Big Brother 28 producers have revealed that they were caught off guard by the intense backlash surrounding Survivor veterans Rick Devens and Dee Valladares, particularly from longtime viewers who weren’t happy about contestants from another reality show dominating their competition.
Season 28 delivered plenty of memorable moments, but one of its biggest controversies had little to do with traditional alliances or evictions.
Instead, a surprising rivalry emerged between fans of Big Brother and Survivor, with some longtime viewers and former Houseguests openly rooting against the two crossover contestants.
Rick Devens and Dee Valladares entered the Big Brother house after competing on Survivor, bringing valuable reality television experience and established fanbases.
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However, as their influence inside the house grew, so did the criticism. Now, executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan are addressing the unexpected reaction and explaining why they never anticipated such strong feelings from the Big Brother community.
Big Brother Alumni Didn’t Want Survivor Players to Win
Some of the strongest opposition to Devens and Dee came from former Big Brother contestants. Franchise legends Danielle Reyes and Britney Haynes openly admitted that they didn’t want either Survivor veteran to win Season 28.
During an interview with Page Six, Danielle explained that while she enjoyed watching the crossover contestants compete, she wanted the Big Brother franchise to protect its identity.
For Danielle, the issue wasn’t necessarily personal. It was about maintaining bragging rights in the long-running debate over which reality competition is more difficult.
Britney shared similar feelings, noting that she would rather see a former Big Brother contestant become the first person to win both shows.
The rivalry also extended beyond former contestants. Filmmaker and celebrity fan James Gunn acknowledged the anti-Survivor sentiment while appearing with former winners Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur.
He revealed that people around him had been actively rooting against Devens and Dee. The reaction demonstrated just how deeply some fans and former players identified with the franchise.
Julie Chen Moonves Also Questioned Rick Devens’ Gameplay
Even longtime host Julie Chen Moonves appeared to get involved in the rivalry. Earlier in the season, Julie criticized Rick Devens’ approach to the game, suggesting that some of his strategies might work on Survivor but wouldn’t necessarily translate to Big Brother.
Her playful warning emphasized an important distinction between the two competitions. Although both shows require strategy, relationships, and competition skills, Big Brother presents a different social environment.
Players must navigate weeks of living together while their actions are constantly observed. For some fans, seeing experienced Survivor contestants enter the competition raised questions about whether they could adapt to those differences.
However, Devens ultimately proved that his reality television experience could translate into success in the Big Brother house.
Producers Admit the Anti-Survivor Reaction Surprised Them
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, executive producer Allison Grodner admitted that the intensity of the response was unexpected. She compared the rivalry to the passionate competition between two college sports teams.
Although Big Brother and Survivor both air on CBS, their audiences and former contestants clearly have strong loyalties. Grodner said producers hadn’t fully appreciated how protective some Big Brother alumni would be of their franchise.
Rich Meehan, meanwhile, interpreted the reaction as a reflection of the pride former Houseguests have in the game. He explained that returning players naturally felt attached to the show and wanted to see contestants from their own franchise succeed.
However, from a production standpoint, Meehan viewed Devens and Dee simply as Big Brother Houseguests once they entered the competition. Their previous reality television experience didn’t change that. And according to Meehan, both proved themselves to be strong additions to the cast.
Why Producers Chose Rick Devens and Dee Valladares
Meehan also explained that producers didn’t select Devens and Dee simply because they were recognizable Survivor personalities. The casting team’s priority was finding contestants who could succeed in the unique environment of Big Brother.
That meant evaluating whether the players had the personalities, strategic abilities, and endurance necessary to survive an extended stay inside the house. Although Devens and Dee already had impressive Survivor résumés, producers believed they also possessed qualities that would make them compelling Big Brother competitors.
Their performances throughout Season 28 ultimately supported that decision. Both players became major strategic forces, built relationships with other contestants, and influenced the direction of the game.
Their success, however, also intensified criticism from viewers who felt the returning reality stars had an advantage over newcomers.
Why Cirie Fields Didn’t Face the Same Backlash
Interestingly, the negative reaction to Devens and Dee was very different from the reception given to another famous Survivor veteran. Cirie Fields became the first former Survivor contestant to compete on the American version of Big Brother when she entered the house during Season 25.
She played alongside her son, Jared Fields, and eventually finished in fifth place. Unlike Devens and Dee, Cirie was largely welcomed by the Big Brother community. Her appearance generated considerable excitement rather than widespread opposition from former Houseguests.
The difference may have been influenced by the presence of two Survivor veterans during Season 28, as well as the special opportunities given to established reality stars. Devens and Dee entered the competition alongside returning Big Brother player Angela Murray, with the three collectively known as the season’s icons.
Certain opening-week twists gave these players unique opportunities, further fueling debate about whether the competition was fair. Nevertheless, producers maintained that the icons also faced disadvantages because their previous television appearances made them recognizable threats.
Angela Murray Had No Problem Working With the Survivor Stars
While some former Big Brother contestants opposed the crossover players, Angela Murray took a completely different approach. Angela, who previously competed on Big Brother 26, was already a devoted Survivor fan.
Rather than viewing Devens and Dee as outsiders, she embraced the opportunity to play alongside them. Grodner pointed out that Angela became part of their group and didn’t appear concerned about protecting Big Brother from Survivor competitors.
Her willingness to work with the two veterans contrasted sharply with the territorial attitudes expressed by some former Houseguests watching from outside the competition. For Angela, forming relationships and advancing her game appeared more important than maintaining a rivalry between the two franchises.
Rick Devens’ Victory Made the Rivalry Even More Interesting
Despite the criticism, Rick Devens went on to accomplish what many former Big Brother players had hoped to prevent. He won Big Brother 28.
Devens defeated Taylor Brown in a decisive 6-1 jury vote, becoming the first former Survivor contestant to win the American version of Big Brother.
His victory was even more impressive because he also claimed America’s Favorite Houseguest. That additional honor demonstrated that while some viewers opposed the Survivor crossover, Devens had also built a substantial following among Big Brother fans.
For producers, the result highlighted the unpredictable nature of bringing experienced reality television personalities into a new competition. Although Devens entered the house with an established reputation and an obvious target on his back, he successfully navigated the social and strategic challenges of the game.
And for former Houseguests who wanted to keep the Big Brother crown within their own community, the result was undoubtedly a surprising outcome.
Could More Survivor Players Join Big Brother in the Future?
The success of Rick Devens and Dee Valladares raises an interesting question about the franchise’s future.
Could Big Brother invite more contestants from other reality competitions?
While producers haven’t announced any additional Survivor crossovers, Season 28 demonstrated how experienced players from another show can influence the competition. It also revealed an unexpected rivalry between two of CBS’s biggest reality franchises.
For Grodner and Meehan, the intensity of the reaction was surprising, but it also showed how passionate former Houseguests remain about the game. Whether future crossover contestants receive a warmer welcome remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: Rick Devens’ historic victory has given fans of both shows plenty to debate.
Do you think Survivor contestants should be allowed to compete on Big Brother, or should the show focus on new players and returning Houseguests? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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