‘Big Brother’ premiere sneak peek reveals a missing Julie Chen Moonves

Julie Chen Moonves told Entertainment Weekly just days ago that she was going nowhere as the host of Big Brother anytime soon. But now… SHE’S GONE!

That’s according to a sneak peek clip just released by CBS from Thursday’s season 27 premiere episode. In the video, which can be watched above, we see an ominous digital clock straight out of a James Bond film counting down to zero, at which point this lights go out in the Big Brother house.

This leads to much screaming and protestations among the new season 27 cast members… as well as a mysterious keyhole flipping down on a desk. But when the lights come back on, something else has changed.

“Julie’s gone!” notices Mickey, leading to, yes, even more screams. Instead of the reality TV fashion plate assuming her regular spot on the Big Brother stage, all that remains is a single (fabulous) shoe where the host used to stand.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE CHENBOT?!? It seems we will have to wait until tonight’s premiere for answers to that and other questions, such as the identities of the mystery 17th houseguest, the masked visitor, and secret accomplice — and if they are even human (which is a question, incidentally, you only have to ask on a show like Big Brother.)

Of course, perhaps the bigger question is not where the Chenbot went, but rather when she might return. Chen Moonves has only ever missed one episode in 27 seasons of the show, which occurred last September when she came down with a case of Covid and was replaced for the night by Jerry O’Connell. In the meantime, we here at EW pray for her safety and that she has not succumbed to the Demogorgon in the dreaded Nether Region.

Check out the video at the top of the article for all the tomfoolery as we await answers — and, most likely, more questions — this evening. The premiere airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly‘s free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.