“Big Brother” returned to CBS with its largest audience in five years on Thursday.

The Season 28 premiere hit an average of 3.9 million viewers, the series’ largest opening audience since Season 23 in July of 2021, which reached 4.3 million viewers. Measured by Nielsen, that total also represents a 22% increase from the Season 27 premiere, which hit just under 3.2 million viewers last year. The success of the premiere bodes well for the season as a whole: The tally was also up 21% compared to the 3.2 million Thursday night average of Season 27.

CBS, citing Social Content Ratings, also reports that Season 28 achieved 8.1 million views, up 32,449% from last year, and 866,000 interactions, up 48% — the most engagement and views on social media the show has seen since 2020.

In the Season 28 premiere, “Big Brother” introduced a twist called the “Time Trip,” bringing previously unannounced reality stars into the competition alongside the original set of houseguests. The new additions included Angela Murray (“Big Brother” Season 26), Rick Devens (“Survivor” Seasons 38 and 50), Rachel Reilly (“Big Brother” Seasons 12, 13 and 27). Reilly was eliminated during the episode, and was replaced by Dee Valladares (“Survivor” Seasons 45 and 50).

“Big Brother” is hosted by Julie Chen Moonves and airs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Aftershow “Big Brother: Unlocked” debuted the day after the Season 28 premiere and will air five more episodes throughout the season.

John de Mol created the series, which is produced by Fly On The Wall Entertainment in association with Endemol Shine North America, with Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan serving as executive producers.