Betrayal and Chaos Unfold in Season 3 of ‘The Traitors’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In Season 3 of the Peacock series ‘The Traitors,’ self-sabotage has become the cast’s greatest adversary, surprising even the producers. Executive producer Sam Rees-Jones noted, ‘We couldn’t have predicted how this season would have panned out. We could never have imagined the storylines, the narratives, the relationships happening. It was a fun one to film, it’s a fun one to watch and a fun one to see people reacting to.’

As of the latest episode, only seven contestants remain in the game following Episode 9, titled ‘A Silent Assassin.’ In that installment, Traitor Carolyn Wiger was banished, while fellow Traitor Danielle Reyes attempted to recruit a new Traitor. Viewers are left wondering whether Britney Haynes will accept the role when they tune in for the next episode on February 27.

Following her banishment, Carolyn left the game, allegedly revealing her Traitor status to Britney. This revelation raises speculation about whether Britney had knowledge of Carolyn’s true identity all along.

Rees-Jones, alongside executive producer Mike Cotton, addressed various fan questions, including the nature of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) signed by the cast. Cotton explained, ‘It’s the same process every season: There’s Alan [Cumming], there’s us, and there’s the network. We all discuss who should be the Traitors, as that shapes the whole season. This year, there were many gamers present, leading to a chaotic yet thrilling experience.’

Cotton added that the start of the season was unusual due to the opportunity for cast members to either keep Rob Mariano or swap him out. ‘We’d always planned that whoever was swapped out would become the final Traitor,’ he noted. ‘There were a lot of rivalries at the start, so chaos ensued when decisions were made at the turret.’ 

Rees-Jones commented on the dynamic relationships that have unfolded, stating that viewers’ opinions vary widely regarding cast members’ performances. ‘Some think that she’s a brilliant actress. Some think that she’s over the top. That’s what we want: for people to be talking.’

The unpredictable nature of gameplay has provided challenges for the producers. They acknowledged feeling disappointed when fan-favorite participants were eliminated earlier than anticipated. ‘Sometimes people might get murdered or banished when we don’t want them to,’ Rees-Jones said. ‘As soon as that happens, we have to move on and hope the audience falls in love with other characters and narratives.’

Cotton elaborated on the accepting nature of the cast, stating, ‘Everyone has to own their own story,’ highlighting that contestants like Dorinda Medley shaped their own fates through gameplay. ‘We can’t control who gets banished or murdered, so we have to adapt.’ This unpredictability has only added to the show’s intrigue.

The show’s premise pits Traitors against Faithfuls, creating a cocktail of tension and unpredictable turns. Cotton shared, ‘The Traitors were quite a harmonious group — until Rob went for Bob the Drag Queen, and it unraveled from there. That roundtable was heart-stopping, completely terrifying. It blew open the narrative.’ This combination of chaos and emotional complexity has been key to the show’s success.

Directors have also been conscious of mixing tones. Rees-Jones noted, ‘We’re still pushing ourselves, and the players are pushing us with the format. Nothing’s off the table.’ Cotton mentioned the varying perceptions on alliances, emphasizing that pre-existing alliances can either be advantageous or disadvantageous.

The producers are already considering future seasons, continuously seeking to refresh the dynamic features. Cotton said, ‘We’re always looking at how we could mix things up.’ Every cast brings a new flavor, and ‘The Traitors’ thrives on the diversity of its participants, whether from reality television, gaming circles, or other fandoms.

Overall, producers describe Season 3 as rife with unexpected twists and engaging dialogues. They have successfully balanced elements of camp and seriousness, ensuring viewers remain intrigued throughout the unfolding drama. ‘When you’re talking about murdering someone, why not show a lighter side?’ concluded Rees-Jones.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.