The Traitors’ unique blend of deception and strategy has captivated audiences, with iconic figures from reality TV franchises coming together to play the game of a lifetime.
The Traitors: A Recipe for Success
The Traitors has become a reality TV powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique blend of deception and strategy. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the show brings together iconic figures from reality TV franchises like Real Housewives, Survivor, The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Big Brother, and even pulls in a player from the British monarchy.
A traitor is an individual who betrays trust, loyalty, or allegiance to a person, group, organization, or country.
This can involve acts of espionage, sabotage, or other forms of disloyalty.
Historically, traitors have been punished severely, with examples including hanging, drawing, and quartering in medieval Europe.
In modern times, the concept of treason has evolved, and laws vary by jurisdiction.
The Key to Success: A Perfect Blend of Fame and Strategy
Former stars agree that money is not the primary motivator for most players. Instead, it’s about being part of an iconic moment in time, this phenomenon. As Parvati Shallow says, ‘We wanted to play The Traitors to be part of this iconic moment in time, this phenomenon.‘ This sentiment is echoed by other former stars, who see the show as a chance to reignite their flames and connect with fans.
The Power of Nostalgia
Shallow believes that the alternate universe created for reality stars cannot be beaten in setting and nostalgia. The show hasn’t just been a collision of fandoms but also of reality TV pioneers, like former Real World stars who helped define the very format of throwing strangers into a house to see what happens.
A Formula for Success: Boosting Star Power
The Traitors has leveraged a roster of some of the most brazen reality TV personalities, with season one garnering an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program, season two becoming Peacock‘s most-watched reality show, and season three beating that record. Season 3 saw the largest number of faithfuls ever win, including Dylan Efron, Gabby Windey, Dolores Catania, and British aristocrat Ivar Mountbatten.
The Importance of Strategy
Whitfield notes that stars from reality TV competitions ‘came to play‘ and played the game well. However, she also warns that drawing attention to oneself too early often leads to an early death or banishment. This lesson is one that future Housewives will catch on to, according to Whitfield.
A Platform for Overlooked Contestants
Bergessen hopes that The Traitors offers a platform for contestants who were overlooked on previous shows. He recalls feeling out of place during Love Island USA season five but entirely at home on The Traitors.
The Future of The Traitors
While the show’s success relies heavily on star power from reality TV staples and celebrity-adjacent figures, Bergessen believes that Peacock could also do a civilian cast. Perhaps a future season needs former Bachelors and Bachelorettes in the turret to bring some flirtation with the nightly murders.
A Recipe for Success
Ultimately, The Traitors’ success can be attributed to its ability to balance fame and strategy. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But then again, the best traitors always think a few hits ahead.
- observer.com | What’s Next for ‘The Traitors’?
