When is Celebrity Traitors On? Your Complete 2026 Guide

The second season of The Celebrity Traitors UK is officially set to return in late 2026, following the massive success of the inaugural series which saw Alan Carr emerge as the winning Traitor. While the BBC has confirmed the renewal, a specific start date is typically pegged for October, aligning with the show’s established autumn schedule. For fans across the pond, The Traitors US Season 4 (which features an all-celebrity cast) premiered on January 8, 2026, on Peacock, with new episodes currently airing every Thursday.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the upcoming schedules for both the British and American celebrity editions. We will cover the specific filming timelines at Ardross Castle, the rumored contestants for the next UK series, and the detailed weekly release schedules for the current US season. Whether you are looking for the exact time to tune in or seeking the latest gossip on which stars will be wearing the iconic cloaks next, you will find all the authoritative details right here.

UK Series 2 Air Date

The BBC has officially greenlit the second installment of the celebrity spin-off, with production expected to ramp up in the summer of 2026. Fans can expect the series to air in the final quarter of 2026, most likely starting in early October to bridge the gap between the regular seasons.

The scheduling follows the pattern of the first series, which utilized a high-intensity Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night broadcast block on BBC One. This “event television” approach ensures maximum social media engagement and prevents spoilers from leaking during the week.

US Season 4 Schedule

The Traitors US Season 4 is currently on air, having launched its first three episodes on January 8, 2026. New episodes are released weekly on Peacock at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT, keeping the momentum high for fans of the American format.

The fourth season is expected to run for 12 episodes, concluding with a dramatic finale and reunion special in late February 2026. This season features high-profile names like Lisa Rinna and Donna Kelce, making it one of the most-watched unscripted series on the platform.

Where to Watch Traitors

In the United Kingdom, all episodes of the celebrity and regular series are hosted on BBC iPlayer immediately after their television broadcast. The platform also offers “The Traitors: Uncloaked,” a visual podcast that provides behind-the-scenes insights and exclusive interviews with banished players.

For viewers in the United States, Peacock remains the exclusive streaming home for the domestic version, as well as the UK and Australian iterations. International fans often use a VPN to access different regional versions, though licensing agreements continue to expand to more global networks.

Current Celebrity Cast List

The US Season 4 cast is a powerhouse of reality royalty and sports icons, featuring Candiace Dillard Bassett, Lisa Rinna, and Rob Rausch. A major twist this season involved Donna Kelce entering as a “Secret Traitor,” a move that shocked both the contestants and the viewing audience.

For the upcoming UK Series 2, rumors are circulating around huge names such as Gareth Southgate and various BBC favorites. While the official lineup won’t be revealed until closer to the autumn 2026 air date, producers have promised “national treasure” level talent to match the bar set by Series 1 winner Alan Carr.

How the Game Works

The core mechanics of the celebrity version remain identical to the civilian show, with contestants divided into “Traitors” and “Faithfuls.” Each night, the Traitors meet in secret to “murder” a Faithful, while the group gathers at a Round Table each day to banish someone they suspect of treachery.

Celebrities compete for a massive cash prize—often reaching up to £100,000 in the UK or $250,000 in the US—which is typically donated to a charity of their choice. The psychological pressure is amplified by the contestants’ existing public reputations, as they must balance their “brand” with the ruthless gameplay required to win.

Filming Locations and Details

Both the UK and US versions are filmed at the stunning Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. This 19th-century estate provides the perfect gothic backdrop for the “murder mystery” atmosphere, with its sprawling grounds used for the show’s physical missions.

Contestants do not actually stay in the castle overnight; they are whisked away to a nearby hotel to ensure they cannot communicate outside of filmed hours. This strict isolation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game and preventing the Faithfuls from coordinating their suspicions privately.

Practical Information and Planning

For those looking to watch the show as it happens, here is a quick reference guide for the 2026 seasons:

• UK Premiere: Anticipated October 2026 on BBC One/iPlayer.
• US Premiere: January 8, 2026 (Currently airing on Peacock).
• Episodes: Usually 12 episodes per season, running roughly 60 minutes each.
• Cost: Included with a standard BBC TV License (UK) or a Peacock Premium subscription (US).
• Tips: Follow the official social media handles for “The Traitors” to catch “Uncloaked” clips and avoid spoilers on the morning after an episode.

Why We Love Traitors

The appeal of the celebrity edition lies in seeing famous faces stripped of their glamour and thrust into a high-stakes environment of paranoia. Unlike traditional reality shows, the focus here is on social deduction and intelligence rather than just “drama,” making it a hit with a broad demographic.

The 2026 season has already proven that the format hasn’t lost its spark, with the “Secret Traitor” twist adding a fresh layer of complexity. As the UK prepares for its second outing later this year, the anticipation for who will join host Claudia Winkleman in the castle is at an all-time high.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Celebrity Traitors UK back on? 

The second series is scheduled to return in Autumn 2026, likely starting in October. The BBC confirmed the renewal in late 2025 following record-breaking ratings.

Where can I watch the US Celebrity Traitors? 

You can stream the US version, hosted by Alan Cumming, exclusively on Peacock. New episodes for Season 4 are released every Thursday.

Who won the first UK Celebrity Traitors? 

Comedian Alan Carr won the first series after successfully navigating the game as a Traitor until the very end. He beat out a field of other high-profile celebrities to take the top prize for charity.

Is Claudia Winkleman still the host? 

Yes, Claudia Winkleman will return to host the UK celebrity and regular versions in 2026. Her iconic style and dramatic delivery have become a staple of the show’s identity.

Can I visit Ardross Castle? 

While you can see the castle from the outside, it is a private estate and not generally open to the public for tours. It is primarily used for weddings and corporate events when not being used as a film set.

Is the prize money different for celebrities? 

The prize pot is usually similar to the civilian versions, often capped at £120,000 (UK) or $250,000 (US). However, celebrities typically donate their winnings to their chosen charities.

How many episodes are in a season? 

Most seasons of The Traitors consist of 12 episodes, usually airing over a period of four weeks.

Is there a reunion episode? 

Yes, the US version typically features a reunion special hosted by Andy Cohen on Peacock. The UK version usually discusses the fallout in the final episode of “The Traitors: Uncloaked.”

Is the US version all celebrities? 

While the first season was a mix of civilians and celebrities, Seasons 2, 3, and 4 have shifted to an all-celebrity cast. A separate all-civilian US version was announced for 2026 on NBC.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of 2026 has solidified The Traitors as a global cultural phenomenon, with the celebrity format serving as the ultimate “event television.” Following the high-stakes drama of the US Season 4 early in the year and the anticipated return of the UK celebrity cast in the autumn, fans have more content than ever to analyze. The show’s ability to evolve—introducing mechanics like the “Secret Traitor” and “Chests of Chance”—ensures that even veteran viewers remain on the edge of their seats.

As we look toward the end of 2026, the focus shifts to the UK Series 2 premiere in October. With rumors of legendary stars like Danny Dyer and Alison Hammond entering the castle, the expectations are sky-high. Whether you prefer the glamorous, campy energy of Alan Cumming’s US version or the grounded, atmospheric tension of Claudia Winkleman’s UK edition, one thing is certain: the “murder mystery” format is here to stay.

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