The BBC is set to kick off 2026 with a major television event, confirming the highly anticipated return of its smash-hit reality competition, The Traitors, for a fourth series.
When and Where to Watch The Traitors Series 4
Claudia Winkleman will once again preside over the intense psychological game, which transports 22 strangers to a remote estate in the Scottish Highlands. The new series launches with a bang on Thursday, January 1, 2026, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The premiere episode will begin at 8pm, with the second instalment following at the same time on Friday, January 2. Episode three is scheduled for 7.45pm on Saturday, January 3. After this opening trio, the show will settle into its regular pattern, airing on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The grand finale is confirmed for Friday, January 23, though its exact broadcast time is still to be announced.
A New Look and the Ultimate Prize
The BBC has released a first-look teaser, introducing a dramatic new visual element: a striking red Traitor's cloak. The cryptic clip shows a mysterious figure in the cloak passing a window, a scene set against a festive dinner table, the chime of a grandfather clock, and the extinguishing of a candle.
In the teaser, Winkleman delivers a chilling seasonal message: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas… I’m joking.” The Traitor then places a lantern down before turning to the camera and raising a gloved finger to their lips, signalling the secrecy and deception at the heart of the game.
As before, the format sees Claudia secretly appoint several contestants as Traitors. Their mission is to work together to eliminate the other players, known as the Faithful, without being discovered. The Faithful, in turn, must deduce the identities of the deceivers and banish them to survive. All players are competing for a potential prize fund of up to £120,000.
Catch Up on Past Series
For fans eager to revisit the tension and treachery, or for newcomers wanting to understand the phenomenon, all previous series (1-3) of The Traitors are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer. The show's blend of strategy, suspicion, and stunning Highland scenery has cemented its status as a must-watch event, promising another gripping chapter when it returns on New Year's Day.
