NBC has announced a major shake-up for its hit reality competition series The Traitors, confirming that the upcoming season will feature an all-civilian cast for the first time in the show’s U.S. run. The move marks a significant shift away from the celebrity-driven format that has defined the series in previous seasons, opening the door for everyday Americans to take center stage in the high-stakes game of trust, betrayal, and strategy.
Filming is set to take place later this year at the show’s signature castle location in Scotland, with Alan Cumming expected to return as the ever-charismatic host. While NBC has not yet revealed the exact number of contestants or the official premiere date, casting calls have already been issued nationwide, inviting ambitious and competitive individuals to apply.
The format of The Traitors pits players against each other in a tense psychological battle, with a select few secretly chosen as “Traitors” tasked with sabotaging the group’s efforts and eliminating other contestants without being detected. The rest of the cast — the “Faithful” — must work together to identify and banish the Traitors before it’s too late. The last remaining contestants stand a chance to win a cash prize that could reach six figures.
By removing the celebrity element, NBC is hoping to amplify the unpredictability and relatability of the show. Civilian participants are expected to bring raw emotion, authentic interactions, and perhaps more willingness to take risks compared to public figures wary of damaging their reputations. Reality TV analysts predict this could heighten the drama and deepen audience investment.
Since its U.S. debut, The Traitors has earned critical acclaim for its gripping gameplay, lavish production design, and Alan Cumming’s flamboyant hosting style. It has also enjoyed strong ratings on both NBC and Peacock, bolstered by its mix of reality stars, athletes, and entertainment personalities. However, some viewers and critics have expressed a preference for casting that mirrors the all-civilian format of the original Dutch series, arguing that it feels more organic and immersive.
Internationally, The Traitors has become a global phenomenon, with adaptations in the U.K., Australia, and beyond — many of which successfully use civilian casts. NBC’s decision aligns the U.S. version with this approach, potentially attracting a broader demographic and reinvigorating the format for long-term success.
Applications for the civilian-only season are now open on NBC’s casting portal. Contestants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States, and ready to spend several weeks abroad filming the show.
If early buzz is any indication, The Traitors is set to deliver a fresh, suspense-filled chapter — one that proves you don’t have to be famous to play the ultimate game of deception.