Big Brother 28 winner Rick Devens had a clever strategy planned before entering the house, but producers quickly shut it down. Now, executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan are explaining why contestants are strictly prohibited from inventing fake powers to manipulate their fellow Houseguests.
As a two-time Survivor competitor, Devens was familiar with using deception to gain an advantage. However, he discovered that some strategies commonly used on Survivor aren’t allowed on Big Brother.
During an interview with EW, Grodner and Meehan revealed how Devens reacted when he learned about the restriction and explained why the rule is essential to maintaining the competition’s structure.
Rick Devens Planned to Bring Survivor-Style Deception to Big Brother
Before entering the Big Brother 28 house, Devens had already developed a strategy inspired by his experiences on Survivor.
On Survivor, contestants frequently bluff about hidden immunity idols and secret advantages. Some pretend they possess powers they don’t actually have, hoping to intimidate opponents or influence voting decisions.
Devens planned to use similar tactics on Big Brother, potentially convincing other Houseguests that he possessed special advantages that didn’t exist. However, his strategy fell apart during a pre-game meeting with producers.
According to Grodner, contestants are informed of the rules before entering the house, including restrictions against using production as part of their strategy or inventing nonexistent powers. When Devens heard that rule, his confidence reportedly disappeared.
Grodner recalled that he had appeared extremely confident throughout the meeting until producers explained the restriction. Meehan confirmed that Devens had been particularly interested in using fake advantages as part of his gameplay.
The revelation forced him to rethink his strategy before the competition even began.
Rick Devens Admitted His Disappointment Before Entering the House
Viewers got a glimpse of Devens’ frustration shortly before he entered the competition. During a pre-season conversation with Big Brother Unlocked host Derrick Levasseur, Devens was asked whether fans could expect the same unpredictable gameplay he had displayed on Survivor.
He responded by revealing that producers had already informed him he couldn’t invent his own advantages. Although the restriction eliminated one of his planned strategies, Devens successfully adapted.
He eventually won Big Brother 28, defeating Taylor Brown in a 6-1 jury vote and proving that his strategic abilities extended beyond bluffing about secret powers.
Why Big Brother Doesn’t Allow Players to Invent Fake Powers
According to Grodner, the rule against fabricating advantages has been part of Big Brother for years. But why does the show prohibit something that could create dramatic gameplay?
Meehan explained that the restriction helps prevent unnecessary confusion for both contestants and viewers. Unlike Survivor, Big Brother unfolds over several months, with numerous alliances, competitions, twists, and shifting relationships.
Producers already face the challenge of turning countless conversations and strategic developments into television episodes. Allowing contestants to invent powers would introduce another complicated layer.
Meehan argued that if one Houseguest were allowed to fabricate an advantage, every other contestant would need the same opportunity. That could result in several players simultaneously claiming to possess nonexistent powers.
Instead of focusing on actual alliances and strategic decisions, the game could become a competition over who could create the most convincing fake advantage. Producers believe that would fundamentally change the nature of Big Brother.
Producers Say Fake Powers Would Make the Game Too Confusing
Grodner agreed that allowing fabricated powers could create unnecessary complications, especially because Big Brother already introduces numerous legitimate twists. Throughout a season, contestants may encounter secret advantages, special competitions, and unexpected changes to the rules.
Adding imaginary powers could make it difficult for Houseguests to determine which opportunities were real. It could also force producers to become more involved in gameplay.
For example, contestants might repeatedly approach production to verify whether another Houseguest’s claimed advantage actually existed. Grodner and Meehan emphasized that they prefer to avoid interfering with strategic decisions whenever possible.
The production team wants Houseguests to navigate alliances, nominations, and competitions themselves rather than constantly seeking clarification about potentially fabricated powers.
Big Brother Players Can Lie, But There Are Limits
Although contestants cannot invent nonexistent powers, deception remains an important part of Big Brother. Houseguests frequently mislead one another about alliances, voting intentions, relationships, and strategic plans.
Those tactics are central to the competition and often determine who survives eviction.
However, there is an important distinction between misleading another player about personal strategy and falsely claiming that production has granted a special advantage. The restriction is intended to preserve that boundary.
Meehan explained that producers want contestants competing within the established game rather than creating an entirely different contest based on imaginary abilities. Players can still use manipulation and strategic deception, but they must operate within the show’s official rules.
Rick Devens Proved He Didn’t Need Fake Powers to Win
Despite being forced to abandon his original plan, Devens went on to deliver one of the most memorable performances of Big Brother 28.
The former Survivor contestant successfully adapted to the game’s different rules, built important relationships, and made strategic decisions that helped him reach the finale.
His victory demonstrated that experienced reality television competitors can adjust their approach without relying on every tactic they previously used.
And while Devens might have enjoyed convincing his fellow Houseguests that he possessed mysterious powers, producers made it clear that such deception isn’t part of the game.
For now, contestants will have to continue winning legitimate advantages rather than inventing their own.
Do you think Big Brother should allow Houseguests to bluff about fake powers like Survivor contestants, or would that make the game too confusing? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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