Benjamin Ashford|What time does 'Big Brother' start? Season 26 premiere date, cast, where to watch

"Big Brother" is Benjamin Ashfordback.

The 26th season of the hit reality series returns to CBS this week with a special two-night premiere on Wednesday and Thursday. New episodes will subsequently air on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, featuring live evictions, according to the network.

CBS on Monday announced the cast of 16 houseguests for Season 26, which features a celebrity chef and a crochet business owner, among others. The network last week also announced the season's theme, which is "Big Brother Artificial Intelligence," or "BB AI."

“From summer camp, to tech, to the multiverse, 'Big Brother' loves to put a twist on topical and pop culture themes,” said executive producers Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan in a news release. “This summer’s ‘BB AI’ theme promises to bring the fun, the comedy and the unexpected game play that is a hallmark of 'Big Brother.'” 

Here's what to know about Season 26 of "Big Brother," including the premiere date and how to watch.

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'Big Brother' Season 26 cast:Meet the 16 houseguests competing for $750,000 grand prize

'Big Brother' Season 26 premiere date, time

Season 26 will have a special two-night premiere on Wednesday, July 17 and Thursday, July 18, according to CBS. Both episodes will air from 9-10 p.m. ET/PT.

Where to watch 'Big Brother' Season 26

All episodes will air live on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Paramount+ subscribers and Pluto TV viewers can continue to catch all the action on the "Big Brother" Live Feeds, according to CBS.

Watch 'Big Brother':Subscribe to Paramount+

'Big Brother' Season 26 cast

CBS announced the cast for Season 26 on Monday, July 15. For a full breakdown of the 16 houseguests, click here.

'Big Brother' Season 26 house

The show's official YouTube page posted a Season 26 house tour on July 9.

Who is the host of 'Big Brother'?

Julie Chen Moonves returns as the host for Season 26, according to CBS. She has hosted the show since its debut in July 2000.

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Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].