The Traitors US is one of the most diabolical and addictive reality competition shows to ever hit our screens. Host Alan Cumming, who serves looks that are to die for, welcomed a group of players to his castle in the Scottish Highlands. And while the supply of salmon at breakfast may be low, the drama was high.
Alan secretly picked several players to be Traitors. The group, who know each other’s identity, then murder a player each night. Meanwhile, the remainder of the players, dubbed Faithfuls, banish one player each night, hoping to oust a Traitor. Along the way, the group competes in missions to add cash to the prize pot.
During the finale, if one Traitor remains in the game, they win the entire prize. However, if only Faithfuls remain, they split the cash. So far, two seasons have been won by Traitors. During Seasons 2 and 3, the Faithfuls won the day and shared the prize.
Who have been the best Traitors on The Traitors US?
Traitors is a tricky and treacherous game. So far, 18 Traitors have donned the cloak and worked in the shadows. Some of reality TV’s biggest names were selected by Alan to wreak havoc in the castle. Survivor legend “Boston Rob” Mariano was a Traitor during Season 3, while Parvati Shallow competed during Season 2. Other gamers, including Big Brother stars Danielle Reyes and Dan Gheesling, were Traitors during their seasons. However, the Big Brother alums didn’t fare as well in the turret. In fact, Alan called out Danielle as being one of the worst Traitors ever. Yikes!
Of course, being a Traitor is the toughest role in this complex game. Not only are Traitors calling the shots and deciding who to murder, but they have to make sure that they don’t attract suspicion. So, in essence, these competitors are actually playing two roles at once. And any slip-up, no matter how small, can cost a Traitor their life in the game.
Meanwhile, the round tables are usually fiery. However, when there is Traitor on Traitor violence, it often tips off the Faithfuls as to who is really in the turret. When Boston Rob led the call to banish fellow Traitor Bob the Drag Queen, Bob left some clues pointing back to Rob. Of course, Bob’s hints ultimately cost Rob the game because the Faithfuls didn’t trust him.
And trust is a necessary currency in this game. So, who is the best Traitors US Traitor of all time? Let’s look at the best players who plotted in the turret.
3. Phaedra Parks
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks entered the turret during Season 2 with the mind of an attorney and the sassy one-liners of a housewife. She infamously told Peter Weber, “This is not the Bachelor, and I don’t have to kiss your *ss for a rose.”
Meanwhile, she entered the turret with Dan Gheesling and Parvati Shallow. Somehow, Phaedra managed to fly way under the radar, and no one suspected her. She was cordial with everyone in the house and had no enemies. She even flirted with CT Tamburello, her “castle daddy.” Phaedra seemed to be having the time of her life.
However, at a round table, Dan targeted Phaedra in a bid to save himself. Of course, this RHOA peach’s quick wit and courtroom expertise saved her. Unfortunately, Dan’s comments made some Faithfuls suspicious of Phaedra.
Still, she outlasted both Parvati and Dan. And, Phaedra decided to recruit Below Deck alum and Bravo sister, Kate Chastain. Unfortunately, Phaedra was banished in Season 2 Episode 10. She played a nearly flawless game, and probably would have won if Dan hadn’t come for her at that round table. Many fans were disappointed that Phaedra didn’t win and praised her gameplay.
2. Cirie Fields
Survivor star Cirie Fields entered the castle during Season 1. For The Traitors’ first season, it was a mix of normal folks and reality stars. Cirie, who has played Survivor six times, entered the turret with Big Brother alum Cody Calafiore and Christian De La Torre. Once Cody was banished, the duo recruited Bachelor star Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Cirie played a masterful game. She was a friend to all and a protective and warm presence for the players. Yet, she was secretly strategic and made it clear that she was keeping her eyes on that cash prize. In addition, Cirie wasn’t afraid to be cut-throat.
During the finale, Cirie and Arie remained with Faithfuls Andie Vanacore and Quentin Jiles. When Cirie started to talk about who needed the money the most, Arie decided to bow out. Of course, Cirie had a close bond with Jiles and Andie, and the rookie players were stunned that Cirie was a Traitor. As the final Traitor, Cirie claimed the entire $250,000, leaving the shocked Faithfuls with nothing but severe trust issues. While Cirie may not have won Survivor (yet), she proved that she was queen of the Traitors’ castle.
1. Rob Rausch
During Season 4, Love Island USA alum Rob Rausch donned the cloak. Rob and his fellow Traitors, Real Housewives alums Candiace Dillard Bassett and Lisa Rinna, worked well together at first. They even made a pact in the turret to protect each other. However, that isn’t how this game is played, and the snake wrangler embraced his cut-throat side.
Rob, who was charming, friendly, and seemed like the hunky man next door, quickly won everyone’s trust. He spoke, but not too much, unlike Lisa and Candiace. Plus, he was an important key to winning challenges.
And when the tide turned against Lisa, he voted to banish her. Naturally, that didn’t sit well with Candiace. So, Candiace and Rob went after each other at the round table, and Candiace lost that battle. She was banished, leaving Rob to recruit singer Eric Nam.
While Rob, and his signature overalls, promised to split the cash with Eric, he had another ally in the house. Love Island star Maura Higgins felt that Eric was a Traitor. So, after a pinky promise, Rob and Maura voted Eric out at the Fire of Truth.
Still, Maura had zero doubts that her bestie Rob was a Faithful. Her stunned facial expression when Rob revealed that he was a Traitor was priceless. In the end, Rob claimed the entire prize pot, $220,800, leaving Maura with nothing. Brutal!
However, Rob later bought Maura a Birkin bag as an apology. For Rob, it was only a game. And he played it perfectly.
The Traitors is available to stream on Peacock.
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