From Skeptic to Fan: How ‘The Traitors’ Captivated Me Despite Not Knowing the Contestants

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Have you heard about The Traitors? It’s a reality game show that got me hooked on Peacock. While it started airing in 2023, I’m just diving into the drama, and wow, am I glad I finally did!

In this show, contestants gather at a castle in the Scottish Highlands. They take part in a game where deceit is the name of the game. Host Alan Cumming picks a few “traitors” to secretly eliminate contestants each week, while the rest, known as “faithfuls,” have to figure out who they are. The prize? A whopping $250,000! It’s a race to the finish, and the stakes are high.

At first, I hesitated to start watching because I didn’t recognize most of the contestants. I typically enjoy dating shows and competitions like Dancing With The Stars, but I didn’t know anyone from The Traitors. Besides recognizing Arie from The Bachelor, the cast was a mystery to me. I thought I might miss out on the fun, but I decided to give it a shot anyway.

To my surprise, it only took a couple of episodes for me to jump into the excitement. The early confusion about who was who faded away, allowing me to focus on the game. The twists and turns caught my attention, and before I knew it, I was binge-watching the first season!

I found myself glued to the screen. The strategy behind each move made me feel like I was part of a high-stakes social experiment. Alan Cumming adds flair as the host, bringing a theatrical touch that keeps things entertaining. The gorgeous castle sets made everything look like a movie, enhancing the overall experience.

The show’s missions and the players’ strategies kept me engaged. I was constantly on edge, eager to see who would outsmart whom. It’s all about reading the room and figuring out who the traitors are—what’s not to love?

Interestingly, I found that not knowing the contestants made the experience more enjoyable. I could watch the game unfold without any biases. Everyone felt equal at the start, which allowed me to understand the dynamics organically. While reality TV stars might have an edge in cunning gameplay, it was fun to see diverse personalities clash.

Having watched the first season, I appreciate why the show later leaned into using more reality stars. They brought drama and excitement to the gameplay, making it all the more riveting. I can’t wait to watch the next season weekly, and I’m officially a fan of The Traitors.