hulu’s massive library of on-demand content. You’ll be able to choose from movies, shows, and Hulu’s original programming, and keep up with what’s new each month. Hulu plans even include a bundle option where you can access Disney+ and ESPN+ along with Hulu.
Hulu Live TV sets you up with local channels and has a broad spectrum of entertainment and sports channels to review, including the full suite of ESPN channels, Cartoon Network, FX, HGTV, and even deep cuts like National Geographic and Syfy, and of course, CBS, where you can stream Big Brother.
| Hulu Live TV | $69.99 |
| Hulu Live TV (no ads on Hulu content) | $75.99 |
Big Brother on FuboTV
FuboTV started as a streaming service geared toward sports fans, but it’s evolved into a broadly-appealing option with entertainment and news options alongside its robust sports choices. Depending on the package, you can access as many as 180+ FuboTV channels. If you’re looking to be entertained, Bravo, IFC, MTV, and VH1 are options even at Fubo’s most basic tier. The Fubo channel list still includes plenty of sports, including the Fubo Sports Network, which has original programming mixing sports and humor. The FuboTV cost starts at $54.99 a month, and with Disney Media favorites like ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel now on board, some who were on the fence about Fubo are giving it another look.
To watch Big Brother, you’ll want to dock in at the FuboTV Standard level.
Big Brother on Sling TV
For a more à la carte service, look to Sling TV. It offers two cable packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, both of which cost $30 per month. If you grab them both (Sling Orange + Blue) you can save $10 per month. Sling Blue offers more bang for your buck with over 40 channels, including sports necessities like FS1, NBCSN, and NFL Network. You’ll also gain access to the usual cable mainstays like Food Network, Discovery, Cartoon Network, SYFY, and FXX. Here’s the complete guide to Sling TV channels.
| Orange | $35 |
| Blue | $35 |
| Orange + Blue | $50 |
How to use AirTV with Sling
CBS is not available on any Sling TV package. However, there is an easy workaround. By purchasing a basic AirTV for $79.99 or the AirTV Player for $119.99, you can gain access to local channels in your Sling TV package. As the Daily Dot wrote in its AirTV review, “It’s practically magic.”
The basic AirTV is a dual-tuner streaming device, while the AirTV Player is basically an upgraded Chromecast that has Netflix preinstalled. You’ll still need to own an HD antenna because even though AirTV gets you access to your local channels, it doesn’t actually physically show them to you.
But AirTV—which has no monthly fee—serves to strengthen one of Sling’s biggest weaknesses compared to other live streaming services. It’s the only way to watch Big Brother using Sling TV.
Big Brother on AT&T TV Now
If you’re already looking to AT&T for your wireless needs, you might consider AT&T TV Now to cover streaming for you. AT&T TV Now channels start with Plus and Max, which even include HBO. Then, AT&T plans expand from there, approaching cable selection and pricing with AT&T TV Now’s biggest packages. AT&T streaming also comes with Cloud DVR, letting you record up to 20 hours of TV per month. If you’re looking for CBS, get in at the AT&T TV Now Plus tier to stream it.
Big Brother on CBS All Access
Paramount+ is the network’s official entry into the streaming arena, and set the tone for other major networks launching their own streaming services. (Looking at you, Peacock.) CBS All Access anchors itself in the vast CBS show library, going into TV history as well as relying on the Star Trek series and the crime dramas that help define it today. It also has a selection of movies tied to Paramount’s ownership by CBS parent Viacom. It’s also a destination for live events like the annual Grammy Awards, and it’s becoming a destination for live sports fans. The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup and a new role as Champions League soccer host makes it a legitimate player in sports programming.
Broadcast Channel Guides
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