This was the first season in the show's history to air in winter, during the regular television season, a move prompted by the network's lack of programming options caused by a writer's strike. It was also the first season to be simply called Big Brother, without mention of the season number or the year it was aired.
There were sixteen HouseGuests competing for the grand prize, an increase over previous seasons. Two previous evicted HouseGuests returned to the game, Sharon returned on Day 7 to replace Neil who left earlier that day. James was given the opportunity to return on Day 35 by votes from the other HouseGuests. This is the first season to feature two previous evictees returning to the House and the third overall to have evicted HouseGuests return.
There were sixteen HouseGuests competing for the grand prize, an increase over previous seasons. Two previous evicted HouseGuests returned to the game, Sharon returned on Day 7 to replace Neil who left earlier that day. James was given the opportunity to return on Day 35 by votes from the other HouseGuests. This is the first season to feature two previous evictees returning to the House and the third overall to have evicted HouseGuests return.
