Who was the first choice to host 'Big Brother'? Julie Chen Moonves spills the beans as she presents the 25th season

2023-07-23 05:15

'I was terrible in the beginning. I've grown so much as a human being and as a host,' said Julie Chen Moonves

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Julie Chen Moonves is one name that easily comes to mind when we talk about the reality show ‘Big Brother.’ But, here’s the surprise for you, she wasn’t the first choice! The TV personality in an interview shared that the makers wanted to bring an experienced journalist and co-moderator working for a different network.

As per the 53-year-old host, she feels great hosting the show and will carry on as long as possible, “I have no idea how many more years this is gonna go on but right now, the way I'm feeling, I hope it never ends." At the helm for the last 24 seasons, the host added, “Looking back now, I know I was meant to host this show.” She said, “I was terrible in the beginning. I've grown so much as a human being and as a host … And I love it. I can't imagine not hosting Big Brother anymore."

Who was the first choice to host 'Big Brother'?

Celebrated TV personality Julie Chen Moonves is a fans’ favorite, and her unique style of presenting the reality hit show ‘Big Brother’ certainly makes her one of a kind. However, many couldn’t digest when the host revealed that her name didn’t pop out when the maker was deciding on the show’s presenter, "I wasn't the first choice.”

Julie told ET that she checked with her husband Les Moonves on this, the former CBS chairman and CEO. “I said, ‘You know, I heard stories back when I was cast on Big Brother to host that you guys asked Meredith Vieira first’ — and he said it was true." So who was the first choice then? The answer is Meredith Vieira! The 69-year-old journalist, used to co-moderate a show on a rival network, ABC back then.

Chen shared more about her conversation with her husband, “He said, ‘I knew Big Brother was going to be kind of a trashy show … So, we wanted to class it up with the host, [She] was a very well-respected name in the business.” Interestingly, even Julie didn’t say yes the first time. “I was ‘in house.’ And when they offered me the job, they were one month away from launching the show."

Now, she has been such an integral part of the show that people even think she's the 'Big Brother, "People sometimes think, 'Oh, you're Big Brother, right?'” And she cheekily responds, “I am the Chenbot and I am the host.”