the twenty-first season of the popular American reality television series Big Brother. Premiering on June 25, 2019, on CBS, this season once again brought a group of houseguests into the Big Brother house to compete for a Big Brother 21 $500,000 grand prize. Hosted by Julie Chen Moonves, Big Brother 21 spanned over 99 days, concluding on September 25, 2019, with Jackson Michie emerging as the winner and Holly Allen as the runner-up.
This season drew attention not just for its gameplay, but also for its controversial moments, house dynamics, and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Big Brother 21, including the cast, gameplay, key moments, and post-show reception.
The Format of Big Brother
Before jumping into the details of Big Brother 21, it’s important to understand the basic premise of the show:
- Houseguests are isolated in the Big Brother house under 24/7 surveillance.
- Each week, one houseguest becomes the Head of Household (HOH), nominating two others for eviction.
- Houseguests then compete in the Power of Veto (POV) competition, allowing one person to remove a nominee from the block.
- Ultimately, houseguests vote to evict one of the nominees.
- The last remaining houseguest wins the $500,000 prize.
This season followed that familiar format with a few twists added along the way.
Big Brother 21 Cast: Houseguests Overview
Big Brother 21 began with 16 houseguests, each bringing their own strategy, personality, and social game. Here’s a brief look at some key players:
- Jackson Michie (Winner) – A fitness enthusiast from Tennessee, Michie played an aggressive game and often found himself at the center of controversy.
- Holly Allen (Runner-up) – A wine safari guide from Wyoming who aligned with Michie and formed a powerful duo.
- Nicole Anthony (America’s Favorite Houseguest) – Known for her underdog story, Nicole won over viewers with her authenticity and strategic growth.
- Tommy Bracco – A Broadway dancer who maintained strong social connections in the house.
- Christie Murphy – A boutique owner with strong emotional reactions and strategic savvy.
- Nick Maccarone – A therapist whose game was marked by shifting alliances and heated moments.
- Analyse Talavera, Kathryn Dunn, Jessica Milagros, and others rounded out a cast that sparked both fan interest and backlash.
The Camp Comeback Twist
One unique twist introduced in Big Brother 21 was Camp Comeback, which allowed evicted houseguests a chance to re-enter the game. Here’s how it worked:
- The first four evicted houseguests didn’t leave the house immediately.
- Instead, they stayed in a separate room and participated in social interactions but could not compete or vote.
- One of the four eventually had the opportunity to win their way back into the game.
David Alexander was one of the most memorable participants in Camp Comeback. Despite being evicted first, his insights and reactions while inside the house made him a fan favorite.
Gameplay Highlights and Key Alliances
The Gr8ful and Six Shooters Alliances
Early in the season, the dominant alliance was Gr8ful, an eight-person group including Jackson, Holly, Jack Matthews, Christie, Tommy, Nick, Bella, and Analyse. This alliance soon morphed into a smaller group called the Six Shooters after trust issues and internal conflicts began to splinter the original members.
These alliances dominated the first half of the game, often targeting outliers and controlling the HOH nominations.
Nicole’s Underdog Story
Nicole Anthony, a preschool aide from Long Island, started the game on the outskirts but gained momentum in the latter half. Her strategic thinking and key wins near the end of the season helped her survive evictions and form strong bonds with jurors.
Her journey resonated deeply with fans, ultimately earning her the title of America’s Favorite Houseguest.
Controversies in Big Brother 21
Despite its compelling gameplay, Big Brother 21 faced significant backlash for its handling of race, behavior from houseguests, and production choices. Several key issues stood out:
1. Allegations of Racism and Bias
Many viewers criticized the season for perceived racial bias in the early evictions, as the first few evicted houseguests were David (Black), Ovi (South Asian), Kemi (Black), and Jessica (Latina). These eliminations prompted accusations of unconscious bias among houseguests and questionable editing by production.
Houseguest Jack Matthews in particular was widely condemned for his treatment of Kemi Fakunle, which viewers called racially insensitive. CBS later aired a segment addressing these concerns, but criticism remained throughout the season.
2. Jackson Michie’s Behavior
Jackson Michie, despite winning the season, faced criticism for controversial remarks and behavior, especially his treatment of women in the house and confrontational demeanor. Some fans believed his aggressive gameplay was enabled or even celebrated by the show, raising concerns about favoritism and editing.
3. Jury Reactions
During the finale, Michie appeared surprised and shaken when Julie Chen Moonves revealed that the jury had seen footage of his gameplay, including controversial moments. The tension was palpable, and it impacted how the jury addressed him during their questions.
Big Brother 21 Finale and Winner
On September 25, 2019, the final three houseguests were Jackson, Holly, and Nicole. Jackson won the final HOH competition and chose to evict Nicole, taking Holly to the final two.
In a 6-3 vote, Jackson Michie was crowned the winner of Big Brother 21, earning the $500,000 prize. Holly Allen received $50,000 as the runner-up, and Nicole won America’s Favorite Houseguest, adding $25,000 to her name.
Post-Season Reception and Legacy
Viewer Backlash
Big Brother 21 is often remembered as one of the most controversial seasons in the show’s history. Many longtime fans were disappointed by what they saw as racially biased behavior and poor representation. Social media campaigns criticized both the cast and CBS for lack of diversity and poor handling of sensitive issues.
As a result of the backlash, CBS announced diversity initiatives for future seasons, committing to casting at least 50% people of color or Indigenous backgrounds in reality programming beginning in 2021.
Where Are They Now?
- Jackson Michie struggled with public criticism after the season and has largely stepped away from the spotlight.
- Nicole Anthony returned for Big Brother: All-Stars (BB22) the following year.
- Holly Allen and Jackson’s post-show relationship ended in 2020.
- Several other cast members have pursued influencing, podcasting, or returned to everyday life.
Final Thoughts: Big Brother 21’s Impact
Big Brother 21 was a season of high drama, intense gameplay, and necessary conversation. While the season delivered suspense and strategic battles, it also highlighted ongoing issues in reality TV related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Fans and critics alike have used BB21 as a benchmark for what needs improvement in the franchise. Despite its flaws, it played a crucial role in shaping how Big Brother and CBS approach casting and editing today.