You can watch every episode of The Traitors UK, including Series 1, 2, and 3, exclusively on BBC iPlayer, alongside international versions from Australia and the US. The show is a high-stakes psychological reality competition hosted by Claudia Winkleman, where a group of contestants moves into a Scottish castle to complete challenges and win a prize fund worth up to £120,000. However, hidden among them are “Traitors” whose goal is to eliminate the “Faithful” one by one through “murder” and manipulation without being detected at the nightly Round Table. As of early 2026, the series remains one of the most-streamed programs in the UK, lauded for its intense atmosphere and “water cooler” moments.
Gameplay Mechanics and Rules
The core of The Traitors is a game of social deduction. At the beginning of each series, host Claudia Winkleman selects a small group of players to be the Traitors during a blindfolded “touch on the shoulder” ceremony.
Every day, the players participate in physical and mental missions to build the prize pot. Every night, the Traitors meet in secret to “murder” a Faithful, while the group meets at the Round Table to vote and banish who they suspect is a Traitor. The game ends when either the Faithful have banished all Traitors, or the Traitors successfully reach the end to steal the entire prize fund.
The Role of Claudia Winkleman
Claudia Winkleman’s role as host is central to the show’s dark, Gothic aesthetic. Her wardrobe of oversized knits, fingerless gloves, and dramatic capes has become as much of a talking point as the gameplay itself.
Beyond fashion, Winkleman acts as the “puppet master,” delivering news of murders and guiding the players through the high-tension Round Table sessions. Her ability to pivot from humorous encouragement during missions to cold, dramatic intensity during banishments sets the unique tone that differentiates the UK version from international counterparts.
Ardross Castle: The Iconic Setting
The series is filmed at Ardross Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands north of Inverness. The 19th-century baronial castle provides the perfect backdrop for a game of deception, featuring sprawling grounds, secret corridors, and a grand dining hall.
While the contestants do not actually sleep in the castle (they are transported to nearby local accommodation at night to ensure they cannot communicate), the castle serves as the primary hub for the missions and the Traitors’ secret midnight meetings in the turret. The isolated location enhances the feeling of paranoia among the players, as they are cut off from the outside world throughout filming.
The Evolution of the Prize Pot
The prize fund in the UK version of The Traitors starts at zero and can reach a maximum of £120,000. This is achieved through a series of “Missions” that require teamwork, bravery, and logical thinking.
- Early Missions: Often involve physical challenges like pulling logs or building rafts to test team cohesion.
- Mid-Game Missions: Feature “The Armoury,” where players can win a Shield that protects them from being murdered by the Traitors.
- The Final Mission: Usually a high-production spectacle involving helicopters, speedboats, or mountain climbs to secure the final gold bars.
Practical Information for Viewers
Streaming The Traitors on BBC iPlayer is the best way to experience the show’s high-definition cinematography and tense editing.
How to Watch in 2026
- Platform: BBC iPlayer (App or Web).
- Cost: Free for UK residents with a valid TV Licence.
- Availability: Series 1-3 (UK) are fully available. You can also find The Traitors: Uncloaked, a visual podcast companion show hosted by Ed Gamble.
- International Content: BBC iPlayer frequently hosts the US and Australian versions for limited periods.
Viewer Tips
- Avoid Spoilers: Turn off social media notifications on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights during the live broadcast window.
- Watch Uncloaked: This companion show features exclusive footage of the “murdered” players reacting to the identity of the Traitors who took them out.
Iconic Moments in Traitors History
The BBC iPlayer archives are filled with moments that have defined British reality television. These scenes are essential viewing for any new fan of the franchise.
The “Kieran” Parting Gift
In the Series 1 finale, Traitor Kieran Tompsett was banished by his fellow Traitor, Wilfred Webster. In a shocking act of revenge, Kieran left a “parting gift” by voting for Wilfred and looking significantly at the Faithful. This subtle hint alerted the remaining players to Wilfred’s true identity, leading to one of the most dramatic final showdowns in TV history.
The Series 2 “Dungeon” Twist
Series 2 introduced a brutal twist where four players were sent to a “dungeon,” one of whom would be murdered. This divided the house and forced players to pick sides early, leading to the rise of Paul Gorton as a “pantomime villain” Traitor who dominated the narrative for weeks before his eventual spectacular downfall at the Round Table.
The Traitors: Uncloaked and Companion Content
A major part of the The Traitors experience on BBC iPlayer is the additional content that deepens the mystery.
- The Traitors: Uncloaked: Hosted by Ed Gamble, this visual podcast features the first interviews with murdered and banished players. It often includes “unseen footage” that explains why certain decisions were made.
- International Versions: BBC iPlayer has hosted The Traitors US (featuring celebrities) and The Traitors Australia. Comparing the UK’s “ordinary people” approach to the US “celebrity” approach provides a fascinating look at how fame affects social deduction.
Practical Information and Viewing Guide
Streaming Quality and Accessibility
- Resolution: Available in Ultra HD (4K) on compatible devices for Series 2 onwards.
- Subtitles: Full closed-captioning is available for all episodes.
- Audio Description: BBC iPlayer provides descriptive audio for the visually impaired, narrating the dramatic physical cues during the Round Table.
Application Compatibility
The BBC iPlayer app is available on:
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic.
- Consoles: PS5, Xbox Series X/S.
- Mobile: iOS and Android.
- Web: All modern browsers at bbc.co.uk/iplayer.
FAQs
Can I watch The Traitors for free on BBC iPlayer?
Yes, if you are a UK resident with a valid TV Licence, you can stream all series for free.
How many episodes are in each series?
Each UK series typically consists of 12 episodes, airing three times a week over a four-week period.
Where is The Traitors castle located?
The show is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Easter Ross district of the Scottish Highlands.
Do the contestants actually stay in the castle?
No. Contestants are moved to a nearby hotel at night for security and to ensure the Traitors can meet in the turret without being seen.
Who won The Traitors Series 1?
The Faithful won Series 1. Aaron, Hannah, and Meryl split the prize pot after successfully banishing the final Traitor, Wilfred.
Who won The Traitors Series 2?
The Traitors won Series 2. Harry Clark successfully deceived the Faithful until the final moment, taking the entire £95,150 prize pot for himself.
How do I apply for The Traitors?
Applications are usually handled by Studio Lambert. You must be 18+ and a UK resident. Look for the “Be on a Show” section on the BBC website.
Is there a celebrity version of The Traitors UK?
As of 2026, the BBC has confirmed a Celebrity Traitors special for Comic Relief and a full celebrity series following the massive success of the civilian version.
What is the “Shield” used for?
The Shield protects a player from being “murdered” by the Traitors at night, but it does not protect them from being banished by the group at the Round Table.
What happens if a Traitor is banished?
If a Traitor is banished, the remaining Traitors often get the chance to “recruit” a Faithful to join them, or they must continue alone.
Are the “murders” real?
The players are not harmed. When a player is “murdered,” a Traitor delivers a letter to their room at night, and they must leave the competition immediately.
Who hosts The Traitors?
The UK version is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, known for her iconic fringe and Gothic-style knitwear.
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