BIG BROTHER US · 2000 → PRESENT
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How to read this board
Five sections, top to bottom: History & Twists → Icons → Great Seasons → Controversies → Legacy & Spinoffs.
Threads link players to the seasons, moves and twists they defined.
Five sections, top to bottom: History & Twists → Icons → Great Seasons → Controversies → Legacy & Spinoffs.
Threads link players to the seasons, moves and twists they defined.
Section 1 · Show History & Evolution
Origins: 2000
Premiered July 5, 2000 on CBS, hosted from day one by Julie Chen Moonves.
Season 1 was a slow social experiment: America voted houseguests out, and Eddie McGee won with 59% of the public vote — the only US season ever decided by viewers.
Season 1 was a slow social experiment: America voted houseguests out, and Eddie McGee won with 59% of the public vote — the only US season ever decided by viewers.
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The Format Shift
After S1's sluggish ratings, BB2 (2001) reinvented the game:
Dr. Will Kirby's villain win proved the new format worked.
- Houseguests nominate & evict each other
- A jury crowns the winner
- Strategy, alliances & betrayal became the engine
Dr. Will Kirby's villain win proved the new format worked.
Rise of Live Feeds
24/7 internet live feeds made BB the first truly transparent reality show.
Feedsters catch what the TV edit hides — fueling fan sites, spoilers and superfan culture. Feeds now stream on Paramount+ and free on Pluto TV.
Feedsters catch what the TV edit hides — fueling fan sites, spoilers and superfan culture. Feeds now stream on Paramount+ and free on Pluto TV.
Power of Veto
Introduced in S3 (2002) as the Silver PoV; the Golden Power of Veto became permanent from S4.
The weekly save competition created the backdoor — still the single most important strategic tool in Big Brother history.
The weekly save competition created the backdoor — still the single most important strategic tool in Big Brother history.
America's Player
BB8 (2007): viewers secretly controlled Eric Stein — his eviction votes, his flirtations, even his jury vote for Evel Dick.
He completed ~20 of 28 tasks for $40,000 and once won a veto he wasn't allowed to use. Dan reprised the role for a week in BB10.
He completed ~20 of 28 tasks for $40,000 and once won a veto he wasn't allowed to use. Dan reprised the role for a week in BB10.
Coup d'État
The nuclear option: overthrow the HOH's nominations live at eviction.
- BB7: Boogie won it by solving 'You reap what you sow' — never used it
- BB11: America gave Jeff Schroeder the 'Wizard Power' — he dethroned Chima's noms and Jessie went 3-2
Pandora's Box
BB11–BB14: a golden question-mark door tempted the reigning HOH with mixed blessings — good and bad consequences for them or the whole house.
Retired after fans dubbed it the 'Producer's Box' amid rigging accusations.
Retired after fans dubbed it the 'Producer's Box' amid rigging accusations.
Battle Back
BB18: a bracket-style gauntlet where pre-jury evictees duel one-by-one for the right to re-enter the house.
Both famous winners — Victor Arroyo (BB18) and Cody Nickson (BB19) — were the third evictee. Fans are lobbying for its return in BB28.
Both famous winners — Victor Arroyo (BB18) and Cody Nickson (BB19) — were the third evictee. Fans are lobbying for its return in BB28.
Format & prize evolution
- Jury vote since S2
- Power of Veto since S3
- America's Favorite prize since S7 ($25K → $50K)
- Grand prize $500K → $750K (S23)
- 50% BIPOC casting mandate since 2021
BB Comics Veto
Since BB16: the beloved late-game veto — houseguests are drawn as superhero comic covers; players zipline past and rebuild the lineup while spotting decoys.
Winners: Christine (BB16, record 11:50), Steve, Nicole Franzel (only 3-time player), Paul, Kaycee, Nicole Anthony.
Winners: Christine (BB16, record 11:50), Steve, Nicole Franzel (only 3-time player), Paul, Kaycee, Nicole Anthony.
AI Arena Era
BB26 (2024): the HOH nominates three; nominees battle live and the winner pulls themselves off the block.
A fan favorite (critics said it rewarded comp beasts like Tucker). Renamed the BB Block Buster and made permanent in BB27 — back again for BB28.
A fan favorite (critics said it rewarded comp beasts like Tucker). Renamed the BB Block Buster and made permanent in BB27 — back again for BB28.
Feeds fandom
Julie's 'Expect the Unexpected' is a production philosophy. Feed-watchers break stories before broadcast — BB27 drew 8.4 billion minutes viewed, up 27% year over year.
Julie's 'Expect the Unexpected' is a production philosophy. Feed-watchers break stories before broadcast — BB27 drew 8.4 billion minutes viewed, up 27% year over year.
Twist status report
- Coup d'État: dormant since BB11
- Pandora's Box: retired after BB14
- Battle Back: on hiatus, fans want it back
- Block Buster: permanent since BB27
Pandora's lore
- BB13: Rachel's 'celebrity spree' = speedo-clad Jessie Godderz while the house met Tori Spelling
- Ian Terry: only player to open it twice
- Porsche Briggs said she was forced to open hers
Re-entry wins
- Victor Arroyo — BB18
- Cody Nickson — BB19 (beat house challenger Paul)
- Jury return: Nicole Franzel, BB16
- Cliff Hogg's BB21 Camp Comeback return → instant HOH
Dr. Will Kirby
BB2 winner · BB7 4th
The 'Evil Doctor' — openly lied, threw comps, survived four nominations and won on pure charm.
Ran Chilltown with Boogie. Never won a major comp, yet invented modern social gameplay. Later moderated jury roundtables.
The 'Evil Doctor' — openly lied, threw comps, survived four nominations and won on pure charm.
Ran Chilltown with Boogie. Never won a major comp, yet invented modern social gameplay. Later moderated jury roundtables.
Mike 'Boogie' Malin
BB7 All-Stars winner
Will's Chilltown partner won the first returning-player season 6-1 over Erika Landin.
Won the Coup d'État (never used it) and coached on BB14. Villain, showman, and half of BB's most iconic duo.
Will's Chilltown partner won the first returning-player season 6-1 over Erika Landin.
Won the Coup d'État (never used it) and coached on BB14. Villain, showman, and half of BB's most iconic duo.
Janelle Pierzina
BB6 · BB7 · BB14 · BB22
The 'Comp Queen' — first houseguest to play four seasons (~200 days in the house).
Record 9 comp wins on BB7 (4 HOH, 5 POV), led the Sovereign Six, finished 3rd twice and won the first fan-favorite award.
The 'Comp Queen' — first houseguest to play four seasons (~200 days in the house).
Record 9 comp wins on BB7 (4 HOH, 5 POV), led the Sovereign Six, finished 3rd twice and won the first fan-favorite award.
Dan Gheesling
BB10 winner · BB14 2nd
Won the first-ever unanimous 7-0 jury vote as half of The Renegades with Memphis.
BB14's 'Dan's Funeral' is called the greatest move in show history. First player to reach Final 2 twice — the 'king of the mist.'
Won the first-ever unanimous 7-0 jury vote as half of The Renegades with Memphis.
BB14's 'Dan's Funeral' is called the greatest move in show history. First player to reach Final 2 twice — the 'king of the mist.'
Evel Dick Donato
BB8 winner (2007)
Aggression as strategy: intimidation, chaos and total loyalty to daughter Daniele — beating her 5-2 in the only parent-child finale.
Proof that being hated by the house can still win the jury.
Aggression as strategy: intimidation, chaos and total loyalty to daughter Daniele — beating her 5-2 in the only parent-child finale.
Proof that being hated by the house can still win the jury.
Rachel Reilly
BB13 winner
'Floaters, grab a life vest!' Comp beast, half of Brenchel, beat Porsche 4-3 after winning the final HOH.
Returned 14 years later as BB27's surprise mystery houseguest — a living bridge between eras.
'Floaters, grab a life vest!' Comp beast, half of Brenchel, beat Porsche 4-3 after winning the final HOH.
Returned 14 years later as BB27's surprise mystery houseguest — a living bridge between eras.
Da'Vonne Rogers
BB17 · BB18 · BB22
'Mama Day' — legendary Diary Room narrator and the sharpest social reader of her era.
Never reached the end, but won America's Favorite on BB22 and remains one of the franchise's most beloved truth-tellers.
'Mama Day' — legendary Diary Room narrator and the sharpest social reader of her era.
Never reached the end, but won America's Favorite on BB22 and remains one of the franchise's most beloved truth-tellers.
Paul Abrahamian
BB18 & BB19 runner-up
The only two-time runner-up — lost 5-4 twice.
'Friendship!' Dominated BB19 strategically, but his house-wide pile-on tactics soured the jury and fans alike (see Controversies).
The only two-time runner-up — lost 5-4 twice.
'Friendship!' Dominated BB19 strategically, but his house-wide pile-on tactics soured the jury and fans alike (see Controversies).
Derrick Levasseur
BB16 winner
Undercover cop who hid his badge and was never nominated until the final HOH across 97 days.
Ran The Hitmen with Cody, won 7-2 — often called the most flawless single-season game. Now co-hosts BB: Unlocked.
Undercover cop who hid his badge and was never nominated until the final HOH across 97 days.
Ran The Hitmen with Cody, won 7-2 — often called the most flawless single-season game. Now co-hosts BB: Unlocked.
Tyler Crispen
BB20 runner-up
BB20's mastermind: Level 6 ringleader, secret cloud-hideout spy, final-2 deals with half the house.
Lost 5-4 to ally Kaycee Clark but won America's Favorite — the modern era's defining strategist.
BB20's mastermind: Level 6 ringleader, secret cloud-hideout spy, final-2 deals with half the house.
Lost 5-4 to ally Kaycee Clark but won America's Favorite — the modern era's defining strategist.
Taylor Hale
BB24 winner (2022)
Survived week-one ostracism to win 8-1 — first Black woman to win a civilian season and first to also take America's Favorite ($800,000 total).
'I am not a victim, I am a victor.' Won 20 years to the day after Danielle Reyes' BB3 loss.
Survived week-one ostracism to win 8-1 — first Black woman to win a civilian season and first to also take America's Favorite ($800,000 total).
'I am not a victim, I am a victor.' Won 20 years to the day after Danielle Reyes' BB3 loss.
The GOAT debate
Dr. Will (social genius) vs Dan (two Final 2s) vs Derrick (never nominated).
No consensus — just the best argument in reality TV.
Dr. Will (social genius) vs Dan (two Final 2s) vs Derrick (never nominated).
No consensus — just the best argument in reality TV.
Julie Chen Moonves
Host since Day One
Julie has fronted every eviction since July 5, 2000.
'But first...' Her exit interviews — like confronting BB21's Jack with his own comments — are franchise rituals.
Julie has fronted every eviction since July 5, 2000.
'But first...' Her exit interviews — like confronting BB21's Jack with his own comments — are franchise rituals.
Mastermind lineage
Chilltown (BB2/7) → The Renegades (BB10) → The Hitmen (BB16) → Level 6 (BB20) → The Cookout (BB23)
Each era's dominant duo or alliance studied the last.
Chilltown (BB2/7) → The Renegades (BB10) → The Hitmen (BB16) → Level 6 (BB20) → The Cookout (BB23)
Each era's dominant duo or alliance studied the last.
Franchise records
- 27 winners: 17 men, 14 women
- Unanimous juries: Dan, Tamar, Cody, Xavier, Chelsie
- Perfect games: Dan (BB10), Xavier (BB23), Chelsie (BB26)
- Janelle: most comp wins across seasons
Section 3 · Great Seasons
BB2 (2001)
Winner: Dr. Will Kirby
The season that saved the show. New evict-each-other format, the first great villain, the first jury vote (5-2 over Nicole).
Also home to the franchise's darkest moment — the knife incident (see Controversies).
The season that saved the show. New evict-each-other format, the first great villain, the first jury vote (5-2 over Nicole).
Also home to the franchise's darkest moment — the knife incident (see Controversies).
BB7 All-Stars
2006 · Boogie wins
The first returning-player season. Chilltown's double-date manipulation ran the house while Janelle set a record 9 comp wins.
Boogie beat Erika 6-1; still the gold standard for all-star casting.
The first returning-player season. Chilltown's double-date manipulation ran the house while Janelle set a record 9 comp wins.
Boogie beat Erika 6-1; still the gold standard for all-star casting.
BB6 (2005)
Summer of Secrets
The first great house war: the Sovereign Six (Janelle, Kaysar, Howie, James) vs the 'Nerd Herd' Friendship.
The 14-hour Pressure Cooker remains BB's longest comp; Kaysar returned by fan vote; Maggie won the crown.
The first great house war: the Sovereign Six (Janelle, Kaysar, Howie, James) vs the 'Nerd Herd' Friendship.
The 14-hour Pressure Cooker remains BB's longest comp; Kaysar returned by fan vote; Maggie won the crown.
BB10 (2008)
Back to basics
No gimmicks, a kooky cast, all game. Dan Gheesling's near-perfect run: zero votes against him, the Michelle backdoor after tricking Ollie, and the first 7-0 unanimous win alongside Renegade Memphis.
Proof that casting beats twists.
No gimmicks, a kooky cast, all game. Dan Gheesling's near-perfect run: zero votes against him, the Michelle backdoor after tricking Ollie, and the first 7-0 unanimous win alongside Renegade Memphis.
Proof that casting beats twists.
BB14 (2012)
The Coaches twist
Vets Dan, Janelle, Boogie & Britney entered mid-game and reset the season.
Dan's Funeral flipped the house from certain doom; the Quack Pack ran the middle game; superfan Ian Terry beat Dan when the jury punished his broken deals.
Vets Dan, Janelle, Boogie & Britney entered mid-game and reset the season.
Dan's Funeral flipped the house from certain doom; the Quack Pack ran the middle game; superfan Ian Terry beat Dan when the jury punished his broken deals.
BB16 (2014)
Derrick's masterclass
Battle of the Block put four nominees up weekly — and Derrick still was never nominated.
The Hitmen steered every eviction; Derrick beat Cody 7-2. Peerless gameplay, divisively predictable television.
Battle of the Block put four nominees up weekly — and Derrick still was never nominated.
The Hitmen steered every eviction; Derrick beat Cody 7-2. Peerless gameplay, divisively predictable television.
BB20 (2018)
The modern classic
Level 6 vs the hilariously inept FOUTTE/Hive — genuine split-house warfare, back-to-back blindsides and savage speeches.
Breakouts: Tyler, Bayleigh, Brett, Kaitlyn, Rockstar. Kaycee beat Tyler 5-4. Restored fan faith.
Level 6 vs the hilariously inept FOUTTE/Hive — genuine split-house warfare, back-to-back blindsides and savage speeches.
Breakouts: Tyler, Bayleigh, Brett, Kaitlyn, Rockstar. Kaycee beat Tyler 5-4. Restored fan faith.
BB22 All-Stars 2
2020 · pandemic season
The legends returned. Cody Calafiore ran a wire-to-wire game with Enzo and Nicole F., winning 9-0.
Early evictions of Janelle & Kaysar broke fans' hearts; the Triple Eviction made its debut.
The legends returned. Cody Calafiore ran a wire-to-wire game with Enzo and Nicole F., winning 9-0.
Early evictions of Janelle & Kaysar broke fans' hearts; the Triple Eviction made its debut.
BB23 (2021)
The historic season
Xavier Prather won 9-0 with a perfect game — the flagship's first Black winner.
The Cookout steered every single eviction; Tiffany's master plan won America's Favorite. Predictable to some, monumental to history.
Xavier Prather won 9-0 with a perfect game — the flagship's first Black winner.
The Cookout steered every single eviction; Tiffany's master plan won America's Favorite. Predictable to some, monumental to history.
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The Cookout
Xavier, Tiffany, Kyland, Hannah, Azah & Derek F. united in week one with one mission: guarantee the first Black winner.
Secret side-pairings hid the alliance; they won 10 of 14 HOHs and became the only alliance ever to reach the end fully intact.
Secret side-pairings hid the alliance; they won 10 of 14 HOHs and became the only alliance ever to reach the end fully intact.
Critics' consensus
All-time tier: BB10, BB6, BB14, BB7.
Best modern season: BB20.
Elite gameplay, lower rewatch value: BB16, BB23.
(Collider, TVLine, Reality Tea, Yahoo)
All-time tier: BB10, BB6, BB14, BB7.
Best modern season: BB20.
Elite gameplay, lower rewatch value: BB16, BB23.
(Collider, TVLine, Reality Tea, Yahoo)
The Pressure Cooker
BB6's 14-hour standoff in a phone-booth comp — still the longest endurance battle ever. Jennifer broke her deal with Kaysar seconds after he stepped out.
BB6's 14-hour standoff in a phone-booth comp — still the longest endurance battle ever. Jennifer broke her deal with Kaysar seconds after he stepped out.
Clean sweeps
Unanimous jury wins: Dan (BB10), Tamar (CBB2), Cody (BB22), Xavier (BB23), Chelsie (BB26 — first civilian woman to do it).
Unanimous jury wins: Dan (BB10), Tamar (CBB2), Cody (BB22), Xavier (BB23), Chelsie (BB26 — first civilian woman to do it).
Six strong
Xavier (winner) · Tiffany (AFH) · Kyland · Hannah · Azah · Derek F. (runner-up)
Every member made the final six — an unmatched feat.
Xavier (winner) · Tiffany (AFH) · Kyland · Hannah · Azah · Derek F. (runner-up)
Every member made the final six — an unmatched feat.
Section 4 · Controversies
Section 5 · Legacy & Spinoffs
BB2 Knife Incident
Day 10, 2001
Justin Sebik held a kitchen knife to Krista Stegall's throat mid-kiss, asking if she'd be mad if he killed her.
Producers pulled him to the Diary Room and expelled him — the first US removal. Stegall later sued CBS.
Justin Sebik held a kitchen knife to Krista Stegall's throat mid-kiss, asking if she'd be mad if he killed her.
Producers pulled him to the Diary Room and expelled him — the first US removal. Stegall later sued CBS.
BB9 (2008)
Winter chaos
Rushed onto air during the writers' strike with a 'Til Death Do You Part' couples twist.
Widely panned for cast behavior and toxic house dynamics; winner Adam Jasinski was later arrested for dealing drugs with his prize money.
Rushed onto air during the writers' strike with a 'Til Death Do You Part' couples twist.
Widely panned for cast behavior and toxic house dynamics; winner Adam Jasinski was later arrested for dealing drugs with his prize money.
BB15 Racism Scandal
2013 · live-feed reckoning
Aaryn Gries, GinaMarie Zimmerman, Spencer Clawson and others made racist, homophobic and antisemitic remarks on feeds.
27,000+ fans petitioned CBS; the network aired the comments in a July 7 episode and added disclaimers.
Aaryn Gries, GinaMarie Zimmerman, Spencer Clawson and others made racist, homophobic and antisemitic remarks on feeds.
27,000+ fans petitioned CBS; the network aired the comments in a July 7 episode and added disclaimers.
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BB19 Bullying
2017 · gang mentality
Paul orchestrated house-wide harassment of Cody & Jessica; Josh banged pots and pans; Christmas mocked Cody's Marine service.
Production issued Diary Room warnings against inciting violence; fans petitioned over Paul's snake-costume stunt.
Paul orchestrated house-wide harassment of Cody & Jessica; Josh banged pots and pans; Christmas mocked Cody's Marine service.
Production issued Diary Room warnings against inciting violence; fans petitioned over Paul's snake-costume stunt.
BB21 Racism Uproar
2019 · pattern of bias
The first three evictees were all people of color. Jack Matthews' 'rice pudding' remark and monkey gesture drew outrage; winner Jackson Michie faced racism and sexism accusations.
Julie confronted Jack on air; leaked group chats deepened the scandal.
The first three evictees were all people of color. Jack Matthews' 'rice pudding' remark and monkey gesture drew outrage; winner Jackson Michie faced racism and sexism accusations.
Julie confronted Jack on air; leaked group chats deepened the scandal.
Producer Debates
'Producer's Box'?
Recurring fights over rigging: Pandora's Box temptations, the Coup d'État, Diary Room coaching claims, and BB26's AI Arena 'breaking' social strategy.
CBS denies outcomes are steered — the debate never dies.
Recurring fights over rigging: Pandora's Box temptations, the Coup d'État, Diary Room coaching claims, and BB26's AI Arena 'breaking' social strategy.
CBS denies outcomes are steered — the debate never dies.
Real-world fallout (BB15)
Aaryn Gries dropped by her modeling agency; GinaMarie fired from her pageant job; Spencer censured by Union Pacific. Feeds now carry standing disclaimers.
Aaryn Gries dropped by her modeling agency; GinaMarie fired from her pageant job; Spencer censured by Union Pacific. Feeds now carry standing disclaimers.
The feeds paradox
Live feeds create the scandals and the accountability — nothing stays hidden, so the audience polices the show in real time.
Live feeds create the scandals and the accountability — nothing stays hidden, so the audience polices the show in real time.
Celebrity BB
Launched Feb 7, 2018 as Olympics counter-programming — 7.3M viewers, biggest premiere since 2011.
Winners (all women): Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tamar Braxton (9-0, first Black US winner), Miesha Tate. Omarosa's White House tell-alls made national news.
Winners (all women): Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tamar Braxton (9-0, first Black US winner), Miesha Tate. Omarosa's White House tell-alls made national news.
Reindeer Games
Dec 2023 holiday event
Six episodes in 'Santa's Lodge' — 9 alumni, no feeds, no Julie, a bracket finale.
Nicole Franzel beat Taylor Hale for $100K, becoming a two-time franchise champ. Shortest season ever; a surprise hit.
Six episodes in 'Santa's Lodge' — 9 alumni, no feeds, no Julie, a bracket finale.
Nicole Franzel beat Taylor Hale for $100K, becoming a two-time franchise champ. Shortest season ever; a surprise hit.
Over The Top
2016 · all-digital season on CBS All Access — no TV edit, America as the jury.
Morgan Willett won $250K by fan vote. A streaming experiment years ahead of its time; its DNA lives in today's Paramount+ feeds.
Morgan Willett won $250K by fan vote. A streaming experiment years ahead of its time; its DNA lives in today's Paramount+ feeds.
Global Format
Born in the Netherlands (1999), but the US 'gamified' version — HOH, Veto, jury — became the template adopted by Big Brother Canada, Célébrités, and challenge shows worldwide.
The US rules are now the international strategy standard.
The US rules are now the international strategy standard.
Spinoff scoreboard
- CBB1: Marissa def. Ross
- CBB2: Tamar 9-0 def. Ricky
- CBB3: Miesha 7-1 def. Todrick
- Scaramucci = CBB3's fake houseguest twist
Why it worked
Fast pace, comps-only format, equitable challenges — fans called it possibly the best version of BB. A 2024 sequel was shelved for scheduling, but producers say it can return.
Fast pace, comps-only format, equitable challenges — fans called it possibly the best version of BB. A 2024 sequel was shelved for scheduling, but producers say it can return.
BB: Unlocked
Companion aftershow hosted by winners Derrick Levasseur & Taylor Hale, adding Jerry O'Connell, a live audience and interactive fan votes for its July 10, 2026 return.
Proof the franchise now mines its own legends.
Proof the franchise now mines its own legends.
Franchise today
- 27 seasons; Season 28 lands July 9, 2026
- 1,000th episode milestone incoming
- BB27: 8.4B minutes viewed (+27%)
- Feeds free on Pluto TV
'Expect the unexpected.'
26 summers, one house, and the cameras never blink. See you July 9 for Time Trip.
26 summers, one house, and the cameras never blink. See you July 9 for Time Trip.
BB28: Time Trip
Premieres July 9, 2026 with a 90-minute opener.
- Theme: Big Brother: Time Trip
- Episode 25 = the 1,000th episode, a primetime first
- Julie teases 'controversial people' in the premiere
- Feeds on Paramount+ & Pluto TV
Dan's Funeral (BB14)
On the block and doomed, Dan staged his own 'funeral,' torched ally Danielle publicly, then cut a secret deal with Frank — flipping the veto and the season. The greatest move ever.
On the block and doomed, Dan staged his own 'funeral,' torched ally Danielle publicly, then cut a secret deal with Frank — flipping the veto and the season. The greatest move ever.
CBS's playbook
Statements distancing the network, on-air disclaimers, Diary Room interventions — and since 2021, a 50% BIPOC casting mandate born from the BB15 and BB21 reckonings.
Statements distancing the network, on-air disclaimers, Diary Room interventions — and since 2021, a 50% BIPOC casting mandate born from the BB15 and BB21 reckonings.
Section 2 · Iconic Characters
Iconic veto comp
Feeds built the fandom
Chilltown
Won BB2 (2001)
Won All-Stars
Comp Queen origin
Perfect game 7-0
Runner-up
Streaming DNA