
Can anyone stop the Cookout Alliance from dominating BB23?
Watch writers debate who'll win the $750K prize—plus who belongs on the BB Mount Rushmore and where the Cookout ranks among alliances.
By Nate Millado
Here's the reality: I'm a huge Big Brotheraficionado. I've been watching from the very beginning (yes, all the way, way back to Chicken George) and have seen every move-in, key turn, endurance comp, showmance, alliance, and blindside—and I worship both the Chenbot and Zingbot. Half the fun of this summer guilty pleasure has been texting with my bestie (and fellow BB super-fan), Lindsay—especially during those exciting Double (and Triple) Evictions. Now that the BB23 houseguests are officially in Jury, she and I go back and forth over what we think of the season so far!
Big Brother airs Sundays and Wednesdays (8–9 p.m. ET/PT) and Thursdays (8–9:01 p.m., live ET/delayed PT), featuring the live eviction show hosted by Julie Chen Moonves. Catch up by streaming on Paramount+.
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(Derek) X Marks the Spot
Derek X has emerged as a fan favorite of BB23.
Photo: CBS.
Nate: We're officially in Jury! What do you think of Season 23 so far?
Lindsay: This season has been soooo good. The casting is on point!
Nate: I agree. I think CBS' diversity pledge to cast more people of color in their reality competitions has made BB23 one of its best casts in years! Which twist has had a bigger impact on the game: Starting out in teams or the recently introduced High Rollers twist where America gets to award their faves with BB Bucks?
Lindsay: I'm going to say High Rollers. We still need to see how it plays out, but the teams twist was a bit lackluster. Other than the Kings, I don't really see any of these teams sticking together.
Nate: Not true! Derek F and Azah were still looking out for Britini until the bitter end, even though they're part of the Cookout. Speaking of the Cookout, where do you see this alliance in the pantheon of alliances, especially if they make history and make it to Final 6?
Lindsay: I think they are going to be a top-tier alliance—right up there with Chilltown, the Sovereign Six, and the Brigade. What do you think?
Nate: I think so too, but watch out for Derek X. He's a comp beast and America clearly loves him. I would love to see him go all the way.
High Rollers
Claire takes a gamble with her BB Bucks.
Photo: CBS.
Lindsay: My top three dream team would be Derek X, Hannah, and Xavier.
Nate: Mine are Derek X, Hannah, and Tiffany. I looooooove Tiffany. She has Puppet Master potential. But as we saw with Frenchie, playing too hard can bite you in the butt!
Lindsay: IMO, Tiffany may be playing too hard right now. We already see tensions in the Cookout, with Azah and Big D not liking how Tiff was playing in recent weeks.
Nate: I love the Cookout, but not gonna lie—I wanna see someone outside of the CO win HoH to see who's really worthy of the first-ever $750K prize!
Lindsay: You know how I feel about large alliances (see The Committee alliance last season). It takes away some of the "unexpected" in BB.
Nate: I'm with you. And we watch BB to expect the unexpected!
Lindsay: That's why I think the High Roller Suite has the potential of really breaking up the alliance.
Nate: Would you use your BB Bucks or save 'em?
Lindsay: I think I would save them.
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OTEV, Big Moves, and the BB Mount Rushmore!
The return of OTEV!
Photo: CBS.
Nate: The final High Rollers game has coup d'etat potential to change the game! I think I'd save mine too. Off topic, but Julie Chen-Moonves recently named who'd be on her BB Mount Rushmore and she said: Derrick, Rachel Reilly, Dan Gheesling, and Janelle. Do you agree? If not, who would be your four?
Lindsay: I'm going to say NO to Rachel. Haha. She got lucky in her seasons.
Nate: I would say replace Rachel with Dr Will. Ain't mad at the rest.
Lindsay: Yes. Def, I was just going to say that. Sidebar: I can't believe we have been talking about this show for 15+ years! Before I even had a DVR!
Nate: Haha. I've been watching from the beginning in 2000, when America foolishly voted the more interesting houseguests off first! So we just saw OTEV's triumphant return. What other BB traditions would you love to resurface?
Lindsay: Zingbot!
Nate: Oh, you just know Zingbot is around the corner! The Hide and Seek veto gives me agita, though.
Lindsay: And this is controversial, but I would love to see "America's Player" come back.
Nate: I would too! That always shook up the game.
Lindsay: I found that it had hilarious results.
Nate: Who do you think America would pick?
Lindsay: I think they would choose DX.
Nate: He made the first big move of the season by backdooring Christian—and America loves big moves.
Lindsay: DX is already figuring out the Cookout.
Favorites to Win
Can Tiffany and the Cookout go all the way?
Photo: CBS.
Nate: Random Q: Survivor is FINALLY coming back to CBS after a COVID-induced hiatus. Which one of these HGs would do well in Fiji?
Lindsay: So excited for Survivor! I'd say Xavier and Hannah … and probably Claire. And I know we keep talking about him …
Nate: DEREK X! LOL.
Lindsay: He would find all the hidden immunity idols.
Nate: OK, last Q: Who do you think is gonna walk away the winner of BB23?
Lindsay: Omg. Can I say DX? Haha.
Nate: You can … but I don't see it happening.
Lindsay: The Cookout is too strong—they have the numbers!
Nate: I think someone from the Cookout will win. So who from that alliance deserves it? I wanna say Tiffany cause she's really been playing the game. But my money is on Ky[land] or X[avier].
Lindsay: Xavier. I think he has the brains and the brawn.
Nate: I might have to agree with you. Alright, boo! So happy to keep expecting the unexpected with you after all these years!
Big Brother airs Sundays and Wednesdays (8–9 p.m. ET/PT) and Thursdays (8–9:01 p.m., live ET/delayed PT), featuring the live eviction show hosted by Julie Chen Moonves. Catch up by streaming on Paramount+.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Enjoy 4 Digital Plus 2 Print/Digital Issues Of Watch Per Year — For Free!
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