The Traitors is back! NBC’s reality competition series has been a smash hit since its debut back in 2022. It’s a game involving ‘murder’ (not actually), deception and strategy. What starts as a simple whodunnit can evolve into a season-long chess match. With that being said, how does The Traitors actually work? Let’s break down everything you need to know about the game prior to Thursday’s season premiere of The Traitors: New Blood.
Make sure to check out our Traitors rankings ahead of this week’s season premiere!
Understanding the rules of The Traitors
The Traitors takes place at a massive Scottish castle, hosted by actor Alan Cumming. Contestants on the show are split into two groups. There are the Traitors, a group of players tasked with murdering someone every night. During the very first episode, Cumming usually selects exactly three people to serve this role, secretly tapping on their shoulder while everyone is blindfolded. These players need to stay undetected, even if it means drawing attention to their fellow Traitors.
The other group is known as the Faithfuls. Their job is to root out any Traitors, which is done each episode at the Round Table. Following a discussion amongst the players, Faithful and Traitor alike each cast a vote for who they suspect of being guilty. Due to the limited amount of Traitors, that often means innocent players are banished (a.k.a. eliminated). Before leaving the castle, players tell the remaining cast whether they are a Faithful or a Traitor.
After every banishment, the Traitors are awoken during the middle of the night to meet in the turret. There, they can debate amongst themselves on which player to murder. In some cases, especially when their numbers are less than three, the remaining Traitors can even attempt to recruit a Faithful to their side. Anyone that is chosen will be awoken to a written “death warrant” informing them that they have been selected for murder. At breakfast later that morning, Cumming will reveal who has exited the game to the remaining contestants.
Prize money is an aspect of The Traitors that differs from most other reality competition programs. The total amount of money up for grabs can rise every week. How all players perform on challenges, also known as Missions, determines how much cash is added to the total payout.
Who wins The Traitors?
As previously mentioned, the Traitors need to stay undetected throughout the rest of the game. If any of them happen to reach the end of the season without being banished, they win the total prize. This money can be shared by multiple people. If any Traitor hasn’t been eliminated by the end of the game, the Faithfuls cannot win.
However, if all Traitors in the game are banished, the remaining Faithfuls left will take home the prize money. During the finale, the players left in the castle have the option to end the game or to consider sending home another player. Ultimately, it comes down to how much trust is formed between contestants.
The Traitors FAQ
Who wins The Traitors?
The winner of The Traitors can be either a Faithful or a Traitor. If one or more Traitors reach the end of the game without being detected, they will split the prize money. If all Traitors are banished from the game, every remaining Faithful wins the game.
Where can I watch The Traitors?
The Traitors airs live on NBC. The episodes are also available to stream on Peacock.
Who hosts The Traitors?
Actor and filmmaker Alan Cumming hosts The Traitors, a role he’s held since the show’s first season in 2022
