Former “Big Brother” contestant Dick Donato, known to many as “Evel Dick,” has publicly criticized CBS and Paramount for their decision to remove flashback segments from the show’s online offerings.
During a recent interview, Donato shared his frustration, remarking, “I think it’s a terrible move. The flashbacks were a great tool for fans to catch up on episodes they might have missed, or to relive their favorite moments from the season.”
The removal of these flashback features is part of a broader initiative by CBS and Paramount to refine their digital content. This change, however, has drawn criticism from numerous fans and past participants who feel it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the show.
Donato, the victor of the show’s eighth season, expressed particular dismay as he believes the flashbacks served to highlight his strategic play and the notable moments during his season.
“It’s a disservice to both fans and contestants who invest so much in the game,” he commented. “These flashback sequences provided a window into the dynamics inside the house and illustrated the rationale behind certain decisions.”
Though disappointed, Donato remains an enthusiast of the series and is optimistic that the networks might reverse their decision.
“I get that there’s an intention to simplify, but I think this is a misstep,” he explained. “I’m hopeful that they will heed the feedback from their audience and reinstate the flashbacks.”
In the meantime, Donato urges fans to keep supporting “Big Brother” and engage with the community surrounding it.
“The program continues to be entertaining, with several ways to connect with fellow fans,” he noted. “I just hope CBS and Paramount recognize the worth in flashbacks and reintroduce them in upcoming seasons.”
