entertainment
January 22, 2026
It’s open warfare in the castle! How The Traitors lost its soul
It used to be a breath of fresh air – TV’s most relatable reality show. Now it features shouting matches and bad-tempered confrontations, and the biggest loser is the viewer

TL;DR
- The Traitors initially succeeded due to its relatable contestants and understated, friendly approach, reminiscent of early Big Brother.
- The celebrity version of The Traitors was more successful, leading producers to amp up the drama in the standard version.
- New seasons feature contestants who are easily angered, leading to heated arguments and open warfare within the castle.
- The show's shift towards ruthlessness and aggression, exemplified by players like Rachel, contrasts with its original USP of niceness.
- The article questions whether the show's increased brutality is a desirable direction, suggesting it has lost its soul and become more predictable reality TV.
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