Big Brother season 27 is right around the corner, and as we rapidly approach the July 10 premiere date, the producers are dropping more information about the upcoming entry. One of the original teasers released an image of Julie Chen, with a wall of old master keys behind her. This one picture was enough to send the fan base into a tizzy of rumors and speculation, and one has yet to be confirmed.
Big Brother has always been known for throwing twists and turns at the players and the viewers, way. Their show slogan, "expect the unexpected", clearly points to that. It appears the upcoming season will be no different, and if producers are to be believed, it may be the most unpredictable yet. The keys also could indicate the return of an iconic old-school feature, albeit a small one; the key wheel
Could the Big Brother key wheel make a triumphant return?
The image of Julie Chen and the key wall opens up the door for a slew of speculative theories to be released. Some of these details have since been released, including the upcoming theme of "A Summer of Mystery". With that mystery, there is plenty of reason to talk about the details, including who in the world the polarizing mystery houseguest could refer to. Perhaps the presence of a key wheel is minor compared to that, and yet, fans have quite a lot to say about the possibility.
The above post on Instagram is what got fans' heads spinning. For those who remember the older seasons, the head of household did not come out carrying a small key box with the two keys of the nominees inside. Instead, they lugged out a massive key wheel in which they placed all the SAFE players' keys inside, and one at a time, a key would be pulled. While it was a longer process, even the simple act of the order keys spoke volumes in strategy.
Fans appear to hope that the presence of keys indicates a return to the original nomination ceremony format. One response by santi.syd, among those at the top of the threat, stated "KEY WHEEL RETURN????". Multiple replies to that comment all indicated people hoping and wishing for the return of the iconic piece of production.
Another response, by Astr0ant, said, "IF THEY BRING BACK THE KEYS IM APPLYING". Whitgray_ added in "C’mom key wheel return!!". Dominickwestbrook added in their two cents with, "if there’s no lazy susan with the keys or no secret room found via key PLEASE get new people for the twists BB". A fourth fan, jessicadiann1028 referenced the wheel as well. "They are teasing us with a key wheel return I swear."
These sentiments were echoed throughout the post replies. While we have some idea about what the keys mean, there could still be a key wheel return as well. It seems many fans are clamoring for the days of Big Brother old in general, with more drama, more unpredictability, and more big moves and big personalities. The key wheel is part of that nostalgia.
Truthfully, the key wheel may not be entirely practical. The amount of time it takes to get through the nomination ceremony is exponentially increased, and this becomes time during which players' interactions, personality, and strategy cannot shine through. Still, it does add a new layer for the HOH, and some nostalgic joy never hurt anyone, either.
Whatever CBS is cooking up, we are not far off from finding out ourselves. Tune in to CBS or Paramount+ at 8:00 EST on July 10 and start Big Brother season 27! Hopefully, it is a wild, drama-filled, entertaining ride.
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