Julie Chen Moonves addresses her future as 'Big Brother' host (2024)

Big Brother will premiere its 25th season Aug. 2 on CBS, and it will do so with the same host who was there from day 1 — Julie Chen Moonves. Yes, the face of the show (who originally turned down the job) is set to once again remind us to expect the unexpected. But how much longer does she want to remain on the job?

But first… when she considers the question, Chen Moonves can't help but start by looking back to a time when hosting Big Brother was just one of her jobs. Back when the reality franchise began in the summer of 2000, Chen Moonves was also still working as the morning news reader on CBS' The Early Show. That meant cross-country flights each week back and forth between the two coasts.

"I was doing morning news and Big Brother for multiple years," recalls Chen Moonves. "And I got it down to a science where I was on a plane twice a week, every week, so I could still do my main job hosting the morning news in New York, and then Thursday nights kicking someone out of the Big Brother house."

Laughs the host, "I was a younger person then. I don't know at age 53 if I could still do those morning news hours and a plane ride twice a week."

Not only was Chen Moonves adjusting to the schedule, but she was also adjusting to the new format of reality TV. "It took me a few seasons to get my sea legs because I was so used to being a news person in the morning," she explains. "I'd be serious, which is why I think I became the Chenbot. But then around seasons five, six, and seven... I was like, all right, embrace the Chenbot. Maybe I can show a little bit of personality."

Things also became considerably easier from a travel standpoint once Chen Moonves moved out west full time to host CBS' daytime answer to The View. "By the time The Talk came around, that was like a cake walk. Going across the parking lot, I was like, 'Why would I ever give up this gig? It just got easier!' And then when I left The Talk, this is my only gig now, so why would I ever give it up? I'm like, 'This is now easier than I could have ever dreamed!'"

Julie Chen Moonves addresses her future as 'Big Brother' host (2)

And Chen Moonves' time gabbing with the ladies of The Talk also helped the host show a little more personality on her prime-time gig. "Working at The Talk for eight years helped me with that because I got to be real Julie. I got to show shades of my sense of humor. But it's not about me, it's about the Houseguests. And I'm just the conductor driving the train — praying that we get off the air on time with an HOH named."

Ah, but how long does Chen Moonves want to drive that train? And what would make her choose to step off for a new conductor? "I look at my joints," laughs the host. "I look at, 'how do my hips and my knees feel this morning?'"

She then pauses and considers: "I like to take one season at a time. Going into season 25, I'm like, 'I never want it to end.' I think there would have to be a few things [to make me step away], like if I feel like the public is getting tired of me or the show is not what I want it to be. But with [executive producers] Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan leading the way, I can't imagine it ever being something that I feel is not in alignment with me or what the show should be in my mind."

For Chen Moonves, the decision to go will ultimately come down to a feeling, for both her and Big Brother as a whole. "I think you know when it's time to go, whether as a show or me as a host, and I just don't see signs of that right now. But you just never know."

In other words, expect the unexpected.

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Julie Chen Moonves addresses her future as 'Big Brother' host (2024)

FAQs

Is Julie Chen Moonves still hosting Big Brother? ›

Julie Chen Moonves is back to host Big Brother season 26, and this time, she's getting help from her holographic twin.

How many children does Julie Chen have? ›

Julie Chen children refers to the children of Julie Chen, an American television personality and news anchor, and her husband, Les Moonves, a former television executive. Chen and Moonves have two children together: a son named Charlie Moonves, born in 2009, and a daughter named Amber Moonves, born in 2013.

Who almost hosted Big Brother? ›

It was offered and turned down by Meredith Vieira," Chen Moonves said. She heard rumors that Vieira, 69, had been the network's target when they created the reality competition, which features a group of strangers living in a house that's isolated from the rest of the world.

Who is hosting Big Brother now? ›

Who is hosting the show? AJ Odudu and Will Best will continue to host the rebooted series, with BB legend Marcus Bentley also reprising his role as the voice-over.

What is Julie Chen salary for Big Brother? ›

Julie's connection to Big Brother is legendary, and she even goes by “Julie Chen Moonves” on the show. Her earnings from Big Brother alone are estimated at around $75,000 for each episode. Considering that a season typically has 30-40 episodes, Julie earns approximately $3 million each season.

Who is the girl on the Big Brother OnlyFans? ›

What happened to Saskia from Big Brother? After two or three years in the public eye Saskia shunned the spotlight and went on to have a son. In recent months, the former promo girl has returned to the public eye as an OnlyFans model, launching new Instagram and TikTok accounts.

What does Julie Chen do other than Big Brother? ›

"I was doing morning news and Big Brother for multiple years," recalls Chen Moonves. "And I got it down to a science where I was on a plane twice a week, every week, so I could still do my main job hosting the morning news in New York, and then Thursday nights kicking someone out of the Big Brother house."

Who hosted the original Big Brother? ›

The series lasted 64 days and was presented by Davina McCall. It launched on Channel 4 on 18 July 2000 and ended on 15 September 2000. Ten housemates entered on the first day, with one additional housemate being introduced in the sixth week. The series was watched by an average of 4.5 million viewers.

Is Chen still married? ›

The husband and wife renewed their marriage vows in front of their family and friends, including EXO members Kai, Sehun, Xiu Min, D.O. and Baekhyun. Chen even sang "Best Love" at the wedding ceremony, his OST track from the 2014 romance K-drama It's Okay, That's Love, which he dedicated to his wife.

Was Julie pregnant during season 11? ›

Julie was pregnant with her son, Charlie, during season 11 and gave birth soon after the season wrapped, on September 24, 2009.

Is Julie Chen a mom? ›

Julie Chen Moonves is a mother, wife, television personality, and producer. She is the host of Big Brother and formerly the host of The Talk and lives with her family in California.

What is the age limit for Big Brother? ›

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by June 1, 2022 to apply. DO I NEED TO BE A US CITIZEN?

Do you get paid for Big Brother? ›

(Except for the two finalists who will receive prize money, a weekly stipend will be provided for each participant for each week that he or she remains in the Big Brother House.) Stipend payments and prize winnings will not be paid until after the broadcast of the final episode of the show.

Who is hosting Big Brother 25? ›

Hosted by Julie Chen Moonves, the show follows a group of contestants (known as HouseGuests), who live in a house together while being constantly filmed and having no communication with the outside world as they compete to win a grand prize of $750,000.

What show does Julie Chen host? ›

Big Brother host Julie Chen Moonves will be 'involved in the game like never before'

What has happened to Moonves? ›

Moonves resigned from CBS in 2018 after at least 12 women accused him of sexually assaulting them. Moonves has denied the allegations. According to the Ethics finding Palka sent a message to Moonves after the resignation. “I'm deeply sorry this happened.

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