The Celebrity Traitors has captured audiences from across the UK. And with a cast like that, it’s no wonder.
The show is continuing to smash the TV ratings records for an unscripted series on the BBC. If previous patterns are anything to go by, the final episode will draw in the biggest audience of all.
Sadly, once that airs this Thursday, we won’t see the cutthroat celebrity edition of the gameshow on our screens for a while.
But if you’re a first-timer to the show with The Celebrity Traitors (as many of my friends are), then that’s not such a problem – because the main edition can keep you plenty busy.
And trust me, as iconic as Alan Carr’s unabashed giggles and Kate Garraway’s oblivious comments have been, series 2 of the main show is even better, and you must watch it next.
While yes, there are no familiar faces from the telly to initially draw you in, there is a spiritual medium and a chess coach in the cast, and the drama is just off the charts.
Don’t get me wrong, series 1 and 3 both have their moments of brilliance as well. But if you’re on the fence about delving more into this show, nothing will convince you more than 2024’s story.
Here are three reasons why The Traitors series 2 should be next on your binge list after The Celebrity Traitors finale if you’ve never watched it before – and this piece is free of major spoilers (no naming names), so you can go in not knowing the outcome…if you’ve managed to avoid it so far.
Joe Marler isn’t the first ‘detective’ Faithful
The Faithful haven’t exactly had the most successful time in the castle during The Celebrity Traitors, despite one Joe Marler bringing up Jonathan’s name repeatedly. When you watch series 2, you’ll see that this isn’t the first time that a situation like this has happened.
One contestant pegs a Traitor more or less straight away, but faces the problem: they’re an incredibly popular person in the group with a lot of sway at the roundtable. Regardless, they fiercely persevere, even in the face of intimidation and misdirects.
You’ll be rooting for them all the way, just as the nation is rooting for Joe this Thursday.
BBC/Studio Lambert/Euan Cherry
The level of betrayal is unmatched
While Cat and Alan did ultimately vote to banish Jonathan at the roundtable, they waited until there was no way out with him. After days and days of the group failing to catch a Traitor, their hands were essentially tied – and Jonathan appreciated the game in the end.
Series 2’s villains aren’t as nice as that.
You’ll watch Traitors throwing each other to the wolves left, right and centre, sometimes not even necessarily when it’s needed. They don’t really see each other as true teammates – every person is looking at that prize pot for themselves.
And if you thought that Alan killing off friendly Faithfuls in Paloma and Celia was cutthroat, truly, you’ve seen nothing yet. So many friendships are built on a bed of lies in this game, before being destroyed in the most brutal fashion, making for some of the best BBC TV moments, arguably ever.
I actually interviewed one of the most dastardly Traitors from series 2, but be warned, there are some big spoilers.
BBC
There are so many more twists in the game
As The Celebrity Traitors has been a shorter series than the main one (with nine episodes instead of twelve), the producers haven’t needed to add extra layers of complexity to spice up the competition.
Series 2 has the perfect level of curveballs thrown in. From a secretive relationship between two of the contestants (delivered in the most iconic way), to another public murder that unfolds quite differently from Alan’s, and even a stint in the castle dungeons as several contestants are put on ‘trial’.
Arguably, the producers go a little too far with the twists in series 3, taking a huge risk by messing with the well-oiled formula. But series 2? Just the right amount.
BBC/Studio Lambert/Mark Mainz
You can watch The Traitors series 2 for free on BBC iPlayer now, as well as series 1 and 3, plus many other international editions. If you’re not in the UK, check out our guide on watching BBC iPlayer from abroad.
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