What Days Is The Traitors On? Your Complete 2026 Viewing Schedule

Understanding The Traitors 2026 Broadcast Schedule

The Traitors has returned to BBC One for its highly anticipated fourth series, and fans are eager to know exactly when they can catch the latest episodes of deception and drama at the Scottish castle. The fourth series of The Traitors was first broadcast on BBC One on 1 January 2026. Understanding the broadcast schedule is crucial for viewers who don’t want to miss a moment of the action as Claudia Winkleman oversees another round of betrayals, banishments, and strategic gameplay.

The Opening Weekend Schedule

Unlike previous series, The Traitors kicked off 2026 with an unusual schedule. In a change to the usual format, this year’s series of The Traitors started with a three-day extravaganza on New Year’s Day – which was a Thursday. The opening episodes aired on Thursday 1st January, Friday 2nd January, and Saturday 3rd January. Notably, in a shake-up to the schedule, the BBC will be airing an episode on a Saturday night for the first time. The Saturday episode started at a slightly different time—7.45pm—compared to the standard 8pm slot for the first two episodes.

Regular Weekly Schedule from January 7th

Following the opening weekend, The Traitors will then revert back to its usual schedule of airing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Episode 4 goes out on Wednesday January 7 at 8pm, episode 5 on Thursday January 8 and episode 6 on Friday 9 January. This three-nights-per-week pattern continues throughout the rest of the series, giving fans their regular mid-week and weekend fix of castle intrigue.

Series Length and Final Episode

The 2026 run of The Traitors consists of 12 episodes in total. This is three more episodes than the recent celebrity edition, allowing for more extensive gameplay and strategic developments. The final of this year’s series is expected to air on Friday January 23, 2026. The extended format means viewers have four full weeks of thrilling television ahead, with plenty of time for alliances to form, suspicions to mount, and dramatic banishments to unfold.

Where and When to Watch

All episodes air on BBC One at 8pm (with the exception of the Saturday episode at 7.45pm) and are simultaneously available on BBC iPlayer. From next week onwards, episodes will be a standard one hour long. For those seeking additional content, The spin-off show Uncloaked will continue to air straight after every episode this series. This companion show, hosted by Ed Gamble, provides behind-the-scenes insights and reactions from banished players.

Why The Schedule Matters

The Traitors has become appointment television for millions of BBC viewers, with each episode building suspense through strategic gameplay, emotional round tables, and unexpected twists—including this series’ introduction of a mysterious Secret Traitor. Knowing the exact broadcast days helps fans plan their viewing and avoid spoilers on social media. With Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights now dedicated to The Traitors until late January, viewers can settle in for a month of compelling reality television that has captivated audiences since its 2022 debut.