The inaugural series of Celebrity Traitors on the BBC has concluded, leaving a legion of dedicated fans across the UK feeling utterly bereft. The show, presented by Claudia Winkleman, reached its dramatic climax on Thursday, crowning comedian Alan Carr as its first celebrity winner.
The End of a Deceptive Era
Since its initial launch in 2022, The Traitors has cemented itself as a television phenomenon. The format, described as the ultimate game of trust and treachery, typically pits 22 contestants against each other. Their mission is to uncover the hidden 'Traitors' among the 'Faithful' players, all while competing for a hefty £120,000 prize fund.
The celebrity edition, which premiered last month, featured a star-studded lineup including singer Charlotte Church, broadcaster Kate Garraway, and presenter Clare Balding. The explosive finale saw Alan Carr, 49, successfully navigate the web of lies and betrayal to claim the victory.
Six Shows to Cure Your Traitors Withdrawal
For those already missing the high-stakes deception, fear not. A host of other reality programmes are ready to step in, each packed with their own unique brand of backstabbing and betrayal.
International Traitors Fix
If the core premise is what you crave, look no further than the international versions. The Traitors US, hosted by Alan Cumming, premiered in 2023 and has already produced 35 episodes across three seasons, available on Peacock. Similarly, The Traitors Australia has enjoyed two successful series since its 2022 debut on Network 10, hosted by Rodger Corser and Gretel Killeen. Both follow the British blueprint closely and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Netflix's Deceptive Delights
Netflix offers several compelling alternatives. The Trust: A Game Of Greed landed in January 2024, hosted by Brooke Baldwin. Eleven strangers must decide whether to share a $250,000 prize pot or selfishly eliminate each other to take more.
Surviving Paradise, presented by Jessimae Peluso, arrived in October 2023. Twelve contestants, expecting a luxury villa, are instead stranded and must forge alliances through challenges to win $100,000.
For a higher-stakes, dystopian twist, Squid Game: The Challenge pits 456 players against each other for a life-changing $4.56 million. Based on the hit Korean drama, the show features gruelling challenges that test physical and mental limits.
Another classic reboot, The Mole, challenges players to work together while identifying the secret saboteur undermining their missions. After originally airing from 2001-2008, it was revived by Netflix in 2022.
A Social Media Lie-Fest
Finally, there's The Circle, which first aired on Channel 4 in 2018. Players communicate solely through a custom social media platform, choosing to be themselves or a complete catfish, as they compete for a cash prize based on popularity. It's available to watch on 4oD and Netflix.
