The Traitors Season 4: A Reality TV Bloodbath That’s Breaking the Internet

Move over, Succession—there’s a new cutthroat competition taking over our screens, and it’s serving drama hotter than a Scottish summer. Peacock’s The Traitors is back for season 4, and if you thought the previous seasons were wild, buckle up buttercup, because this one’s got more twists than a pretzel factory.

The Premise: Murder, Mayhem, and Million-Dollar Prizes

Hosted by the incomparable Alan Cumming (seriously, is there anything this man can’t do?), The Traitors pits a group of reality TV veterans against each other in a psychological warfare game that would make Machiavelli blush. The setup is deliciously simple: some players are “faithfuls” trying to identify the “traitors” among them, while the traitors work to eliminate the faithfuls one by one. The last person standing wins a cash prize that could make even Scrooge McDuck jealous.

This season, the battleground is a castle in the Scottish Highlands, which is just fancy talk for “expect lots of moody fog and dramatic cloak-wearing.” The contestants? A who’s who of reality TV royalty, including Lisa Rinna (still serving looks from RHOBH), Natalie Anderson (the Survivor queen who probably has a hidden immunity idol up her sleeve), and Rob Rausch (who’s hopefully brought his Love Island charm to navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal).

The Cast: A Reality TV All-Star Team

Let’s break down this star-studded lineup that’s got Twitter in a chokehold:

• Rob Cesternino (Survivor): The guy who probably has a strategy for every possible scenario, including alien invasions.
• Natalie Anderson (Survivor): Two words: Challenge. Beast.
• Yam Yam Arocho (Survivor): The fan favorite who’s either going to win hearts or get blindsided—there’s no in-between.
• Rob Rausch (Love Island USA): Hopefully bringing the villa vibes to the Highlands.
• Maura Higgins (Love Island UK Aftersun): Ready to call out BS with her signature Irish wit.
• Ian Terry (Big Brother): The engineering genius who’s probably calculated the exact probability of everyone’s betrayal.
• Tiffany Mitchell (Big Brother): Fierce competitor with a social game sharper than a Highland claymore.
• Dorinda Medley (RHONY): “Clip!”—expect this to become the season’s catchphrase.
• Lisa Rinna (RHOBH): Serving looks, drama, and possibly a soap opera-level plot twist.
• Candiace Dillard Bassett (RHOP): Ready to read everyone for filth.
• Caroline Stanbury (RHODubai): The British import bringing posh drama.
• Porsha Williams (RHOA): Expecting some “I’m not gonna let you finish!” moments.
• Tara Lipinski & Johnny Weir (Olympic figure skaters): The dynamic duo who might just skate their way to victory.
• Kristen Kish (Top Chef): Probably has a secret recipe for detecting traitors.
• Monét X Change (RuPaul’s Drag Race): Serving strategy with a side of sickening realness.
• Donna Kelce (“Mama” Kelce): The NFL mom who’s about to show these reality stars how it’s done.
• Colton Underwood (The Bachelor): Hopefully not bringing any fence-jumping drama.
• Mark Ballas (Dancing with the Stars): Ready to waltz his way through the mind games.
• Eric Nam (singer-songwriter): The K-pop star who might just serenade his way to the top.
• Ron Funches (comedian): The comic relief we all need during the intense betrayals.
• Michael Rapaport (actor): Ready to stir the pot with his signature intensity.
• Stephen Colletti (One Tree Hill): The heartthrob who might just break some hearts in the game.

When and Where to Watch

New episodes drop every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Peacock, with the finale and reunion special airing on February 26. Here’s the release schedule for the remaining episodes:

• Episode 7, “The Black Banquet”: January 29
• Episode 8: February 5
• Episode 9: February 12
• Episode 10: February 19
• Season 4 finale and reunion special: February 26

Peacock Plans: Choose Your Betrayal Budget

Want to watch the drama unfold? You’ll need a Peacock subscription. Here are your options:

• Peacock Premium: $11 per month (ad-supported)
• Peacock Premium Plus: $17 per month (mostly ad-free, but still has ads for live sports, events, and some shows)

There’s also a $8-per-month “Select” plan, but it doesn’t include The Traitors or other Peacock originals. Choose wisely—this is more important than choosing your allies in the game.

The Future of The Traitors

Good news for fans of the show: Peacock renewed The Traitors for seasons 4 and 5 in 2024. Even better news? There’s a civilian version coming to NBC, also hosted by Alan Cumming. Applications are open through March 10, so if you’ve ever wanted to wear a cloak and scheme your way to victory, now’s your chance.

The Buzz: Why Everyone’s Talking About The Traitors

Social media is absolutely losing it over this season. From memes about Lisa Rinna’s facial expressions to conspiracy theories about who the traitors really are, The Traitors has become the water cooler show of the digital age. The combination of familiar faces, high-stakes drama, and that irresistible “who can I trust?” tension has created the perfect storm of must-watch TV.

The show’s success also speaks to our collective fascination with deception and strategy. In a world where reality often feels more absurd than fiction, The Traitors offers a controlled environment where betrayal is not only expected but celebrated (as long as you’re good at it).

What the Critics Are Saying

Critics are loving the season’s blend of camp and cunning. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a deliciously wicked game of Clue meets Big Brother,” while Variety praised Alan Cumming’s hosting as “equal parts charming and chilling.” The show’s production values have also been highlighted, with the Scottish castle setting providing a gothic backdrop that elevates the whole experience from mere reality TV to something approaching prestige television.

The Cultural Impact

The Traitors isn’t just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s sparked discussions about strategy, trust, and the nature of reality TV itself. The show has also become a masterclass in casting, bringing together personalities from different reality TV universes and watching the magic (and mayhem) unfold.

The series has also reignited interest in the original Dutch format, proving once again that sometimes the best ideas come from across the pond. It’s a testament to the universal appeal of a good old-fashioned game of deception.

Final Thoughts

As we head into the final episodes of season 4, one thing is clear: The Traitors has cemented its place as must-watch TV. Whether you’re a reality TV aficionado or just someone who enjoys watching people scheme in fancy cloaks, this show delivers on every level.

So grab your popcorn, maybe a cloak if you’re feeling extra, and prepare for the most entertaining betrayal-fest on television. Just remember: in the world of The Traitors, trust no one, suspect everyone, and always have an alibi ready.

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