The Traitors: Behind-the-scenes truths that will shock you

Peacock’s The Traitors might look simple on the surface, but there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than most fans realize. The show brings together reality stars from shows like Survivor, Big Brother, and Real Housewives, who compete in a mafia-style game for a grand prize of up to $250,000. The format is based on the Dutch series De Verraders. It first aired in 2023 and has since undergone several changes. Marc Pos, the creator of the show, originally wanted to film it on a ship in Australia. However, this plan was dropped because it was too hard to produce. In the American version, actor Alan Cumming is the host. He follows strict rules while filming to keep the game fair and exciting for the contestants and viewers.

The Traitors host’s role

Alan Cumming’s role as host is not as simple as it seems. He can’t interfere too much in the game, nor can he influence the players or the audience. Marc Pos explains that Alan has to balance being both friendly and intimidating. He needs to be a figure the contestants can trust, but they should also fear him in a way. The game is about deception, and Alan’s presence adds a layer of tension. It’s clear that the host is an essential part of what makes the show engaging, yet the true rules of the game are kept hidden. Many behind-the-scenes secrets have been revealed by contestants and crew members. These little-known facts add an exciting layer of mystery to the show.

What contestants know

When the contestants arrive in Scotland, they have no idea who else is in the game. Casting director Deena Katz shared that players don’t know who they’re competing with until they get there. This is to stop any alliances from forming before the game begins. In season 2, Sandra Diaz-Twine explained that the contestants are later shown pictures and info about the other players. This helps them figure out who might be a Traitor. The Traitors are the players who secretly try to eliminate the others, while the Faithfuls try to protect themselves and win the game. Contestants are often left guessing who they can trust, which adds a layer of uncertainty to the game.

The personality test

Before being cast on The Traitors, all contestants have to take a personality test with 600 questions. Mercedes “MJ” Javid, a season 2 contestant, revealed this during a podcast. The test helps the producers understand who might be good at lying or being sneaky. Executive producer Mike Cotton shared that the producers don’t know who the Traitors are until the final selection process. Alan Cumming himself selects the Traitors after the contestants explain why they want to be in that role. The selection is a key moment in the game because it determines the fate of the players.

The Faithful vs. The Traitors

In season 1, contestants didn’t know how many Traitors there would be. Cirie Fields, a contestant from that season, explained that players could only guess the number, which ranged from three to five. The uncertainty kept the game exciting and unpredictable. But in season 2, the contestants were allowed to request to be a Traitor. This change made the game even more dynamic. The Faithfuls and Traitors must constantly work to outsmart each other, and the tension is real. Players are not just fighting for the prize money, but also for the thrill of survival in a high-stakes game of deception.

Drink restrictions

The drinks shown on screen are not as freely flowing as they appear. Ekin-Su Cülcülo?lu from season 2 explained that contestants are only allowed one drink per night. While the show makes it look like there’s a party atmosphere, the reality is different. Players are carefully monitored, and their alcohol consumption is limited. This ensures that everyone is sober and alert during the critical moments of the game, especially at the roundtable discussions. These restrictions may seem minor, but they play a big part in maintaining the integrity of the game.

The Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Before filming begins, all contestants are required to sign a strict non-disclosure agreement (NDA). This ensures that the contestants keep their role as a Traitor secret. Even if they are suspicious of someone else, they have to pretend to be a Faithful. This adds a layer of strategy because the Traitors must deceive the other players without giving away their true intentions. The pressure to maintain this secrecy is constant, making every interaction more intense. The contestants must navigate the game with a combination of strategy, wit, and careful deception.

The Traitors Filming schedule

The filming schedule for The Traitors is grueling. Arie Luyendyk, a season 1 contestant, shared that the crew often works long hours. Most players only get six hours of sleep each night. The filming days can stretch from 8 AM to 2 AM, depending on what’s happening in the game. The long hours make the game even more mentally and physically exhausting. Contestants have to stay sharp throughout the entire process, knowing that any slip-up could reveal their true intentions. The pressure is immense, and it’s one of the reasons why the show is so captivating to watch.

Life at the castle

Despite being filmed at the stunning Ardross Castle in Scotland, the contestants don’t stay there. Alan Cumming revealed that the players stay in a nearby hotel instead. The castle, while beautiful, isn’t as glamorous as it looks. It’s mostly used for filming the various challenges and roundtable discussions. Alan himself has a private changing room, where he sometimes takes naps between scenes. The contestants are kept away from the main filming area to prevent them from accidentally revealing any spoilers or strategies. The setting may seem luxurious, but the reality is that the players don’t experience that luxury firsthand.

New spaces for contestants

After the success of the first season, the producers added more spaces for the contestants. These additions make the filming more dynamic and interesting. Contestants now have access to a kitchen, outdoor terrace, and other rooms like the library and billiards room. The changes make the environment feel less confined, allowing players more opportunities to strategize and plot. The scullery and the “folley” are new spaces where contestants can have private conversations. These additions enhance the experience for both the contestants and the viewers, making the show even more immersive.

Cold conditions

Filming in Scotland means dealing with cold weather. Several contestants, including Cody Calafiore from season 1, mentioned how chilly the castle could get. The cold temperatures added another layer of difficulty to the already intense competition. Contestants often had to endure uncomfortable conditions during their time on the show. Some joked that the heating didn’t always work, making the atmosphere even more challenging. The cold became a part of the experience, making the players’ endurance even more impressive.

Restrictions on self-promotion

Although many contestants are well-known from other reality shows, they’re not allowed to promote their brands on The Traitors. Shereé Whitfield from season 2 explained that she was told not to wear clothes from her own clothing line during filming. This rule prevents the show from turning into a marketing platform and keeps the focus on the game. Contestants must check their egos at the door and focus entirely on the competition. The strict rules ensure that the show remains true to its format and that the drama stays authentic.

Welfare and support

Peacock takes the welfare of the contestants seriously. MJ from season 2 said that the welfare team was always there to support the players when they needed it. The team checked in regularly to make sure everyone was okay, both physically and mentally. Ekin-Su also mentioned how helpful the welfare team was during tough moments. Contestants are under a lot of pressure, and the team’s support helps them cope with the emotional strain of the game. Having this support system ensures that players are safe and can focus on the challenges ahead.

Strict security measures

Security is a top priority on The Traitors. Kate Chastain, a season 2 contestant, explained how strict the security was. Players were constantly watched by security guards, and they were kept in their rooms to prevent any spoilers. The security measures made it hard for players to communicate freely with the outside world. This added another layer of tension and isolation, making the game even more intense. Players had to rely solely on their wits to survive, with no outside help or distractions.

The Traitors’ pettiest scandals

Behind the scenes, there were some intense feuds that didn’t make it onto the show. Arie Luyendyk revealed that the roundtable discussions were much more emotional in real life. Some of the drama was so intense that it couldn’t be aired. Contestants were caught up in their emotions, and tensions ran high. The feuds and betrayals made the atmosphere even more charged, adding to the excitement for the viewers. The drama was real, and it often spilled over in ways that couldn’t be fully captured on screen.

Couples on the show

In season 2, Larsa Pippen and Marcus Jordan were the first couple to compete together. However, they were not treated as a team. They had to sleep in separate rooms and couldn’t communicate with each other. Larsa admitted to sending Marcus a secret message, writing “I love you” on a banana. This romantic gesture added a personal touch to the game and made it even more compelling. Couples in the game face unique challenges, and their relationship adds an extra layer of complexity to the competition.

Glamour on The Traitors’ set

Unlike other reality shows, The Traitors doesn’t have a glam squad to style the contestants. Chrishell Stause from Selling Sunset mentioned that she would have loved to have a glam team while filming. However, this wasn’t allowed. The contestants had to do their own hair and makeup, which made the filming days even more exhausting. The long hours and lack of glam sessions added to the gritty, real atmosphere of the show. The contestants had to rely on their natural looks and personalities to make an impression.