A new group of Faithfuls and Traitors has officially entered the castle. “The Traitors” returned with the Season 4 premiere on Jan. 8, kicking off another round of deception, alliances, and early twists that immediately changed how the game will be played. Hosted once again by Alan Cumming, the Emmy-winning Peacock series wasted no time revealing its first major surprises.
‘The Traitors’ Season 4 Cast
Natalie Anderson joins the cast after winning “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” and later competing on “Survivor: Winners at War.” She previously raced on “The Amazing Race” alongside her twin sister, Nadiya Anderson. Another “Survivor” champion, Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho, enters after winning season 44, having openly studied past winners to refine his strategy.
The competition-heavy lineup continues with Mark Ballas, a three-time winner of “Dancing With the Stars,” and Rob Cesternino, known for competing on “Survivor: The Amazon” and “Survivor: All-Stars” before becoming a long-running analyst and host of the podcast “Rob Has a Podcast.”
Bravo fans will recognize Lisa Rinna from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Porsha Williams from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Dorinda Medley from “The Real Housewives of New York City,” Candiace Dillard Bassett from “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” and Caroline Stanbury from “The Real Housewives of Dubai.” Medley returns after being eliminated early in season 3, making her the only contestant to receive a second chance.
Also competing are Donna Kelce, mother of NFL stars Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce; Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir; “Big Brother” winners Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell; “RuPaul’s Drag Race” champion Monét X Change; “Top Chef” winner Kristen Kish; actor Stephen Colletti from “Laguna Beach” and “One Tree Hill”; comedian Ron Funches; singer Eric Nam; actor Michael Rapaport; “Love Island USA” alum Rob Rausch; and former “Bachelor” Colton Underwood.
Season 4 Episode 1 Spoilers: Traitors and a New Twist
Episode 1 begins with the cast arriving at the Scottish castle, immediately discussing alliances and threat levels. Lipinski and Weir confirm they are intentionally keeping distance to avoid being labeled a built-in alliance.
The first major twist arrives early. Cumming announces he will select one Traitor in plain sight. Each contestant is given a chest, and one is revealed to contain a Traitors card, placing a hidden Traitor among the group before anyone else is chosen.
Later, Cumming selects the remaining Traitors: Dillard Bassett, Rinna, and Rausch. The decision marks a shift after season 3, when Housewives were eliminated quickly.
Another surprise follows. Cumming reveals that the first Traitor selected in plain sight will remain a secret — even from the other Traitors. While all Traitors are working toward the same goal, they will not know each other’s full lineup.
Tensions rise during the first mission, which requires contestants to row boats across the loch and retrieve coffins filled with money. The group banks $22,500, but where the coffins are placed determines who is eligible for murder. Funches, Kelce, Rausch, Nam, Rapaport, Terry, Medley, Cesternino, and Ballas are left vulnerable.
Back at the castle, early suspicion erupts almost immediately. Williams clashes with Rapaport and Dillard Bassett, who also draws attention for talking frequently — despite secretly being a Traitor. As the night unfolds, the Secret Traitor quietly narrows a potential murder short list that includes Rausch, Terry, Ballas, and Nam, adding another layer of tension. The episode ends with the group heading into the night unsure who will still be standing by morning.
On to episode 2….
