The Traitors viewers have flooded the web with their thoughts on the opening few episodes of the second series – and it’s safe to say the fanbase is split.
Claudia Winkleman returned to Ardross Castle near Inverness for the second run following the success of its 2022 debut.
A whole host of contestants introduced themselves to viewers for the first time before Winkleman pinpointed this year’s three Traitors.
It was contestants Harry, Ash and Paul who were chosen and tasked with having to outfox their 19 fellow castmates who’d remain as Faithfuls.
In a shocking twist to the format, however, the Traitors had to pick a fourth Traitor to join their clan.
But fans are currently in the dark as to who that Traitor will be until Thursday evening’s episode.
Claudia Winkleman was back to front The Traitors series 2
BBC
The twists and turns of the second series opener had several fans on the edge of their seats, but there were plenty who felt The Traitors has lost the magic that made the first run such a success.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, fans lodged their complaints against the new series, including one who fumed at the selection of Traitors: “So the three most predictable got picked #TheTraitors.”
Another weighed in: “On episode 3 and gotta say it’s not as good as last year.
“Don’t like the changes to the format and the characters just aren’t as good as last year… Diane is the only good casting this year. #TheTraitors.”
A third also feared the worst: “This will be the second and final series. This format will suffer from diminishing returns #TheTraitors.”
And a fourth agreed: “Loved the first series but weirdly not the slightest bit interested. Was the same with Survivor. I guess as soon as it’s been watched it loses its edge. Same goes for big brother, celebrity, etc.”
Elsewhere, a fifth hit out at the format again: “Editing is bugging me. Can we just watch some footage without constantly needing to see them in the ‘diary room’ telling us what we’re already seeing? Worst thing reality ever did was feel like every show needs this BS edit format. #TheTraitors.”
However, amid the disappointment were still plenty of viewers who lauded The Traitors’ return – and some even relished being left on an almighty cliffhanger.
This year’s The Traitors cast
BBC
“The format of #TheTraitors is brilliant enough but @ClaudiaWinkle takes it to another level,” one viewer argued. “Her genuine love for the game is infectious. I can’t imagine anyone presenting it as fabulously as her.”
A second also praised another change to the show: “Really like the change to the shields, will hopefully add a much needed level of interest to the missions #TheTraitors.”
While a third teased: “No spoilers obviously, but I’ve watched the next two episodes of #TheTraitors and let me tell you that there is a plot twist in episode three that made my jaw drop and I haven’t recovered since.”
The Traitors airs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights on BBC One with 12 episodes making up the second run.
