Get ready for a thrilling start to 2026, because The Traitors is back with a bang! BBC One is launching the highly anticipated fourth season of this gripping reality show, promising more deception, drama, and jaw-dropping moments than ever before. But here's where it gets controversial—can you trust anyone in this game of secrets and lies? Let’s dive in!
Once again, 22 strangers from across the UK will gather in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, ready to compete in a high-stakes battle of wits. Their mission? To outsmart, outlast, and outplay their fellow contestants for a chance to win a staggering £120,000. But there’s a twist—among them are the Traitors, handpicked by the inimitable Claudia Winkleman, whose sole goal is to eliminate the Faithful players one by one. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about survival; it’s about uncovering the truth before it’s too late.
So, when does the mind-bending drama begin? Mark your calendars, because The Traitors season 4 kicks off on Thursday, 1st January 2026, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. This premiere episode sets the stage for a season filled with backstabbing, betrayal, and strategic gameplay. But here’s a bold question: will this season’s Traitors be more cunning than ever, or will the Faithful rise to the challenge and expose them early? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
What time can you tune in? The show starts at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, and this timeslot is expected to remain consistent throughout the series, with one confirmed exception. We’ll keep this page updated with the latest details, so you never miss a moment of the action.
How many episodes are there? Brace yourselves for a whopping 12 episodes of treachery and suspense! Fans will be thrilled after the celebrity edition’s nine episodes, as this season promises even more twists and turns. And here’s a teaser: with more episodes, will the Traitors’ web of lies become too tangled to maintain, or will they pull off the ultimate deception?
When can you catch up on BBC iPlayer? Each episode will be available on iPlayer shortly after its broadcast on BBC One, so you can binge-watch or rewatch to your heart’s content. Speaking of rewatching, seasons 1-3 are already available on iPlayer if you need a refresher before the new season begins.
The Traitors Season 4 Release Schedule:
- Episode 1: Thursday 1st January at 8pm
- Episode 2: Friday 2nd January at 8pm
- Episode 3: Saturday 3rd January at 7:45pm
- Episode 4: Wednesday 7th January at 8pm
- Episode 5: Thursday 8th January at 8pm
- Episode 6: Friday 9th January at 8pm
- Episode 7: Wednesday 14th January at TBC
- Episode 8: Thursday 15th January at TBC
- Episode 9: Friday 16th January at TBC
- Episode 10: Wednesday 21st January at TBC
- Episode 11: Thursday 22nd January at TBC
- Episode 12: Friday 23rd January at TBC
Don’t forget to add The Traitors to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app for daily TV recommendations and exclusive features. And if you’re craving more entertainment, check out our TV Guide, Streaming Guide, or tune into The Radio Times Podcast for the latest reviews and recommendations.
Authors:
Katelyn Mensah, Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, brings you the inside scoop on all things entertainment, from reality TV to hard-hitting documentaries. With a BA (Hons) in Journalism and previous experience at The Tab, she’s your go-to source for showbiz news and analysis.
