“The Traitors” has built its reputation on paranoia, secrecy, and social strategy — and the same themes reportedly apply behind the scenes. Contestants filming the Peacock competition series in Scotland follow a detailed set of restrictions designed to prevent spoilers, limit outside influence, and protect the identities of the Traitors. Sources say the rules begin before filming starts and remain in place long after the last roundtable vote.
‘The Traitors’ Enforces Zero-Tolerance Rule Breaking
Contestants are expected to follow strict rules throughout filming, and sources told The U.S. Sun that production does not give second chances for major violations. One insider said the set operates under tight control, with rules enforced throughout the shoot.
“Producers don’t mess around,” the insider said. “If someone slips up, they’re gone. No warnings.”
That approach reportedly applies across the board — from communication rules to behavior guidelines — to ensure that no contestant gains an advantage, intentionally or accidentally, outside of what viewers see on screen.
‘The Traitors’ Bans Smoking and Monitors Alcohol
Sources say cast members must follow a total ban on smoking, including vaping, while on set. The same insider claims there is also absolutely no drug use allowed during filming.
Alcohol, meanwhile, is monitored rather than fully banned. Contestants are typically limited to roughly two drinks per day, though sources say the amount can change depending on production needs. The structure is intended to keep the game controlled and prevent anything that could compromise filming schedules or decision-making during challenges and roundtables.
The rules are meant to keep contestants focused and consistent, especially during long filming days that involve missions, confessionals, and late-night discussions.
After her season 2 elimination, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu spilled details about the alcohol limit contestants follow while competing.
She told Entertainment Weekly, “You can only drink one drink a night anyway, it was quite restricted.”
Contestants Do Not Have Phones or Internet Access
The cast is reportedly cut off from the outside world while filming, with no access to phones, Apple Watches, or other smart devices. Sources also say contestants do not have internet access during production.
“They’re not allowed to have their phones, Apple Watches, or any smart devices,” the source said. “There’s no internet access at all. Producers want to fully control the environment and keep everyone under pressure.”
Without devices or online access, contestants are unable to contact friends, family, or advisors — or look up anything related to other players — keeping the competition contained entirely within the show’s controlled setting.
Off-Camera Conversations Are Completely Forbidden
The rules reportedly continue even when the cameras are not rolling.
Sources say contestants are forbidden from talking strategy unless production is actively filming, limiting the chance of major alliances forming off-camera.
Contestants are also said to be barred from interacting with each other at the hotel. While the series portrays the cast sleeping inside Ardross Castle — a 19th-century Scottish baronial estate in the Highlands — sources claim the contestants do not actually stay there overnight.
“They actually stay in separate hotel rooms near the airport,” the insider said. “They’re completely sequestered – no hanging out, no chatting in the halls. And they have to keep up the illusion that they sleep at the castle.”
Even Emmy-winning host Alan Cumming doesn’t stay at Ardross Castle.
“None of us stayed in the castle. None of us. They all stayed in the airport hotel in the Inverness airport. How glamorous—you come to Scotland, and you stay in the Inverness airport hotel, he told The Daily Beast.
“And I stayed in a little house in Inverness. But I had a room in the castle where I would get made up and dressed. It had a huge bed in it. So I did actually sleep quite often, but not overnight.
‘The Traitors’ Uses Staggered Transportation and Post-Season Secrecy
One of the most closely protected parts of production reportedly involves safeguarding who the Traitors are. Sources say Traitors are forbidden from revealing their role to Faithfuls and that production sets up systems to prevent accidental giveaways outside the game.
That includes a transportation plan with multiple vehicles and staggered departure times to and from the castle each day. If a Traitor is needed for a secret mission or late-night meeting, the insider claims the vehicle plan changes to avoid raising suspicion.
“The timing is very calculated,” the insider said. “They don’t want anyone realizing who’s in which car or where they’re going. That would blow the entire game.”
Even after filming ends, contestants reportedly must keep the results private. Sources say players cannot discuss the outcome with anyone — including family — until the season airs.
“They can’t tell a soul,” the source said. “Not their spouse, not their kids, not their best friend. Everything is airtight.”
Episodes 4 and 5 of “The Traitors” season 4 drop Thursday, January 15, on Peacock.
