Bros Be Blocksfore: The Best and Worst Bromances in Big Brother History

Bromances

One of the most underrated parts of Big Brother isn’t just the alliances, blindsides, or endurance comps—it’s the bromances. These goofy, sometimes messy, game-breaking duos have given fans some of the most memorable moments in the show’s history. But not all BB bromances are created equal. Some are built on loyalty and genuine friendship, while others crash and burn in betrayal, backstabbing, or just plain bad strategy. From legendary duos like Chilltown to short-lived partnerships like FOUTTE’s failed friendships, here’s a look at the best and worst bro bonds to ever grace the house.

Let’s start with the gold standard: Dr. Will and Mike “Boogie†Malin, better known as Chilltown. Their chaotic energy during Big Brother 2 and All-Stars set the tone for every bro-alliance that followed. Will was the smooth-talking mastermind, and Boogie was his equally confident sidekick. Together, they created one of the most entertaining and effective duos in BB history, charming and manipulating the house with humor and swagger. Their legendary “phone calls†to the camera still hold up as some of the funniest moments in the show’s early years. Unfortunately, their friendship didn’t survive outside the house—Boogie’s later legal troubles and public falling out with Will officially ended the Chilltown legacy. Still, when it comes to Big Brother bromances, they’re the blueprint.

Cody Calafiore and Derrick Levasseur

On the more wholesome side, Cody Calafiore and Derrick Levasseur from Big Brother 16 are often hailed as one of the most successful partnerships ever. “The Hitmen†quietly ran the season with military precision. While other duos relied on chaos or comedy, Cody and Derrick kept things loyal, logical, and strategic. Their friendship was so solid that even though Derrick arguably used Cody as his number two, Cody never betrayed him. Their Final 2 deal held strong all season long, proving that sometimes, loyalty really can pay off in the Big Brother house. Fans still talk about how rare it is for a pair to make it all the way to the end without stabbing each other in the back.

Then there’s the bromance that blurred all the lines: Frankie Grande and Zach Rance from Big Brother 16. Dubbed “Zankie†by fans, their affectionate friendship became one of the most talked-about dynamics of the season. They cuddled, joked about marriage, and even declared their love for each other in front of the house. While some thought it was part of Frankie’s social game, their bond turned out to be genuine—and surprisingly intimate. In later interviews, both confirmed they had a post-show hookup, something Zach described in a 2020 podcast as “exploring†and “a real connection.†Frankie has since said they remain friends, but that their bond was unique, blending showmance energy with authentic affection. Love it or not, Zankie broke Big Brother’s typical bro mold and became a fandom legend.

Tyler Crispen and Brett Robinson

On the flip side, there’s Tyler Crispen and Brett Robinson from Big Brother 20—a bromance that could’ve been iconic but ended up being more meme than masterpiece. Their shared sense of humor and alliance connections made them fun to watch, but Brett’s tendency to blow up the game with dramatic speeches and Tyler’s tighter loyalty to Level 6 meant their partnership never fully bloomed. Fans loved their banter and bro energy, but strategy-wise, it was more bark than bite. They had potential to dominate, but Tyler ultimately had his own priorities, proving that in Big Brother, even the best bromances are expendable.

And then, of course, there are the disasters. Paul Abrahamian and Victor Arroyo (Big Brother 18) started as close allies, but Paul’s game-first attitude quickly overshadowed their friendship. By the time Paul was manipulating his way to the end, Victor was long gone—another casualty of loyalty in a house where trust rarely survives eviction night.

Similarly, Fessy and Brett from Big Brother 20 never even made it to full bromance status, but their awkward attempts at friendship amid chaos were a reminder that sometimes, opposites do not attract in the BB house.

There are scores of others: Brett Robinson and Winston Hines, Derek Xiao znd Travis Long, Dan Gheesling and Memphis Garrett, Fessy Shafaat and JC Mondoux, Jag Bains and Matt Klotz… the list goes on and on.

In the end

In the end, the best Big Brother bromances aren’t just about lifting weights or cracking jokes—they’re about balancing loyalty, trust, and strategy in a game built on deceit. Some duos, like Chilltown and The Hitmen, mastered that dance. Others tripped over their own egos. But love them or hate them, the bros of Big Brother have given fans some of the most iconic relationships in reality TV—proof that even in a house built on lies, a little bromance can go a long way.