The Traitors (UK) typically airs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights at 9:00 PM on BBC One, while The Traitors (US) releases new episodes every Thursday at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT on Peacock. For the 2026 season, the UK schedule launched on New Year’s Day with a special sequence (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) before settling into its standard mid-week rhythm.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find the exact broadcast dates for the UK Series 4 and US Season 4, including time zone conversions and streaming availability. We will break down the “drop” patterns for both regions, explain where to catch the spin-off series The Traitors: Uncloaked, and provide a planning calendar for the 2026 finale episodes. Whether you are avoiding spoilers on social media or planning a viewing party, this authoritative schedule ensures you never miss a banishment at the roundtable.
The Traitors UK 2026 Schedule
The Traitors UK Series 4 premiered on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 8:00 PM on BBC One. Following the premiere week, the show adopted its traditional linear schedule of three nights per week, airing on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:00 PM.
Because the BBC often releases episodes in “batches” on iPlayer, fans frequently binge-watch the mid-week episodes ahead of the linear broadcast. For Series 4, the final week deviates slightly to accommodate the grand finale, which traditionally airs on a Friday night to maximize viewership across the United Kingdom.
The Traitors US 2026 Schedule
The Traitors US Season 4 premiered on Thursday, January 8, 2026, exclusively on the Peacock streaming service. Unlike the UK version, the US edition follows a weekly “drop” model, releasing one or two episodes every Thursday night at 9:00 PM ET.
The premiere night was a “triple-threat” event, with the first three episodes made available simultaneously to jumpstart the season’s momentum. This weekly cadence builds significant tension, as viewers must wait seven days between murders, unlike the rapid-fire nightly schedule favored by British broadcasters.
Comparing US and UK Patterns
While both shows share the same Scottish castle (Ardross Castle), their release strategies are diametrically opposed. The UK version focuses on “event television,” creating a concentrated three-week burst of content that dominates social media conversation from Wednesday to Friday.
The US version, hosted by Alan Cumming, is designed for the “slow burn” of streaming retention. By stretching the 12-episode season over nearly two months, Peacock ensures the show remains in the cultural zeitgeist for a longer duration, peaking with a reunion special that usually follows the finale.
The Traitors: Uncloaked Air Times
For UK viewers, The Traitors: Uncloaked provides essential post-game analysis and exclusive footage of “murdered” contestants. This companion show airs on BBC Two immediately following the main episode on BBC One, usually at 10:00 PM.
The spin-off is also available as a visualized podcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. It is hosted by Ed Gamble and features a rotating panel of celebrity fans and former players who dissect the tactical errors made at the most recent roundtable banishment.
Global Streaming Availability 2026
If you are a US fan wanting to watch the UK version, the 2026 series is typically added to Peacock several months after its BBC run concludes. Conversely, UK viewers can often find the US season on BBC iPlayer, though release dates for international seasons are subject to licensing delays.
Other international versions, such as The Traitors Ireland (set in Slane Castle) and The Traitors Australia, often air on their respective domestic networks during the summer and autumn months. This creates a year-round cycle for dedicated “faithfuls” to consume the franchise across different time zones.
Practical Information and Planning
To ensure you are fully prepared for the 2026 season, keep the following practical details in mind:
- Broadcast Times: 9:00 PM (Local time for UK; ET for US).
- Streaming Platforms: BBC iPlayer (UK), Peacock (US), 10Play (Australia).
- Data Usage: Streaming a single HD episode requires approximately 2GB of data; ensure you are on Wi-Fi for mobile viewing.
- Spoiler Protection: Mute keywords like “#TheTraitors” and “#TheTraitorsUK” on social media if you aren’t watching live.
- What to Expect: Episodes typically run for 60 minutes, including the mission and the roundtable, though finales may be extended to 75-90 minutes.
Traitors US Schedule
Season 4 of The Traitors US releases new episodes exclusively on Peacock every Thursday night after the initial multi-episode launches. The season kicked off January 8 with Episodes 1-3 at 9 PM ET, followed by Episodes 4-5 on January 15, then single drops like Episode 6 on January 22 through the February 26 finale plus reunion special. This Thursday rhythm allows fans to dissect betrayals weekly, building suspense as the prize grows.
Viewers in the US can expect episodes around 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, though exact times vary slightly by platform updates—always check Peacock’s app for live drops. The format ensures binge potential since all prior episodes stream instantly, letting late joiners catch up before Thursday’s cliffhanger.
Past seasons followed similar patterns: Season 1 Wednesdays on Peacock in early 2023, Season 2 Thursdays in 2024, and Season 3 Thursdays in late 2025, confirming Thursdays as the staple night for prime-time drops.
UK Traitors Air Nights
The Traitors UK Season 4 airs primarily on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays on BBC One, with a packed early-week schedule to maximize drama buildup. Episode 1 dropped Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 8 PM, Episode 2 Friday at 8 PM, Episode 3 Saturday at 7:45 PM, then midweek shifts like Episode 4 on Wednesday, January 7. Later episodes continue this rotating Wednesday-Thursday-Friday pattern through the January 23 finale, all at 8 PM unless noted.
BBC iPlayer streams episodes live and on-demand, making it flexible for UK viewers missing broadcast nights. This multi-night approach differs from the US single-night focus, creating daily buzz during peak weeks.
Seasons 1-3 established BBC One as home, with iPlayer availability ensuring global expats access episodes shortly after air, often within hours.
Full Season 4 US Episodes
Here’s the precise US Season 4 schedule on Peacock, all Thursdays post-premiere. January 8: Episodes 1, 2, 3 (launch extravaganza introducing contestants). January 15: Episodes 4, 5 (first Traitor missions intensify). January 22: Episode 6 (solo drop begins).
January 29: Episode 7, February 5: Episode 8, February 12: Episode 9—each building toward eliminations. February 19: Episode 10 (semi-finale tension), February 26: Finale and Reunion (ultimate reveals). Episodes run 45-60 minutes, packed with challenges and roundtables.
This 12-episode arc mirrors Season 3’s structure, where Thursdays sustained viewer records of 10 million+ streams.
UK Season 4 Episode Breakdown
UK fans get a rapid-fire start: Episode 1 Thursday January 1 at 8 PM BBC One, Episode 2 Friday January 2, Episode 3 Saturday January 3 at 7:45 PM. Then Episode 4 Wednesday January 7, Episode 5 Thursday January 8, Episode 6 Friday January 9—all 8 PM.
Episodes 7-12 follow Wednesday-Thursday-Friday rotations: Episode 7 Wednesday January 14, Episode 8 Thursday January 15, through Episode 12 Friday January 23. Each 60-minute installment features armored car arrivals, banishments, and host Claudia Winkleman twists.
iPlayer holds all seasons, with Seasons 1-3 fully available for comparison—UK viewership hit 7 million per episode in prior runs.
Streaming Platforms
Peacock holds exclusive US rights, offering ad-free Premium ($7.99/month) or ad-supported tiers from $5.99. New episodes drop Thursdays at 9 PM ET, auto-available post-release; download for offline viewing on mobile. International VPN access works but risks blocks—official BBC iPlayer for UK.
BBC One/iPlayer dominates the UK, free with TV license; global users need VPN for live sync. No US broadcast TV slot—pure streaming keeps it nimble.
Both platforms host companion content: US has “The Traitors Official Podcast” Wednesdays with Boston Rob; UK offers post-episode breakdowns.
How to Watch Live
US live viewing syncs via Peacock app on Roku, Fire TV, smart TVs—sign in, select “Live” for Thursday drops at 9 PM ET. Set reminders in-app; episodes stay 24/7 after. UK tunes BBC One via aerial, Virgin Media, Sky—iPlayer for catch-up streams instantly post-air.
For cord-cutters, Peacock’s $1.99/month intro deal covers Season 4 fully. Use Chromecast for big-screen; subtitles auto-enable for accents.
Global sync: US episodes YouTube clips next day; full UK via BBC select regions.
Cast Highlights Season 4
US Season 4 boasts 40 contestants initially, trimmed weekly: reality vets like Lisa Rinna (Real Housewives), Donna Kelce (Travis/Kelce mom), athletes Tom Sandoval (Vanderpump Rules). Traitors include strategic picks like Boston Rob Mariano alumni nods.
UK Season 4 mixes influencers, ex-athletes, comics—early reveals spotlight deception pros. Contestants isolated in Ardverikie Castle, Scotland, for immersion.
Crossovers abound: US draws Vanderpump, Survivor; UK from Love Island, Apprentice—diverse skills fuel alliances.
Gameplay Rules Explained
Traitors secretly “murder” Faithful’s nightly; daytime missions build prize fund via team challenges like turret builds or code hunts. Roundtable banishments vote out suspects—majority rules, no revotes.
Host selects Traitors pre-game (3-4 initially); they recruit via whispers. Faithfuls hunt via clues; endgame requires all Traitors banished for Faithful split.
Missions test trust: blind draws, endurance—funds at risk per failure. Twists like shields, traitors’ votes add layers.
Show History Origins
Originating Netherlands’ “De Verraders” (2001), it exploded via UK BBC 2022 launch, US Peacock 2023 adaptation. Global versions in 20+ countries; US Season 1 averaged 5 million viewers, Season 3 topped 12 million.
Alan Cumming (US) kilts up for Highlands vibe; Claudia Winkleman (UK) brings wry humor. Format won BAFTAs, Emmys nods for unscripted innovation.
Evolution: Season 1 basic, now micro-Traitors, civilian casts expand intrigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nights is The Traitors UK on?
The Traitors UK Series 4 airs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights. The episodes broadcast at 9:00 PM on BBC One and are simultaneously uploaded to BBC iPlayer for on-demand viewing.
Are The Traitors on every night of the week?
No, the show typically avoids Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday nights to maintain its mid-week momentum. The only exception was the 2026 premiere week, which featured a Saturday night episode to celebrate the launch.
What time does The Traitors US drop on Peacock?
New episodes of The Traitors US drop at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT every Thursday. This allows for a synchronized “watch party” experience for fans across North American time zones.
How many episodes are in the 2026 season?
Both the UK and US versions of the show consist of 12 episodes. The US version also includes a 13th “Reunion Special” where the cast meets to discuss the season’s betrayals.
Where is The Traitors filmed?
Both the UK and US versions are filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. The castle is a private estate located north of Inverness and serves as the iconic backdrop for the missions and roundtables.
Can I watch The Traitors UK in the US?
Yes, but usually with a delay. The US rights for the British version belong to Peacock, which typically releases the full season a few months after it finishes airing on the BBC.
When is the 2026 finale?
The Traitors UK Series 4 finale is scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026. The Traitors US Season 4 finale and reunion are set to air on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Who hosts the different versions?
The UK version is hosted by Claudia Winkleman, known for her iconic knitwear and fringes. The US version is hosted by Alan Cumming, who is celebrated for his eccentric Scottish wardrobe and theatrical delivery.
Are there any Celebrity Traitors in 2026?
Yes, the first-ever UK Celebrity Traitors special was commissioned for late 2025/early 2026. It follows a similar schedule but often features shorter, high-intensity seasons compared to the civilian versions.
What nights is Traitors Ireland on?
The inaugural season of The Traitors Ireland launched in 2025 and followed a Monday/Tuesday release pattern on RTÉ. Episodes were later added to BBC iPlayer in February 2026 for UK audiences.
Final Thoughts
The strategic placement of The Traitors on specific weeknights has transformed the show into a global water-cooler phenomenon. By clustering the UK episodes into a Wednesday through Friday block, the BBC creates a “cliffhanger culture” that sustains high-intensity engagement across social media platforms. Meanwhile, the Thursday night release for the US version has successfully tapped into the prestige streaming market, making the “Thursday Drop” a ritualistic event for fans of reality television and psychological strategy.
Understanding what nights Traitors is on is more than just a scheduling necessity; it is the key to participating in the real-time conversation that defines the show. As the 2026 seasons progress toward their respective finales, the tension will only mount, culminating in high-stakes episodes that often break viewership records. Whether you are watching the treacherous maneuvers in the Scottish Highlands from a sofa in London or a high-rise in New York, following this broadcast calendar ensures you are part of the most captivating social experiment on modern television.
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