The BBC has confirmed that its hugely popular reality competition The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off will remain on screens until at least 2030, securing the future of the hit franchise for several more seasons.
The announcement was made by outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie during a valedictory speech to the Royal Television Society on Thursday morning. The new agreement ensures the programme will continue entertaining viewers with its signature mix of strategy, betrayal and dramatic roundtable confrontations.
Although both the original series and the celebrity edition had previously been commissioned for additional runs, the latest commitment means the show will reach at least eight seasons overall.
BBC Confirms Multiple Future Seasons Of The Traitors Franchise
The second instalment of Celebrity Traitors is scheduled to air later this year following the huge popularity of its debut series last autumn. Three further celebrity editions are planned through to late 2029.
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said in a statement: “We can’t wait to share many more twists and turns with viewers all across the UK in the coming years.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Lambert, CEO of production company Studio Lambert, praised the show’s impact both locally and internationally.
“The Traitors has become a genuine television phenomenon across the world, but especially in the UK, and we’re thrilled to continue the journey with the BBC.
“It’s hugely exciting that audiences will have many more years of strategy, suspense and shocking twists still to come.”
Strong Ratings And Global Success Drive BBC Renewal
The long-term renewal comes as little surprise given the programme’s impressive viewing figures.
The debut season of Celebrity Traitors attracted an average audience of 14.9 million on BBC One, with 15.4 million viewers tuning in to watch Alan Carr claim victory in the final.
Earlier this year, the latest season of The Traitors also recorded a major milestone, drawing an average 9.4 million viewers for its finale on BBC One.
The agreement further strengthens BBC iPlayer as the UK hub for the global franchise. International editions from the United States, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia will remain exclusive to the streaming platform.
‘Secret Traitor’ Twist Unlikely To Return In Future Series
Despite the show’s continued success, one recently introduced element will not be making a comeback.
Speaking at an event at the University of East Anglia in Norfolk, Lambert revealed there are currently no plans to revive the “Secret Traitor” twist when the programme returns next year.
“There have been other shows which have done something similar, where the audience didn’t know who ‘the mole’ was, and the trouble is you’re completely a victim of the edit… and that doesn’t feel very satisfying,” he admitted.
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Production for the fifth series of The Traitors is expected to begin this summer, with the new season likely to air early next year.
The second series of Celebrity Traitors will follow in the autumn. While the official line-up has not yet been confirmed, stars such as Ruth Jones, Danny Dyer and Alison Hammond are among those rumoured to be heading to the castle.
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