Julie Chen Moonves Reveals Her Dream Big Brother Successor
With Big Brother 28 on the horizon, longtime host Julie Chen Moonves sat down to talk about the future of the franchise — and she didn't hold back. Her dream successor for the Big Brother hosting throne? Her 16-year-old son, Charlie.
CBS
Julie’s Dream Successor? Her Own Son
With Big Brother 28 on the horizon, longtime host Julie Chen Moonves sat down to talk about the future of the franchise — and she didn’t hold back. Her dream successor for the Big Brother hosting throne? Her 16-year-old son, Charlie.
“I would love to see him do it,” she shared, before laughing and admitting that hosting reality TV isn’t exactly at the top of Charlie’s career wish list right now. Still, the idea of a generational handoff is clearly something she finds genuinely touching.
Her Goal: Outlast Bob Barker
Julie isn’t going anywhere anytime soon — and she made that very clear with a characteristically sharp sense of humor. Her personal goal? To host Big Brother long enough to surpass Bob Barker’s legendary run on The Price Is Right. That would mean staying in the role through at least Season 56.
By then, she joked, Charlie might have completely lost interest — which means the job could eventually fall to one of her grandchildren. A Big Brother hosting dynasty? Stranger things have happened on this show.
Charlie as the Perfect Amazing Race Partner
While Charlie may not be destined for the hosting chair, Julie has another role in mind for him: her Amazing Race partner. She describes her son (whom she shares with husband Les Moonves) as athletic, protective, and a natural competitor thanks to his water polo background. Her only concern? She might slow him down.
The Chenbot, “But First…,” and 25 Years of Catchphrases
After a quarter century of reality TV hosting, it’s no surprise that Big Brother’s most iconic phrases have fully infiltrated Julie’s everyday life. “But first…” slips out regularly in casual conversations, always with a knowing laugh. “Expect the unexpected” — the show’s other signature line — has become her personal parenting motto while raising a teenager.
As for the “Chenbot” nickname? Julie says she found it hilarious from day one and has always loved the self-deprecating humor behind it. It’s become as synonymous with the show as the house itself.
What to Expect from Big Brother 28
The season premieres July 9 with a “Time Trip” theme that digs into the franchise’s rich history. BB28 also marks the show’s landmark 1,000th episode — a massive milestone for one of reality TV’s most enduring franchises. Survivor’s involvement has been confirmed, and Julie has hinted at other “top reality shows” having a presence this season too.
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