As Big Brother gears up for its landmark 28th season, longtime host Julie Chen Moonves is already imagining who could one day take over her iconic role. Her answer? Someone very close to home.
During a press event previewing the new season, Chen Moonves revealed that her dream successor would be her 16-year-old son, Charlie. Although she admitted he doesn’t currently share the same passion for hosting, she said it would be a special moment if he ever chose to step into her shoes.
“I would love to see him do it,” she shared, before adding with a laugh that she doesn’t believe hosting is his calling.
For now, however, Chen Moonves has no plans to step away. In fact, she has her sights set on an ambitious goal—hosting Big Brother long enough to surpass television legend Bob Barker’s remarkable run on The Price Is Right.
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Joking about her competitive nature, she said she’d love to remain the face of Big Brother through at least season 56. By then, she joked, Charlie might no longer be interested, meaning the job could eventually fall to one of her future grandchildren instead.
Charlie, whom she shares with husband Les Moonves, may not be destined for the Big Brother stage, but Chen Moonves believes he’d make the perfect teammate if she ever competed on The Amazing Race.
Describing her son as both athletic and protective, she joked that his experience as a water polo player would make him an excellent partner—even if she might slow him down during the race.
Big Brother Catchphrases Have Become Part of Everyday Life
After hosting the reality competition for more than 25 years, Chen Moonves says the show’s famous phrases have naturally found their way into her daily conversations.
She admitted that her signature “But first…” introduction often slips into casual discussions, though she usually says it jokingly.
Another phrase she frequently uses is “Expect the unexpected”—especially while raising a teenager. According to Chen Moonves, the classic Big Brother saying perfectly captures the unpredictability of parenting.
Embracing the “Chenbot” Nickname
Over the years, devoted Big Brother fans have affectionately referred to Chen Moonves as the “Chenbot,” a nickname that originally wasn’t meant as a compliment. Instead of taking offense, she says she found it hilarious.
Chen Moonves explained that she’s always appreciated the joke and enjoys laughing at herself. She also acknowledged that the nickname has become closely associated with both her and the long-running reality series.
With Big Brother 28 set to premiere on July 9, fans can look forward to a season featuring the show’s “Time Trip” theme, its milestone 1,000th episode, and plenty of twists inspired by the franchise’s rich history. As for Chen Moonves, she’s hoping to remain the face of the series for many years—and perhaps long enough for the next generation of her family to inherit the role.
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