Fans of the hit reality competition The Traitors US have expressed significant disappointment with the show's latest dramatic twist, branding it a missed opportunity after a swift and controversial payoff.
What is the Secret Traitor Twist?
The fourth season of the Peacock series, which debuted on Thursday 9 January 2026, introduced a new gameplay element borrowed from the UK version. Before the contestants even entered the iconic Scottish setting of Ardross Castle, host Alan Cumming selected one player to be the Secret Traitor in plain sight.
This role, given to Donna Kelce—mother of NFL stars Jason and Travis—operated independently from the regular Traitors. Her task was to compile a list of names for the other Traitors to choose from for their nightly murders, all while remaining unknown to them, and them to her.
A Swift and Controversial Exit
The regular Traitors, later revealed to be Real Housewives stars Lisa Rinna and Candiace Dillard Bassett, alongside Rob Rausch from Love Island USA, began their work by murdering Ian Terry from Big Brother and Rob Cesternino from Survivor.
However, the Secret Traitor plotline was cut short. At the very first round table, before the Traitors could even meet their secret ally, Donna Kelce was banished from the game. She subsequently revealed her role, leaving viewers frustrated that the twist had barely begun.
Fan Backlash on Social Media
The reaction on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) was swift and critical. Many fans felt the casting and execution of the twist was a letdown.
One Reddit user argued the move felt like a "PR stunt," stating: "She shouldn’t have been the secret traitor, if she was gonna be a traitor she should’ve been a regular one or just a faithful."
Others criticised what they saw as "nepo casting" and questioned the logic of giving such a strategic role to someone without prior game show experience. "If you’re gonna make someone a secret traitor, it’s gotta be a gamer bc they’ll know what to do with it. she didn’t," wrote one disappointed viewer.
The consensus among vocal fans is that the promising twist was squandered, failing to deliver the complex gameplay and suspense it promised.
The next episode of The Traitors US season four is scheduled for release on 15 January at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock, leaving audiences wondering if the producers have any more surprises in store.
