The finale of The Traitors, a hugely successful reality series, is set to air on BBC One on Friday at 21:00 GMT. Viewers will find out whether the faithful will take home the prize money or if a traitor will swoop in undetected. The second season of the British adaptation of a Dutch format, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has attracted audiences of more than six million, cementing its status as a ratings juggernaut.
The popularity of The Traitors is unusual for a new broadcast format; only established shows like Strictly Come Dancing, I’m a Celebrity and The Great British Bake Off have comparable levels of success after more than a decade on the air. However, it is also indicative of the changing nature of television.
Studio Lambert, the production company behind The Traitors, also produces Gogglebox, Race Across The World, and Netflix’s Squid Game – The Challenge, which boasted 456 competitors. The decision to invest in big-budget reality shows reflects a broader trend within the industry; broadcasters and streamers are striving to attract audiences in a highly competitive market by creating content that captivates the imagination and gets people talking.
For The Traitors, this means a team of more than 200 people working obsessively to ensure that every detail contributes to the gothic murder mystery atmosphere. Contestants are forbidden from speaking to one another off camera, and they spend the night alone in their hotel rooms without access to phones or the internet. Every moment of their time on set is recorded, except for visits to the toilets.
The Traitors is a good reminder that traditional broadcast TV can still drive the national conversation. However, the gap between prestige TV and the rest of the schedule is only going to grow as broadcasters like Studio Lambert continue to focus their attention on creating shows that create noise
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