Get ready for a thrilling start to 2026, because The Traitors is back with a bang! BBC One is launching the highly anticipated fourth season of this gripping reality show, promising more deception, drama, and jaw-dropping moments than ever before. But here's where it gets controversial—can you trust anyone in this game of secrets and lies? Let’s dive into the details.
Once again, 22 strangers from across the UK will gather in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, a location that adds an air of mystery to the already intense competition. Their mission? To outwit, outlast, and outplay each other in a high-stakes game where alliances are fragile, and betrayal is just around the corner. The ultimate prize? A staggering £120,000. But this isn’t just about the money—it’s about survival, strategy, and uncovering the truth.
Claudia Winkleman returns as the mastermind, handpicking the Traitors who will systematically eliminate their fellow players in a chilling game of murder—metaphorically speaking, of course. Meanwhile, the Faithful must work together to unmask the Traitors before they’re picked off one by one. It’s a battle of wits, and this is the part most people miss: the psychological warfare that unfolds behind the scenes.
So, when does the mind-bending drama begin? Mark your calendars, because The Traitors season 4 kicks off on Thursday, 1st January 2026, at 8 pm on BBC One and iPlayer. This premiere episode sets the stage for a season filled with backstabbing, deceit, and unexpected twists. And here’s a fun fact: this season boasts a whopping 12 episodes, a welcome upgrade from the celebrity edition’s nine episodes. More episodes mean more treachery—are you ready?
But here’s the twist: while most episodes air at 8 pm, there’s one exception. Episode 3, airing on Saturday, 3rd January, starts at 7:45 pm. Why the change? We’ll have to wait and see. The rest of the schedule follows a consistent pattern, with episodes airing on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. However, the exact times for episodes 7-12 are still To Be Confirmed—keeping us all on our toes.
For those who can’t wait to binge, episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer immediately after their TV broadcast. And if you’re new to the series, seasons 1-3 are already streaming on iPlayer, so you can catch up before the new season begins.
Here’s the full release schedule for your convenience:
- Episode 1: Thursday, 1st January at 8 pm
- Episode 2: Friday, 2nd January at 8 pm
- Episode 3: Saturday, 3rd January at 7:45 pm
- Episode 4: Wednesday, 7th January at 8 pm
- Episode 5: Thursday, 8th January at 8 pm
- Episode 6: Friday, 9th January at 8 pm
- Episode 7: Wednesday, 14th January at TBC
- Episode 8: Thursday, 15th January at TBC
- Episode 9: Friday, 16th January at TBC
- Episode 10: Wednesday, 21st January at TBC
- Episode 11: Thursday, 22nd January at TBC
- Episode 12: Friday, 23rd January at TBC
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With more episodes and higher stakes, do you think this season will crown the most cunning Traitor yet, or will the Faithful rise to the challenge and outsmart them all? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your predictions!
Don’t forget to add The Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app for daily TV recommendations and exclusive features. And while you’re at it, check out our Entertainment coverage, TV Guide, and Streaming Guide for more must-watch shows. For in-depth reviews and insights, tune into The Radio Times Podcast.
Written by Katelyn Mensah, Senior Entertainment Writer at Radio Times, with a passion for reality TV, showbiz, and hard-hitting documentaries. Follow her for more exclusive updates!
