If you are anything like me, you have spent the last few months feeling a distinct void in your television schedule. There is a specific itch that only distinct Scottish tartans, murder-mystery theatrics, and D-list celebrities backstabbing each other in a castle can scratch.
Since The Traitors exploded onto the scene, it has become the gold standard of reality competition. However, for American audiences—and international fans who adore the chaos of American reality stars—the “Celebrity” version (officially titled The Traitors US is the main event.
I’ve been tracking production updates, casting leaks, and network patterns closely since the explosive finale of Season 2. If you are asking, “When is Celebrity Traitors on?” you are likely looking for the upcoming Season 3.
Here is everything you need to know about the return of the Faithfuls and the Traitors, written from the perspective of someone who has analyzed every Roundtable banishment.
The Short Answer: When Does It Start?
The Traitors US Season 3 is officially slated for January 9, 2025.
While Peacock (the streaming home of the show) likes to keep us in suspense, they have established a very reliable “winter window” for this franchise. Season 1 dropped in January 2023, and Season 2 premiered on January 12, 2024. They know they have a hit on their hands for the post-holiday slump, so they have locked in that second week of January as “Traitors Season.”
The Release Schedule:
Based on the precedent set by Season 2, here is how you can expect to watch it:
- Premiere Night: We will likely get a “batch drop” of the first three episodes on January 9. This is a smart move by Peacock to get us hooked immediately.
- Weekly Rollout: Following the premiere, new episodes will be released every Thursday at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET.
Mark your calendars now. If you are on the West Coast like me, Thursday nights are about to become your “do not disturb” time.
The “Celebrity” Factor: Who Is In the Castle?
The reason The Traitors US works so well is the casting alchemy. Unlike the UK version (which uses civilians and is arguably a purer social experiment), the US version leans into the meta-game of casting reality TV veterans.
I’ve looked at the roster for Season 3, and frankly, it looks like the most volatile mix yet. Filming wrapped in Scotland earlier in 2024, so the game has already been played.
Here is the vibe of the upcoming cast:
- The Gamers: These are the people who actually know strategy. We’re talking Tony Vlachos (a two-time Survivor winner and chaos agent) and Carolyn Wiger (Survivor). Having watched Tony play Survivor, I can tell you he is going to be a nightmare for the Faithfuls—he plays fast, loud, and paranoid.
- The Bravo-leberities: This is where the drama comes from. We have Dorinda Medley (RHONY—expect lots of slurring and catchphrases), Dolores Catania (RHONJ), and Tom Sandoval (Vanderpump Rules). Sandoval is the one to watch; given his public villain status in the real world, he is going to have a massive target on his back from day one.
- The Wildcards: Sam Asghari (Britney Spears’ ex) and Bob the Drag Queen. Bob is incredibly sharp and observant; I predict a deep run there.
Where to Watch (And How to Avoid Spoilers)
Because this is a streaming-first show, you can’t just flip on cable.
- In the US, it is exclusive to Peacock. You need a Premium subscription. If you rely on the free tier (which hardly exists anymore) or basic cable, you’re out of luck.
- In the UK, the BBC usually acquires the rights to the US version, but there is a lag. For Season 2, the episodes landed on BBC iPlayer a few weeks/months after the US airing. However, given the massive popularity, there are rumors that they might try to fast-track it this year.
- In Canada, you can catch it on Crave.
Pro-Tip on Spoilers: Because the US drops episodes at 9 p.m. ET on Thursdays, social media (specifically X/Twitter and TikTok) becomes a minefield immediately. If you can’t watch it live, stay off the internet. The “murder” reveals are usually spoiled within minutes of the episode dropping.
Wait, What About the UK Celebrity Version?
This is a common point of confusion. When people search “Celebrity Traitors,” they sometimes mean the British version.
Historically, The Traitors UK (hosted by Claudia Winkleman) is a civilian show. However, the BBC produced a Celebrity special for Comic Relief in 2024, and there are constant industry whispers that the UK might launch a full celebrity series in 2025 to run alongside the civilian one.
But for now, if you want celebrities, the US version hosted by Alan Cumming is the one you are looking for.
Why This Season Matters (Analysis)
Having covered reality TV for years, I think Season 3 is facing a unique challenge known as the “Meta-Game Problem.”
In Season 1, nobody knew how to play. In Season 2, the “Gamers” (CT, Trishelle, Dan Gheesling) tried to steamroll the “Bravo” stars, but the Bravo stars (specifically the Housewives) proved to be incredibly intuitive human lie detectors.
For Season 3, every single person walking into Ardross Castle has watched the previous seasons. They know that “playing quiet” gets you murdered, and “playing loud” gets you banished.
- The Alan Cumming Factor: We also need to talk about the host. Alan Cumming’s wardrobe budget seems to triple every season. His campy, theatrical hosting style is the glue that holds the disparate cast members together. He treats them like naughty children, which is exactly what reality stars need.
Summary Checklist for Fans
- Show: The Traitors US (Season 3)
- Premiere Date: January 9, 2025 (Estimated/Likely)
- Platform: Peacock
- Host: Alan Cumming
- Location: Ardross Castle, Scottish Highlands
- Vibe: High camp, high anxiety, high fashion.
Until January, you might want to re-watch Season 2 or check out The Traitors Australia (Season 1 is a masterpiece of gameplay) to keep your skills sharp. Trust no one.