The Traitors

John de Mol created the original concept for De Verraders in the Netherlands, launching it on RTL 4 in 2021 before selling the format globally. The American adaptation arrived on NBC in January 2023 under the creative direction of Chris Coelen, who also produced Love Is Blind. Production duties split between Endemol Shine North America and Universal Television Alternative Studio, establishing a distinct gothic atmosphere that separates the series from standard reality fare.

Season four titled New Blood premiered in September 2026 with an all-civilian cast of everyday Americans, aiming to broaden relatability while keeping the high-stakes drama intact. The show has become a dominant force in the genre, winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program for three consecutive years through 2026. This streak included a record-breaking single-year performance where the franchise dethroned RuPaul's Drag Race as the most awarded reality series in one year.

Beyond television screens, the brand expanded into immersive experiences like The Traitors – Acts of Betrayal, which opened at London's Gillian Lynne Theatre to let audiences play the game mechanics firsthand. Partnerships have also flourished, such as a themed breakfast menu collaboration with First Watch featuring dishes like Traitor's Toast. International spin-offs continue to grow, including the second series of The Celebrity Traitors on BBC One, which released a trailer in September 2026 featuring stars like Bella Ramsey. [edit]