A San Antonio carpenter is among the housemates trying to win America’s heart during the newest season of CBS’s reality juggernaut Big Brother. The network unveiled the cast via a news release, introducing the world to Adrian Rocha and a ragtag crew that includes a bull rider, an aura painter, and a McKinney “dungeon master.”
Rocha is only the sixth San Antonio competitor to appear on the show during its remarkable 25-year run. No local cast member has won the series, although Jennifer “Nakomis” Dedmon, then a restaurant host, made it to the No. 4 spot in season five.
For those who wisely do not get caught up in parasocial relationships with random TV personalities, Big Brother locks regular folks from across the country in a house for three months. While slowly descending into madness, the cast competes in various challenges while being constantly surveilled by dozens of cameras.
The house guests are seemingly chosen for their ability to annoy, connive, or otherwise cause drama in the communal living arrangement. Ava Pearl, the aura painter, wears a floppy Blossom-inspired hat in her headshot. Vince Panaro, an unemployed Californian, appears to be a Portlandia extra — waxed moustache and all.
This year, they will be joined by a mystery player in the Hotel Mystère, which includes hidden passageways, giant chess pieces, an attic full of oddities, a Victorian-style conservatory, and a wine cellar that, unfortunately, does not include actual wine. The shadowy guest is set to move in during the premiere. Maybe it’s JoJo Siwa?
In the preshow interviews, Rocha was confident he had what it takes to outlast the other competitors.
“This game is known for three things: the social, the strategical, and the physical,” he shared before detailing his practice regimen.
Rocha said his weaknesses include being brutally honest and caring about people.
“I know one of the rules is to play logically and not emotionally, but I really care about the people I meet,” he revealed before furrowing his remarkable eyebrows.
Whether his earnest nature will prevent him from stabbing his fellow competitors in the back is yet to be seen. Fans can follow along starting at 7 pm Thursday, July 10, on CBS. The show will also stream on Paramount+.