NC podcaster to join Season 27 of Big Brother premiering Thursday

Note: Accompanying video courtesy of CBS/Fly on the Wall Entertainment.

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Contestants are gearing up to compete for $750,000 in the iconic reality show, Big Brother, which returns Thursday for its 27th season, “A Summer of Mystery.”

One of the houseguests who’ve signed up to face the 24/7 rolling cameras and weekly eliminations is from North Carolina.

Cliffton ‘Will’ Williams, a 50-year-old college sports podcaster from Charlotte, will be among the cast of 16 who will be joined by one mystery player. All will check into the house (known this season as the Hotel Mystère) but only one will check out as the grand prize winner.

Williams will be joined by a professional gamer, an aura painter, an AI consultant, a bull rider and a Dungeon Master, to name a few.

“The houseguests this season are full of energy and ready to take on the game,” said host Julie Chen Moonves.

In a season full of surprises, the premiere will be filled with “unexpected twists and turns,” including a masked visitor, a secret accomplice and the shocking arrival of a “Mystery Houseguest” whose identity will remain under wraps … at least for now,” according to CBS.

When & Where to Watch

This season, Big Brother is delivering the “most original hours of programming in 25 years” since the show’s debut.

PREMIERE: Tune to CBS 17 at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, for the 90-minute season premiere.

EPISODE 2: The second episode, also 90 minutes, will air Sunday, July 13 at 8 p.m. on CBS 17.

Producers of the show say fans can expect extended 90-minute Wednesday episodes throughout the season, packed with drama and strategy — and it doesn’t end there.

BEHING-THE-SCENE STREAMING: There will be exclusive, behind-the-scenes access with the debut of “BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED” every other Friday night starting July 25. Viewers can catch every unfiltered moment with Big Brother Live Feeds when they open Monday, July 14 at 12:30 a.m. on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

REST OF THE SEASON:

Wednesdays: 8 p.m. (90 minutes)
Thursdays: 8 p.m. (60 minutes)
Sundays: 8 p.m. (60 minutes)

Step Into the Hotel Mystère

In the promo video above, host Julie Chen Moonves gives a first look at the houseguests, the twists, and the secrets lurking behind every door. Once contestants step foot inside the competition, they will be greeted by a creepy reception desk with no one behind it except the Big Brother cameras.

“Our mystery-themed house has secrets,” said host Julie Chen Moonves. The decor and design lend themselves to a mystery novel from a conservatory terrarium to a venom bar and an old-school, boxing ring-style gym.

“I mean, if you want to win Big Brother, you have to duke it out,” Moonves said.

What’s Coming Back in Season 27?

Bunk beds are back. The show has not had bunk beds since Season 1 and they are sure to play a part in the social aspect of the game.

Also, last year’s BB AI arena was so successful, it is also being brought back. You’ll never know who’s going home, because houseguests will have a last minute chance to take themselves off the block with the BB blockbuster.

The big reason to watch Big Brother this year? According to the host herself, it’s “because it’s real life. You watch Big Brother and you experience every emotion along with the houseguests. In true mystery fashion, expect the unexpected.”