Summer camp twists and unexpected returns defined this season of Big Brother

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2019, Big Brother 21 swapped standard competition for a summer camp theme. Beyond the new setting, the season introduced high-stakes twists like 'Camp Comeback' and 'America's Field Trip,' fundamentally altering how HouseGuests competed for the $500,000 grand prize.

Running from 25 June to 25 September 2019, the US edition of Big Brother aired its twenty-first season. This 40-episode season, broadcast on CBS and Global, utilized a summer camp theme and introduced several format-altering twists. One such mechanic was 'Camp Comeback,' where the first person evicted did not leave the house but instead lived in a special bedroom. This allowed one of the first four eliminated HouseGuests—David, Ovi, Kemi, or Cliff—the opportunity to compete for a way back into the game. Cliff ultimately won that competition on Day 30, returning to the house while the others were forced to leave permanently.

The season also featured 'America's Field Trip,' a twist where the public voted for three HouseGuests to compete for immunity. In the August 1, 2019 episode, it was revealed that Analyse, Christie, and Michie would compete; Michie won immunity, Analyse received a punishment, and Christie became a third nominee. Another significant twist occurred during 'Prank Week' in Week 9. During this period, a player voted as 'America's Prankster' could anonymously nominate a HouseGuest, potentially leaving the Head of Household with only one nomination.

The competition for the $500,000 grand prize was decided by a nine-person Jury consisting of the last nine evicted HouseGuests. In the finale, Jackson Michie secured the victory with a 6–3 jury vote over Holly Allen. While Michie took the main prize, Nicole Anthony was named America's Favorite HouseGuest via a public vote, earning $25,000. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics and fans, CBS confirmed a renewal for a twenty-second season on September 5, 2019.

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