The new year means a new season of The Traitors (US) and from what we have seen so far, this season is one of the juiciest yet. If you are not already watching, hop on the bandwagon and get ready to be way-too invested every Thursday night until the finale on February 26th.
The Traitors places reality tv stars in a murder mystery game set in a scenic Scottish castle, hosted by the fabulous Alan Cummings. Contestants complete challenges to earn money to add to the winner’s pot and try to vote out the traitors among them who kill an innocent faithful each night. The game is full of suspense, drama, and ridiculous challenges that will make you laugh and gasp at every twist and turn.
This season, the crazy outfits and drama are heightened by the casting and production decisions. For the first time in series history, none of the traitors have a background in strategic gaming reality shows, such as Survivor or Big Brother, so we are seeing very reactive and explosive personalities work together to pit the faithfuls against each other: Rob Rausch (Love Island USA), Candiace Bassett (Real Housewives of Potomac), and Lisa Rinna (Real Housewives of Beverely Hills).
Michael Rapaport (actor), Ron Funches (comedian), and Colton Underwood (The Bachelor) have been big personalities this season, throwing out loud accusations about who the traitors could be. It is entertaining to see each week who will take control of the vote and who will just start yelling to defend themselves. Then it is also easy to enjoy watching the quieter players fly under the radar, like figure skaters Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski as they persevere through the challenges.
There was also an introduction of the secret traitor, where the audience also does not know their identity. While some viewers argue the creation of the secret traitor was a poor production choice, it does create even more suspense at the round table. As a viewer, you have no idea what is going to happen next.
Currently, half of the 12-episode season is out, with new episodes coming out on Peacock every Thursday at 9pm EST. Looking forward to the seventh episode, there will be a banquet full of drama between contestants as the divided traitors attempt to murder a faithful in plain sight. Alan Cumming said in an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show that it features “the best moment in Traitors tv history” and described the contestants as acting even more outlandish than normal as a result. Tune into this ridiculous season to get swept away in the chaos and find yourself rooting for a new person each night.