In the premiere of The Traitors Season 3, viewers were introduced to a new group of contestants, each bringing their unique backgrounds and personalities to the game. The episode set the stage for the intricate dynamics and strategic maneuvers that are hallmark to the series.
Meet the New Contestants
The new season kicks off with a dramatic entrance as the players arrive at the grand castle where they’ll be staying for as long as they survive the game. The contestants arrive in four sleek black jeeps, exchanging polite introductions while quietly sizing each other up. Dorinda Medley wastes no time asking Sam Asghari if his ex, Britney Spears, watches The Real Housewives. Sam deflects the question. Some contestants are immediately wary about potential rivals, while others get nervous upon spotting Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval.
The standout moment comes when host Alan Cumming makes his grand entrance. Dressed in a chic kilt and striking turquoise cape, Cumming rides up to the castle on a regal white horse, setting the tone for the season. He outlines the familiar rules of the game before sending away the mysterious group of masked followers—except for one figure who remains behind. Dorinda’s response? “Uh oh.” And she’s right.
Contestants and Their Notability:
- Dorinda Medley: Known for her role on The Real Housewives of New York City.
- Gabby Windey: Gained fame as a contestant on The Bachelorette Season 12.
- Chanel Ayan: Recognized from The Real Housewives of Dubai.
- Tony Vlachos: Winner of Survivor: Cagayan.
- Jeremy Collins: Known for competing on Survivor: San Juan del Sur.
- Bob the Drag Queen: Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8.
- Robyn Dixon: Starred in The Real Housewives of Potomac.
- Nikki Bella: WWE Hall of Famer and star of Total Divas.
- Jillian Michaels: Famous personal trainer from The Biggest Loser.
- Wes Bergmann: Appeared on The Real World: Austin.
- Derrick Levasseur: Winner of Big Brother Season 16.
- Rob Mariano: Renowned for his participation in Survivor: Marquesas.
- Chrishell Stause: Actress and star of Selling Sunset.
- Ciara Miller: Featured on Summer House.
- Sam Asghari: Model and actor.
- Carolyn Wiger: Contestant on Survivor Season 44.
- Tom Sandoval: Known from Vanderpump Rules.
- Dolores Catania: Star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
- Dylan Efron: Featured in Down to Earth with Zac Efron.
- Britney Haynes: Competitor on Big Brother Season 12.
- Lord Ivar Mountbatten: British aristocrat.
- Danielle Reyes: Known from Big Brother Season 3.
- Gabby Windey: Former contestant on The Bachelor Season 26.
This diverse cast promises a thrilling season filled with unexpected twists and intense gameplay.
The First Major Decision
Alan wastes no time throwing the players into a tough dilemma. He tells them that if anyone is willing to shake the masked figure’s hand, they’ll have the power to immediately exile a player of their choice. This is the perfect chance to eliminate a strong competitor before the game even starts. Carolyn Wiger (Survivor) and Danielle Reyes (Big Brother) consider targeting Tony Vlachos and Britney Haynes, respectively.
In the end, they decide against it. When the masked figure is revealed to be Survivor legend Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano, the idea of kicking out a ruthless player only to replace them with an even more formidable one is too risky. Boston Rob is sent packing before he can even unpack his bags.
The Strategy Kicks Off
After settling into the castle, the game’s psychological warfare begins almost immediately. Tony tells Carolyn he hopes to be a Faithful, but Carolyn isn’t convinced, and Tony quietly marks her as a threat. Meanwhile, Gabby Windey quickly sizes up Lord Ivar Mountbatten, noting that his royal bloodline (he’s a second cousin to King Charles) makes him a strategic target. “Red flags everywhere,” Gabby remarks.
During one-on-one interviews with Cumming, the players try to make a case for why they should—or shouldn’t—be chosen as Traitors. While many secretly hope to be picked, Tom Sandoval begs Cumming not to select him.
Revealing the Traitors
At the first roundtable, Cumming announces the chosen Traitors:
- Danielle Reyes
- Carolyn Wiger
- Bob the Drag Queen
The room is immediately filled with tension as the players digest this news.
A New Twist
Cumming then drops a game-changing twist: Unlike previous seasons, the final four contestants won’t get to reveal whether they are Faithful or Traitors. The survivors will have to rely purely on instinct to decide if they’ve rooted out all the Traitors. This revelation leaves the room in a state of paranoia.
Suspicion rises quickly. Tom Sandoval becomes suspicious of Chrishell Stause for not looking around the room during the announcement. Dylan Efron relays this to Chrishell, who is stunned by the accusation and suspects it’s because of her friendship with Tom’s ex, Ariana Madix. Ironically, Tom accurately suspects Carolyn of being a Traitor—but laughs it off as typical Carolyn behavior.
The First Mission
The first challenge involves rowing a boat to various stations to collect fuel and money within 75 minutes. The catch? Players must sacrifice someone at each station, which immediately puts them under suspicion.
At the first stop, Housewives Chanel Ayan and Robyn Dixon volunteer to leave the boat, followed by Dorinda Medley and Dolores Catania at the next station. Dorinda quickly realizes this was a mistake, as it makes them easy targets for suspicion.
At the third station, Bob the Drag Queen calls out the suggestion to leave the “strong men” on the boat, volunteering himself to stay behind. Danielle dramatically follows suit, adding to the irony of two Traitors pretending to be Faithful. Bob Harper and Sam Asghari also sacrifice themselves at the next stop.
Ultimately, the team decides not to pursue the final money chest, opting instead to secure $20,000 for the pot and guarantee immunity for those who stayed behind. That means the eight players left on the rafts are now vulnerable to murder by the Traitors. Dorinda is furious that the team didn’t go for the extra money and failed to work together.
The Traitors’ First Meeting
That night, the Traitors—Danielle, Carolyn, and Bob—meet in secret for the first time. Danielle and Bob share a laugh over their flawless performances, while Carolyn is reassured by the others that no one will suspect her. The trio immediately starts scheming about who their first victim should be.
A New Traitor Emerges
Boston Rob’s early exit comes with a twist: His rejection sets him on a new path as an official Traitor. And that’s not the only surprise—two more players are expected to join the game soon.
This season is already heating up—betrayal and backstabbing are just getting started.