Critic Reviews

We’re not just getting the usual back-stabbing trio of Traitors this time around but also a fourth “Secret Traitor,” a red-cloaked phantom whose identity is shielded not only from us viewers but also, notably, the other Traitors. .... It’s a welcome shake-up for the show, adding an extra layer of gameplay and duplicity to the campy production.

The joy of this competition is that no one quite understands that there’s truly no obvious strategy to the game or immediate telltale signs of someone’s “traitor” status—at least in the first few episodes. ... The thoughtfully selected cast is obviously a huge part of the show’s winning formula.

Between Cumming’s scenery-chewing and the whole dynamic between the reality stars and the civilians make The Traitors fun to watch.

By the time you reach episode eight (which could already scoop the award for the year’s best hour of reality TV), the tension is so unbearable that you will be glad the last two episodes are there for binging. Just be prepared for the stress-inducing final episode, which is pure shout-at-the-TV brilliance.

The Traitors pits some of the most memorable (and duplicitous) personalities against each other using a formula that’s wickedly dramatic and fun.

With a top-notch host in Alan Cumming, tricky, high-level game play, and a tantalizing cross-section of reality show talent as its players – competitive Survivor styles up against Real Housewives wiles, or reality randos confronting established format schemers – Traitors is taking reality competition to stylishly outrageous new levels.

The Traitors US might be a guilty pleasure, but it’s great fun. Our advice is to forget they’re supposed to be celebrities because, well, they’re not. Just enjoy the clash of characters, savour the gameplay and embrace the madness.

This season of The Traitors offers several big changes, fortunately all for the better.

It’s Donna Kelce, aka Travis Kelce’s mom and Swift’s future in-law, who is really the captivating central figure of the (delicious and addicting-as-ever) new season’s start. .... Several times, I found myself involuntarily leaping up from my seat and cheering, like a reality-TV-obsessed Jack-in-the-box. Dare I say, this is shaping up to be the best Traitors season yet?

The format and host are solid enough to hold up against weak casting decisions (although I pray that no American politician ever arrives to impose partisanship on one of the few nice things we still have). I just hope that by the time Season 3 rolls around, the producers realize how much better the show could be if it looked beyond overexposed personalities from inferior reality series past.