"CBS is planning another summer fling with "Big Brother."

Less than a month after the long-running reality skeinskein wrapped its sixth season, the Eye has given the OK to a seventh go-round for the summer staple. Allison Grodner and Arnold Shapiro will return as exec producers, while "Early Show" co-anchor Julie Chen is set to reprise her role as host.

"This is the earliest we've gotten a renewal," noted Shapiro.

CBS usually waits until winter to finalize a decision on a pickup for "Brother," which has been a part of the net's summer sked since 2000.
 

Grodner said Eye execs tipped them off to the pickup just before the show's finale last month. "This gives us a lot more time to plan for and work on 'Big Brother 7,' " she said. That's particularly helpful given the producers' desire to add new twists to the game each season. "Once you use an idea, you can't use it again," Shapiro said.

There's been speculation for some time that CBS, Grodner and Shapiro are mulling an all-star edition of "Big Brother" featuring cast members from previous seasons. Producers wouldn't comment but did note that constant change has been key to the show's longevity.

"There are still things we can do to surprise the audience," Grodner said.

Shapiro and Grodner exec produce "Big Brother" in association with Endemol USA."

Applications for Big Brother 7 can now be found on the CBS OFFICIAL SITE. 

Big Brother News Archive