The Traitors UK is spicing things up for its fourth season! The series, which airs on BBC One, added a new “Secret Traitor” twist this year that has American fans raving. Last year during the The Traitors US Season 3 run, viewers began to wonder if concealing the identity of the Traitors would enhance the program. Reddit threads advocating for mystery Traitors began to pop up with many fans suggesting that the format change was needed. The UK version appeared to take note of this fan suggestion by adding a version of it to the game. Curious to know how it works? We have you covered. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the twist to The Traitors UK Season 4?
In the Season 4 premiere of The Traitors UK, host Claudia Winkleman selected her Traitors in the usual way. She sauntered around the table full of blindfolded, eager contestants hoping to be selected for the coveted role of Traitor. She tapped three players, thereby granting them access to the exclusive Traitors’ Turret, where they will decide the fate of their fellow players. It was business as usual until Claudia revealed that this year, the Traitors’ power will be limited. A Secret Traitor has also been chosen. The identity of that player will remain anonymous to both the Traitors and the audience. The Secret Traitor will draw up a murder shortlist, and the Traitors must choose one of those names to murder. Oooooh! I love it.
The twist seems like a way for the show to test out the fan suggestion without diving headfirst. If viewers love the mystery element of the game, the series may decide to conceal all three of the Traitors identities in the future. If it proves to not be as entertaining as fans hoped, they can rid it from the game. The mystery element is intriguing, but it also takes considerable power away from the Traitors. It’s hard to say if it will enhance or hinder the strategy of the game.
Will there be a secret Traitor in The Traitors US Season 4?
It is unknown if Season 4 of The Traitors US will include a Secret Traitor. We’ll have to wait until the first episode drops on Thursday, January 8 at 9 p.m. ET to know for sure. However, I think it is likely the US version may follow the UK’s lead and include the twist. I suspect fans may be satisfied with this stepping stone towards Mystery Traitors. While the idea of sussing out the Traitors alongside the Faithfuls seems enticing, it may be better in theory than practice. Secret Traitors means no heated conversations in the Turret, and no confessionals in which the Traitors walk you through their strategic moves. The twist feels like a compromise between fans advocating for Secret Traitors and those who want the format to remain the same.
How would Mystery Traitors work in the US Version?
If the US series does decide to go the route of Secret Traitors, I think there are other elements of the game that need to change. It will not be enjoyable for fans if it’s practically impossible to uncover the identities of the Traitors. The series should implement some hints or clues into the game that would help fans solve the mystery at home. Additionally, it may be helpful to make the game more interactive. Since viewers are solving the mystery alongside players, perhaps they should have a say in who is banished at the roundtables.
This may be why the show is hesitant to make the complete switch to Secret Traitors. It would likely mean upending other aspects of the show to make it a worthy watch for fans. Those changes mean more work behind-the-scenes, which may explain the reluctance. Either way, I am looking forward to the new season, whether it comes with a mystery twist or not.
The Traitors is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK THE TRAITORS US SHOULD FOLLOW IN THE TRAITORS UK’S LEAD AND ADD A SECRET TRAITOR TO THE GAME? DO YOU THINK MYSTERY TRAITORS WOULD IMPROVE THE GAME
