A Have is a houseguest that enjoys the standard living conditions inside the Big Brother House. This includes sleeping in one of the main bedrooms rather than a Have-Not room, eating a regular variety of foods from the house supply or from groceries won by the house, and having access to warm showers. This role exists in direct contrast to the Have-Not, where restrictions and penalties are enforced as part of the weekly twist.
The Have and Have-Not system was introduced in Big Brother 11 (US) in the United States and became a recurring element in the series. Initially, the status was determined through dedicated weekly competitions known as the Have/Have-Not Competition, where houseguests would compete either individually, in pairs, or as teams to secure the Have status. From Big Brother 16 (US) onward, these competitions were phased out in the American version, with the Head of Household instead responsible for selecting which players would be Have-Nots for the week. This method placed additional social pressure on the HOH’s nominations and alliances, since punishing houseguests with Have-Not conditions could strain relationships or create conflict inside the house.
In Big Brother Canada, the Have/Have-Not system has been used since the show’s first season and continues to appear in various formats. Canadian seasons tend to include elaborate Have-Not rooms designed around humorous or uncomfortable themes, further emphasizing the privilege of being a Have. Some international versions of the franchise have incorporated similar systems, though the United States and Canada popularized the terminology of “Haves” and “Have-Nots.”
While being a Have does not directly affect competitions or nominations, it significantly impacts their comfort within the game. Houseguests who consistently find themselves in Have status often maintain better physical energy and mental clarity, but those who live in Have-Not conditions may struggle with fatigue. Being a Have does bring an important advantage in the social and strategic aspects of the game.
Trivia[]
- The first season to feature Have and Have-Nots was Big Brother 11 (US).