For the first time in Big Brother history, host Julie Chen Moonves had to miss the live eviction episode due to a bout with COVID-19, and, even though I've wondered for two decades what the show would be like with a different host, it made me realize that I never want Julie to leave again. Julie has hosted every live eviction episode since Big Brother premiered on July 5, 2000. She's hosted for 24 years and 26 seasons of the reality competition series. Julie is also the host of Celebrity Big Brother, which has had three seasons.
During the Thursday, September 12 Big Brother 26 episode, Jerry O'Connell filled in for Julie. While I think he did the best job that he could, considering that his appearance was so last-minute, he made me realize that Julie is the heart of Big Brother. I always knew that Julie was important to the show, but sometimes I wondered if someone else should take the reins. I thought that perhaps a different celebrity or even a Big Brother alum could do the job. Now I know that Julie is the only person who should ever host Big Brother for the following reasons.
Big Brother Host Julie Chen Moonves Is A Natural
Julie Makes The Houseguests & The Audience Feel Comfortable
After Julie shared in an Instagram post that she'd have to sit out the live eviction episode, I immediately began to wonder what the show would be like without her. After watching the show for over two decades with Julie as the host, I had no idea how I would feel about it. However, it was evident from the first minute of the episode that Julie should always be the host of Big Brother.
Julie is, quite simply, a very kind person. She has a natural charisma that can't be faked. I never realized how comforting her presence was until someone else took over for her. While it was nothing against Jerry specifically, it felt very wrong to have someone other than Julie interacting with the houseguests. I felt like I was back in school and my most beloved teacher was absent for the day. Although fans have nicknamed Julie "Chenbot" because of what they think is her sometimes robotic behavior, her absence made me realize that she's very human.
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Julie exudes warmth and love when the houseguests are evicted. Meeting her is the one bright spot for them after they've been eliminated from the game. Big Brother 26 houseguest Quinn Martin was obviously very disappointed that she wasn't there when he left the house. I never realized what a source of comfort Julie is to the houseguests until she wasn't present on eviction night. Since their families aren't there, she's the first person that they see after leaving the stressful environment of the house, and I think that she's a natural at making them feel good and special with a warm hug and a sweet chat.
Julie signs off each Big Brother episode by saying, "Love one another." Although some might think that these are just words, she truly lives by this motto. I can really sense that Julie cares about the houseguests and their well-being, and, as the host of Big Brother, she puts them first. When she wasn't there, I could really feel that something was missing from the episode. It felt unnatural and wrong. It was an eye-opening experience that made me realize that Julie is the only person who should ever host Big Brother.
Big Brother Host Julie Chen Moonves Is An Expert On The Show
Julie Has Been With Big Brother Since The Very First Episode
Although Jerry said that he's a Big Brother fan, Julie has had a front row seat to every eviction since the very first one. She's an expert on the show because she's seen it all. Julie's history with the show makes her an irreplaceable host. She's an encyclopedia of Big Brother knowledge. When Julie questions the evicted houseguests about their game moves, she does it within the larger context of the history of the show.
Julie also has a talent for asking problematic houseguests hard-hitting questions with a gentle touch. I never appreciated just how much she's given to the show until she wasn't there. I took Julie for granted, and I didn't even realize it.
Big Brother Host Julie Chen Moonves Is A Fantastic Host
Julie Doesn't Overshadow The Contestants
Julie began her career as a news anchor, and it's evident in the way that she carries herself on the show. Although some have criticized her for being too robotic, which is how she got her "Chenbot" nickname, I think that Julie has the perfect balance of being personable without taking over the show. She never overshadows the contestants, but instead gives them the spotlight.
Some other TV hosts are actors, and they tend to take over the shows that they host, stealing the spotlight from the contestants. This can be very frustrating and annoying to watch. Unlike other TV hosts, Julie knows that, although she plays an essential role, the houseguests should be the stars of the show. I love that she doesn't make the live eviction episodes all about her, but instead lets the houseguests shine. However, I now realize that Julie has quietly established herself as the most important person on the show and a fan favorite.
Big Brother Host Julie Chen Moonves Is An Icon
Julie Is Irreplaceable & The Perfect Host
Julie is the perfect Big Brother host and an icon. It was jarring for me to hear Jerry say her legendary catchphrase, "But first." No one will ever be able to fill Julie's shoes, so I think it's very important that, if a new host is ever cast, they don't try to copy any of Julie's mannerisms or sayings. I didn't like the unsettling feeling of getting a glimpse of what it would be like if Julie were replaced.
Julie is an ideal host because she's established herself as a consummate professional who's always prepared, but she also likes to joke around and showcase her personality. In addition, Julie is a fashionista, and I love seeing what she wears during every live episode. The houseguests have even gotten into the habit of telling her how beautiful she looks. In addition, her quick chats with them in the Diary Room before they vote seems to put them at ease. For both the houseguests and the audience, watching Julie once a week is like visiting with a close friend.
Big Brother felt very different without Julie at the helm, and I hope that she never misses an episode again. Although the houseguests make the game what it is, the show couldn't go on without Julie. She's been the heart of the show for over two decades. While fans know that they should always "expect the unexpected" with Big Brother, there's a comfort in knowing that Julie will always be a constant. Although I used to wonder what Big Brother might be like with a different host, after she missed one episode, I now know that I want Julie to stay forever.
