The Good News: No Chicken George

With the season 8 debut of CBS’s Big Brother just a week away, it’s time to fill you in on some of the changes in store for this summer’s edition of the “trapped in the house” series…


1. EXTREME MAKEOVER
The Big Brother house itself is undergoing a makeover. Expect an “Alice in Wonderland” theme to the house, with some rooms featuring very-oversized furniture, and other rooms featuring tiny chairs and beds. One of the bedrooms, with its miniature theme, will have a dollhouse-like feel to it.


2. PULL THE STRINGS
In 2007, Big Brother will be more interactive than ever. In a new element to the show, entitled "America’s Player," houseguests will have new chances to win money and prizes…by carrying out actions requested by viewers via the internet or text-messaging.


3. I’VE GOT A BEEF WITH YOU PEOPLE
Presumably, a few of the houseguests have known each other in the past… and didn’t necessarily get along.


4. FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
Do you like your Big Brother live, uncut and unedited? Then have I got a show for you! Big Brother: After Dark will run live nightly at midnight, exclusively for subscribers of the Showtime Too channel.


5. SLOP, WITH A SIDE OF SLOP
Big Brother’s own punishment gruel, affectionately known as “slop,” returns for a second season. In previous seasons, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were used as punishment for houseguests who lost competitions. Last season, the slop was introduced in place of the PB&J, and apparently was so popular (with viewers, at least) that it’s coming back for another year.


The eighth season of Big Brother premieres Thursday, July 5 at 8:00pm on CBS.