The third season of The Traitors US officially premiered on January 9, 2025, on Peacock, following a highly anticipated production cycle in the Scottish Highlands. This season features an expanded cast of 23 reality television veterans and public figures, competing for a grand prize of up to $250,000.
Viewers can expect a total of 12 episodes, which include the standard high-stakes missions, treacherous roundtables, and the final reunion special hosted by Andy Cohen. The series continues to dominate streaming charts by blending social deduction with the high-fashion, campy flair brought by host Alan Cumming.
Complete US Cast Members
The Traitors Season 3 cast is one of the most diverse in the show’s history, pulling talent from The Real Housewives, Survivor, Big Brother, and even British royalty. Notable names include Chrishell Stause (Selling Sunset), Tom Sandoval (Vanderpump Rules), and Sam Asghari, alongside strategic powerhouses like Danielle Reyes and Tony Vlachos.
A surprise addition to the roster is Lord Ivar Mountbatten, marking the first time a member of the British extended royal family has competed in the series. The cast also features Bob the Drag Queen (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella), ensuring a mix of physical prowess and social manipulation.
Filming Location and Atmosphere
Both the US and UK versions of the show are filmed at Ardross Castle, located just north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. This 19th-century castle is set within 100 acres of parkland and serves as the backdrop for the dramatic breakfast reveals and the intense nightly banishments.
While the contestants compete in the castle during the day, they are transported to a separate, undisclosed hotel in Inverness at night to ensure the Traitors can “murder” their victims in total secrecy. The rugged Scottish landscape plays a vital role in the missions, often involving the nearby River Alness and local lochs.
Gameplay and Major Twists
Season 3 introduced the “The Seer” power, a game-changing mechanic that allowed a specific player to reveal the true identity of another contestant at a critical juncture. Additionally, the season featured an “Exile” twist where certain players, like Survivor’s Rob Mariano, were removed from the initial lineup only to return as high-stakes intruders.
The “Murder in Plain Sight” challenge also returned, forcing Traitors to eliminate a Faithful by performing a specific action in front of others without being detected. These layers of complexity are designed to prevent “meta-gaming” by seasoned reality pros who have studied previous seasons.
The Traitors UK Season 3
The UK version of Season 3 premiered on January 1, 2025, on BBC One, featuring an entirely civilian cast to maintain its “authentic” feel. Unlike the US version, the UK series relies on the psychological breakdown of ordinary people rather than the established rivalries of famous personalities.
Host Claudia Winkleman returned with her signature knitwear and fringe, overseeing 25 players as they vied for a prize fund of £120,000. The UK season concluded on January 24, 2025, with winners Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley successfully identifying the final Traitors to split the pot.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans looking to experience the world of The Traitors, there are several ways to engage with the show’s Scottish roots and viewing schedule.
- Release Dates: New episodes typically drop at 9:00 PM EST on Thursdays for US viewers and 9:00 PM GMT on Wednesdays through Fridays for UK viewers.
- Viewing Platforms: The US series is exclusive to Peacock, while the UK series airs on BBC One and is available for catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
- Castle Visits: Ardross Castle is a private estate and is not open to the general public for tours; however, it can be hired for private weddings and corporate events.
- What to Expect: Expect intense psychological drama, theatrical hosting, and high-production-value missions that test both physical stamina and mental fortitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Traitors Season 3? There are 12 episodes in the US Season 3, including the reunion, while the UK Season 3 also consists of 12 episodes.
Where can I watch The Traitors US? The US version is available exclusively on the Peacock streaming service.
Who is the host of The Traitors Season 3? Alan Cumming hosts the US version, while Claudia Winkleman hosts the UK version.
Was there a royal on Season 3? Yes, Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a cousin of King Charles III, competed in the US Season 3.
Is the castle in The Traitors real? Yes, it is Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, a 19th-century Baronial-style castle.
Can you visit Ardross Castle? No, it is a private venue and does not allow individual tourists or walk-in visits.
Who won The Traitors US Season 3? The winners were Faithfuls Dolores Catania, Dylan Efron, Gabby Windey, and Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
Who won The Traitors UK Series 3? The winners were Faithfuls Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley.
What is the prize money for Season 3? The US prize pool is up to $250,000, while the UK prize pool is up to £120,000.
Will there be a Season 4 of The Traitors? Yes, Peacock has already confirmed renewals for Seasons 4 and 5, with Season 4 expected in early 2026.
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