The Traitors is back for a fourth series in 2026 so here’s everything you need to know about the release schedule
BBC One is kicking off 2026 with a spectacular start, as The Traitors makes its comeback for what’s set to be a thrilling fourth series.
Once again, 22 complete strangers from across the UK will venture to the Scottish Highlands for the ultimate test of deceit and betrayal, all competing for the opportunity to claim up to £120,000.
Claudia Winkleman will return to handpick her Traitors, who must systematically remove their fellow contestants one by one, essentially ‘murdering’ them from the competition. Meanwhile, it falls to the Faithful to work out which players are the Traitors and vote them out of the castle.
A sneak peek trailer has revealed that the upcoming series will introduce a brand new crimson Traitors cloak for the very first time. The footage showed the camera sweeping across a festive dinner spread before a grandfather clock struck and a candle was extinguished as a shadowy figure in red glided past a window, reports Wales Online.
Claudia declares: “Have yourself a merry little Christmas… I’m joking.” The Traitor, draped in a red cloak, then placed down a lantern before turning towards the camera and raising a gloved finger to their lips.
Continue reading for information about The Traitors season 4 broadcast schedule, and when it begins on BBC One.
When is The Traitors series 4 set to start?
The opening episode of The Traitors, Series 4, will broadcast on Thursday, January 1, 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer. This signals the launch of the new series, with a fresh group of participants prepared to mislead, double-cross, and stab each other in the back to secure up to £120,000.
In the second series of The Traitors, Harry Clark, playing the role of the traitor, kept all the winnings for himself, while in the third series, Leanne Quigley and Jake Brown, who were faithful, shared the prize money.
In the first celebrity edition, Alan Carr emerged as the second Traitor to win by deceiving his A-list co-stars.
What time does The Traitors series 4 air on TV?
The Traitors begins at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. This is expected to be the same time each night for the duration of the series run, with one exception confirmed so far.
How many episodes are there in The Traitors series 4?
There are a total of 12 episodes in the fourth season of The Traitors. Fans will be delighted as the celebrity edition only had nine episodes, so prepare yourselves for even more deceit.
When can I watch The Traitors series 4 on BBC iPlayer?
The fourth series of The Traitors will be available for fans to watch on BBC iPlayer following its nightly broadcast on BBC One.
What is the schedule for The Traitors?
The BBC has confirmed that the episodes will air on the following dates, although the times for the final week are yet to be finalised:
- Episode 1: Thursday, January 1, 8pm
- Episode 2: Friday, January 2, 8pm
- Episode 3: Saturday, January 3, 7:45pm
- Episode 4: Wednesday, January 7, 8pm
- Episode 5: Thursday, January 8, 8pm
- Episode 6: Friday, January 9, 8pm
- Episode 7: Wednesday, January 14, 8pm
- Episode 8: Thursday, January 15, 8pm
- Episode 9: Friday, January 16, 8pm
- Episode 10: Wednesday, January 21, time TBC
- Episode 11 – Thursday, January 22, time TBC
- Episode 12 – Friday, January 23, time TBC
The Traitors season 4 begins on Thursday, 1st January 2026, at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on iPlayer.
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