Overview
- Peacock released the first three episodes on Jan. 8, with new installments set to arrive on Thursdays starting Jan. 15.
- In a format shift, a Secret Traitor was chosen in plain sight yet kept hidden from players and viewers, providing nightly shortlists that restrict whom the Traitors can eliminate.
- Three Traitors were tapped at the initial roundtable from a celebrity-heavy cast, signaling a star-focused approach to strategic play.
- The new mechanic immediately shaped outcomes, with multiple banishments and overnight eliminations compressing the early game.
- The twist, which has precedent in the U.K. version, drew criticism from some viewers who argued the high-profile hidden role was a missed opportunity for a more seasoned strategist.