When Is The Traitors On? Your Complete 2026 Viewing Guide

The Traitors Returns with a Game-Changing Twist

The Traitors returned to BBC screens on New Year’s Day, launching its fourth season at 8pm on 1 January, marking another thrilling chapter in the psychological game show that has captivated UK audiences. The 2026 run consists of 12 episodes in total, promising weeks of deception, strategy, and dramatic confrontations in the Scottish Highlands.

The new season introduces a groundbreaking format change that has viewers buzzing. Only three Traitors—Hugo, Rachel and Stephen—know of each other, whilst the fourth is a secret Traitor, their identity unknown even to the viewers. This innovative twist adds an unprecedented layer of mystery to the beloved competition.

Weekly Schedule: When to Watch

For fans eager to follow every twist and turn, understanding the broadcast schedule is essential. Episode two airs on Friday January 2, 2026, whilst episode three will air on Saturday January 3, 2026. Viewers should note the earlier start time of 7.45pm on BBC One and iPlayer for the Saturday episode, with the episode running until 9pm.

From next week, episodes will air on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Episode four lands on Wednesday January 7 at 8pm, followed by episode five on Thursday January 8 and episode six on Friday January 9. This pattern will continue throughout the series run.

How to Watch and Series Finale

All episodes are available on BBC One and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer following their television broadcast. From next week onwards, episodes will be a standard one hour long, making it easy for viewers to plan their evenings around the show.

The final of this year’s series is expected to air on Friday January 23, 2026, bringing the season to what promises to be a dramatic conclusion. With contestants competing for a cash prize of up to £120k, the stakes have never been higher. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this season’s innovative secret Traitor twist and extended episode count ensure that The Traitors remains must-watch television for the opening weeks of 2026.