9 Must-Follow Rules for Every Traitors Contestant
Welcome to the Exciting Universe of The Traitors
The Traitors has returned with a fresh lineup of contestants competing for the cash prize. Season four kicked off on Thursday, January 8, and the Emmy-winning Peacock reality series, hosted by Alan Cumming, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. This season features some of the most recognizable faces from reality television, including Lisa Rinna, Colton Underwood, Donna Kelce, and Rob Cesternino. But were you aware that while in the Highlands, contestants must adhere to nine strict rules to keep the Traitors’ identities under wraps? Let’s explore these rules and discover what makes this show so captivating.
The Castle: A Hub of Mystery and Intrigue
Viewers might assume that contestants have free rein of the castle, but production actually limits their access. The show’s creators rent out the castle each season, which restricts the areas contestants can explore. During season two, producers introduced the ‘scullery,’ a kitchen-like space, and an outdoor, stone-covered patio. Producer Sam-Rees Jones explained, ‘We always felt that a kitchen is a place where you go to grab a cup of tea, and it’s a real gathering spot. While we weren’t lacking that, it was just another area we knew we had the space for.’
No Overnight Stays in the Castle
The castle’s limitations extend to the bedrooms. Although some of the most iconic scenes from The Traitors show contestants preparing for bed, they don’t actually sleep there. In reality, competitors spend their nights in a hotel located 45 minutes away from the set. Alan Cumming revealed to The Daily Beast, ‘They all stayed in the airport hotel at Inverness airport. How glamorous—you come to Scotland, and you stay in the Inverness airport hotel. I stayed in a little house in Inverness.’ Although Alan did have a room in the castle to get ready in, and even took a few naps there.
Keeping the Traitors Hidden: A Top Priority
Once Alan selects his Traitors, keeping their identities secret becomes crucial. Producer Mike Cotton told Variety, ‘It’s a massive military operation each night to get the Faithful to bed in individual rooms and get the Traitors back out to have their meeting.’ Former traitor Kate Chastain from Below Deck revealed that production even employed security guards to ensure the Traitors remained unknown.
Limited Alcohol Consumption
If the show were filmed in the early 2000s, there would likely be no drink limit. But it’s 2024, and we know better now. Even though contestants on The Traitors are often seen with a glass in hand, they can only have one drink per evening. Season two contestant Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu told Entertainment Weekly, ‘You can only drink one drink a night anyway; it was quite restricted.’
No Personal Belongings
Upon arriving in the Highlands, production takes almost everything from the contestants—phones, passports, and more. Season two contestant Mercedes ‘MJ’ Javid told the Just Sayin’ podcast, ‘When we got off the plane, I was like, ‘Oh, you’re taking our phones right now. You’re gonna take everything—they take your chargers, your watch, your passport, your wallet, your money.’
No Game Talk Outside of Filming Hours
After filming wraps for the day, cast members are prohibited from discussing the game with each other, even if they are dating a fellow contestant. During season two, Larsa Pippen was in a relationship with Marcus Jordan. The two were both Faithful but weren’t allowed to reveal that to each other. They communicated by sending messages to each other back at the hotel.
Conclusion
The Traitors is more than just a reality show; it’s a strategic game set in a breathtaking location with strict rules that heighten the intrigue and suspense. From limited castle access to no personal belongings, these rules ensure that the game remains fair and thrilling. As we watch our favorite reality stars navigate these challenges, we can’t help but be drawn into the drama and mystery of The Traitors.
