Rubina Bernabe, Tucker Des Lauriers, Chelsie Baham, Kimo Apaka, Angela Murray, Cam Sullivan-Brown, Joseph Rodriguez, and Makensy Manbeck | Source: Getty Images
The reality show season finale kicked off with Chelsie Baham, Makensy Manbeck, and Cam Sullivan-Brown competing as the final three, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
“Big Brother 26” has officially come to an end, and a new winner has been crowned. However, despite the unanimous vote, fans have voiced their opinions, with some expressing disappointment and frustration over the results.
Cam Sullivan-Brown, Chelsie Baham, and Makensy Manbeck on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The
final three contestants
, Chelsie Baham, Makensy Manbeck, and Cam Sullivan-Brown, faced off in competition, with Cam getting eliminated soon after.
Makensy Manbeck and Chelsie Baham on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
After a fierce showdown in the last episode hosted by
Julie Chen Moonves
, Chelsie claimed victory in the final two against Makensy, sweeping the jury vote 7-0. Her dominant performance sealed her as
the unanimous winner
of “Big Brother 26.”
Chelsie Baham on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The announcement of the winner was followed by strong opinions from viewers. One viewer bluntly
shared
,
“Mackenzie played too good to be so gullible. Chelsea definitely deserved to win. It was like taking candy from a baby, she was MacKenzie’s puppet master!”
Another fan held a different opinion
saying
Chelsea
“Manipulated her way to win.”
Makensy Manbeck and Chelsie Baham on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Other fans
praised
Chelsea’s strategy,
“Congratulations to Chelsie 👏 she played a great game and definitely played poor naive MJ.”
These fans felt that Makensy was not up to the task, as one
commented
,
“Mackensy deserves to lose she was manipulated.”
Chelsie Baham from CBS “Big Brother,” Season 26, on July 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone agreed with the outcome. One fan
declared
,
“Makensy should’ve won she won 10 or 11 competitions she deserved to win.. it’s about winning, it’s not just a social game that was crooked.”
Makensy Manbeck on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The finale left viewers divided, with one fan outrightly
stating
,
“Chelsea doesn’t deserve to win! BS,”
and another
declaring
,
“Makensy won 11 comps. Clearly the jury didn’t care. Makensy deserved to win!🥇”
Some even went as far as
calling
the result unfair,
“It’s rigged.”
Makensy Manbeck from CBS “Big Brother,” Season 26, on July 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
As much as fans’ reactions to her win are mixed, Chelsie earned all the jurors’ favor, taking home $75,000 for her efforts after 90 days of fierce competition.
Chelsie Baham and Makensy Manbeck on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another winner, Tucker Des Lauriers made “Big Brother” history by winning America’s Favorite Player, becoming the first pre-juror to ever claim the coveted
favorite houseguest award
.
The “Big Brother 26” jury, Quinn Martin, T’Kor Clottey, Leah Peters, Angela Murray, Kimo Apaka, and Rubina Bernabe, have also spoken out about their experience this season.
Kimo Apaka, T’Kor Clottey, Leah Peters, Julie Chen Moonves, Quinn Martin, Rubina Bernabe, Angela Murray, and Cam Sullivan-Brown on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on July 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In reflecting on their time in the “Big Brother” the jurors disclosed who they would have wished to be in the house with them and their reasons for choosing their company.
Quinn was adamant about missing Joseph Rodriguez, describing him as one of her best friends in the house and
a strong contender
for her final two. She lamented that he was voted out just before the jury phase, noting that his insights would have been invaluable on finale night.
Angela Murray, Quinn Martin, Kimo Apaka, T’Kor Clottey, Rubina Bernabe, Leah Peters, and Cam Sullivan-Brown on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on July 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, Leah echoed this sentiment, highlighting Joseph’s humor and their
shared comedic bond
. She eagerly anticipated reuniting with him during the just-concluded finale, emphasizing how much she missed his presence.
T’Kor then said his choice was Cedric Hodges, despite having voted him out to keep Rubina. She reminisced about
their strong connection
and noted Cedric’s impressive gameplay during his time in the house.
Cedric Hodges on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Angela also voiced her affection for Cedric, fondly recalling how he brought
joy and laughter
to her days in the “Big Brother” house. She believed he would have kept everyone entertained and engaged if he were in the jury house.
Angela Murray on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on October 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Kimo highlighted his desire to have Tucker Des Lauriers with him, describing how much he missed their summer bond. He looked
forward to reconnecting
outside of the game.
Finally, Rubina expressed a similar wish for Tucker, admitting that it would have been wonderful to
spend more time
together.
Rubina Bernabe, Tucker Des Lauriers, and Julie Chen Moonves on Season 26 of the CBS Original Series “Big Brother,” on July 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Overall, these jurors’ reflections on their pre-jury companions illustrated the strong friendships forged in the competitive environment of the “Big Brother” house.
While winning is a significant achievement, as it is for Chelsie, the connections made throughout the game highlight the social aspect of it that is just as crucial as the competition itself.