The second series of Celebrity Traitors has failed to live up to the hype, with only one person potentially able to save it, according to a new opinion piece. Halfway through the series, the show has left viewers underwhelmed, with the recruitment of King Kenny as a Traitor offering a glimmer of hope.
A Tough Act to Follow
The first series of the BBC show set a high bar, featuring huge personalities like Alan Carr and Jonathan Ross. Carr's one-man win as a Traitor went viral and became an iconic moment in British television history, drawing record-breaking figures for the finale last year.
More than 15 million people tuned in to watch the first episode of this year's series on October 8. However, four episodes in, the excitement has waned for some viewers.
Cast and Traitor Decisions Under Scrutiny
The line-up for the second series included many recognisable stars, with hopes high for Glasgow's Sharon Rooney and Richard E. Grant, who was selected as a Traitor. Grant's early exit may have 'doomed' the show, as he couldn't fix a mistake in his Traitor confession.
Recruiting James Acaster as a Traitor has been called one of the worst decisions so far, given his repeated statements that he doesn't want to be a Traitor and wants to help the Faithfuls. Maya Jama is doing well, with no one suspecting her, but her decisions feel predictable, and recruiting Hannah Fry as a Traitor was always likely to lead to suspicion and banishment.
Production and Personality Gaps
This year's production feels ramped up with spooky challenges, like getting contestants into underground coffins with dirt piled on top. However, the dramatics are not what keeps viewers watching; it's the contestants and chaotic moments between them.
The series feels more performative this year, with constant surprise and over-dramatic responses to Faithfuls being murdered getting repetitive. The show is lacking personality, with many comedians not exercising their skills on camera. Last year's show had viewers in stitches, but this year has produced few laughs.
King Kenny's Recruitment Offers Hope
The Traitors have finally made a decision that could revive the season: King Kenny has been recruited. The former boxer lit up with glee when Maya and James removed their cloaked hoods in the tower, and his mischievous response to his new power was everything the Traitors should be.
The cliffhanger of murdering in plain sight has spiced things up, with Kenny's antics with deadly perfume spray being the most amusing part. It's the first episode all series that has left viewers wanting to know what happens next, with hopes that Kenny can brighten up what has been a dull watch so far.
