Summary
Overview
A special reaction episode of The Rest is Entertainment podcast discussing the premiere of the new series of The Traitors. Marina Hyde and Richard Osman analyze the show's bold new format change - introducing a secret traitor unknown to both the other traitors and the audience - while examining how this affects the viewing experience and the strategic gameplay. They discuss the show's move to 8pm, the three chosen traitors, and why this twist both excites and concerns them as viewers and producers.
The Move to 8pm and Format Evolution
The hosts discuss the BBC's decision to move The Traitors from 9pm to 8pm, recognizing it as an acknowledgment that the show has become a true multi-generational family phenomenon. They note that almost every contestant this series said they wanted to be a traitor in their interviews with Claudia, showing how players have become sophisticated about the format. This player evolution has necessitated the producers to introduce radical new twists to keep the format fresh and challenging.
- The show's move to 8pm acknowledges it as a family show that all generations can watch together
- Almost all contestants said they wanted to be traitors, showing they understand how strong that position is
- Players have become sentient to the format, having watched all previous series and understanding the strategies
" Everyone's bedtimes after 9 p.m. really, you know, whereas if it's 9 till 10, that's a little bit much, especially if you're doing two nights in a row. And I know we all watch these things on catch up now, but it's fun as a family to sit down and watch something the night it goes out. "
The Secret Traitor Twist
The show has introduced its most radical format change ever: a secret traitor whose identity is hidden from the audience, the other traitors, and the faithful contestants. This creates three layers of unknowing - what Richard calls a 'known knowns and unknown unknowns Donald Rumsfeld type situation.' The secret traitor can create a murder shortlist of three people, knows all identities in the game, and is working for themselves. While innovative, both hosts express concerns about how long this twist can sustain itself.
- The secret traitor creates murder shortlists of three people and is the only player who knows all identities
- The traitors has never been a whodunit show before - it's always been like Columbo where the audience knows who did it
- The twist will likely only last 4-5 episodes because mathematically viewers will deduce who it is when they can't nominate themselves
- This is inspired by social deduction games like Blood on the Clocktower which have various special roles
" The traitors has never been a whodunit show. It's a bit like Columbo. It's how do you catch them show and not telling the audience who the secret traitor is, is a huge call. "
" We're in a known known unknowns and unknown unknowns Donald Rumsfeld type situation immediately finally finally Donald Rumsfeld comes into the equation. "
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