The Traitors Season 4: Your Ultimate Guide To US & UK Premiere Dates, All-Star Cast, And The Scottish Castle Secrets

The wait is finally over for fans of deceit, strategy, and fabulous Scottish fashion. The fourth season of the global phenomenon, The Traitors, is not just one but two highly-anticipated installments, with both the US and UK versions slated for a January 2026 premiere. This comprehensive guide, updated for December 2025, provides the definitive breakdown of the release dates, the star-studded casts, and the return to the iconic castle that serves as the backdrop for all the murder and mayhem.

The reality competition series has cemented its place as a cultural touchstone, blending psychological thriller elements with classic reality TV drama. With two major versions launching back-to-back, viewers are guaranteed an early 2026 filled with roundtables, secret missions, and the perpetual struggle between the Faithfuls and the Traitors. Prepare to return to the Scottish Highlands for the most deceptive season yet.

The Definitive Release Dates for The Traitors US and UK (2026)

In a thrilling New Year’s one-two punch, both the BBC and Peacock have confirmed their premiere dates for the next chapters of the franchise. Fans will have barely a week between the two major launches, ensuring a solid month of high-stakes paranoia.

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The Traitors UK: Series 4 Launch Date

• Premiere Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2026
• Network: BBC One and BBC iPlayer
• Host: Claudia Winkleman
• Format: Civilian Cast (New contestants)

The UK version, hosted by the BAFTA-winning Claudia Winkleman, will kick off the new year with a fresh batch of civilian contestants. Following the explosive conclusion of *The Traitors UK Series 3* and a recent *Celebrity Traitors UK* special, the return to the original format with non-celebrity players is highly anticipated by purists of the show. The premiere will air on New Year's Day, becoming a new holiday tradition for British audiences.

The Traitors US: Season 4 Launch Date

• Premiere Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
• Network: Peacock (Streaming)
• Host: Alan Cumming
• Format: All-Star Celebrity Cast

Just one week later, the American version will debut on Peacock. Hosted by the flamboyant and iconic Alan Cumming, The Traitors US Season 4 will maintain its celebrity format, pitting reality TV legends and pop culture icons against each other. The season will launch with a three-episode drop, followed by weekly releases every Thursday.

The All-Star Cast: Who Is Playing the Game in The Traitors US Season 4?

The biggest draw for the American version of The Traitors is its star-studded line-up, which typically pulls contestants from a wide array of reality television franchises and pop culture. Season 4 is no exception, featuring a stacked cast of fan-favorites known for their competitive edge and strategic minds. The confirmed cast list for the Peacock original is packed with potential Traitors and Faithfuls.

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The 23-person cast features a heavy presence from the *Survivor* and *Big Brother* universes, alongside stars from Bravo's *Real Housewives* and ABC's *Dancing with the Stars*. The blend of strategic gamers and dramatic personalities promises a volatile and unpredictable season.

Key Celebrity Contestants for The Traitors US Season 4:

• Natalie Anderson: A two-time *Survivor* contestant and winner of *Survivor: San Juan del Sur*. She also competed on *The Amazing Race*.
• Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho: The charismatic winner of *Survivor: 44*.
• Mark Ballas: A professional dancer and multiple-time champion from *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS).
• Candiace Dillard Bassett: A prominent cast member from *The Real Housewives of Potomac* (RHOP).
• Caroline Stanbury: Star of *The Real Housewives of Dubai* (RHODubai).
• Ian Terry: The winner of *Big Brother 14*, known for his high-IQ gameplay.
• Tiffany Mitchell: A strategic powerhouse from *Big Brother 23*.
• Donna Kelce: Mother of NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, a surprising addition to the reality TV landscape.

The combination of these entities—from competitive gamers to reality show veterans—means the Faithfuls will be more suspicious and the Traitors will have to be more cunning than ever before to avoid the infamous Roundtable banishment.

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The Majestic Filming Location: Ardross Castle and the Scottish Highlands

One of the most enduring and atmospheric characters of The Traitors franchise is the setting itself: Ardross Castle. Both the US and UK versions of Season 4 will once again be filmed in this stunning, restored 19th-century estate in the Scottish Highlands.

Ardross Castle: The Home of Deception

Located near the village of Ardross, about 30 minutes north of Inverness, the castle provides the perfect gothic, isolated atmosphere for the game. Its sprawling grounds are utilized for the daily missions, while its opulent, wood-paneled interiors host the dramatic Roundtables and the secret Traitor meetings.

• Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland (near Inverness)
• Architecture: A restored 19th-century castle with Baronial features.
• Role in the Show: The residence for the Faithfuls and Traitors, and the site of the daily challenges.

The castle’s majestic yet somewhat foreboding presence enhances the psychological tension of the game. The contrast between the luxurious setting and the brutal nature of the eliminations (the "banishing" and the "murder") is a key part of the show's appeal. The familiar visuals of the castle, the breakfast room, and the dramatic walk to the Roundtable have become synonymous with the global franchise.

The Hosts: Alan Cumming vs. Claudia Winkleman

The success of both the US and UK franchises is inextricably linked to their distinctive and highly theatrical hosts, Alan Cumming and Claudia Winkleman. Their contrasting styles provide a unique flavor to their respective versions of the game.

Alan Cumming: The US Master of Ceremonies

The Scottish actor Alan Cumming, known for his roles in *GoldenEye* and *Cabaret*, brings a camp, dramatic flair to the American version. His signature look—a series of colorful, high-fashion tartans and capes—makes him a visual spectacle against the castle backdrop. Cumming's witty commentary and theatrical announcements have earned him an Emmy Award for his hosting duties. He plays the role of a mischievous puppet master, reveling in the chaos and paranoia of the game.

Claudia Winkleman: The UK's Gothic Queen

The UK’s host, Claudia Winkleman, is a veteran British television presenter, famous for her work on *Strictly Come Dancing*. Her style is more understated, yet equally iconic, featuring heavy fringes, dark clothing, and sharp tailoring. Winkleman's delivery is characterized by a low, conspiratorial tone, making the secrets and the stakes feel intensely personal. She acts as the stern, yet sympathetic, overseer of the civilian contestants, adding a layer of gravitas to the high-pressure environment.

The Traitors Season 4: What to Expect from the Format

While the core premise remains the same—a group of Faithfuls must identify the Traitors among them before the Traitors "murder" them all—Season 4 promises new twists and higher stakes for both versions.

The Faithfuls compete in daily missions to add money to the prize pot, which can reach up to £120,000 in the UK and $250,000 in the US. The daily Banishing at the Roundtable remains the most intense part of the game, where suspicions are aired and one person is voted out. For the Traitors, the nightly "Murder" ceremony is their chance to eliminate a Faithful, all while trying to remain undetected.

With an all-star cast in the US, the level of strategic gameplay is expected to be exceptionally high. Players like the *Survivor* and *Big Brother* alumni are masters of social manipulation and deception, which will make the Traitors' job even more difficult. The UK's return to a civilian cast, however, often leads to more raw, emotional, and unpredictable gameplay, proving that sometimes, non-celebrities are the most compelling players of all. Get ready for a January full of alliances, betrayals, and the constant question: Who is the Traitor?