The original run of The Celebrity Traitors set an incredibly high bar, delivering some of the most memorable reality television moments in recent memory. From Alan Carr's villainous turn to Joe Marler's enduring "Big Dog" theory, the first season captivated 11.1 million viewers in the UK. This success laid the groundwork for an even bigger second season, which, according to figures from The Hollywood Reporter, has delivered on audience numbers.
The BBC confirmed that the season two premiere alone garnered 15.7 million viewers within seven days, with the second episode drawing 15.2 million. This makes it the UK’s most-watched program of 2026 and the most popular installment across all versions of The Traitors franchise. Yet, despite these impressive statistics, a noticeable sentiment has emerged online: this season simply hasn't been as engaging.
Much of the criticism, as highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter, centers on the composition and dynamics within the Traitors' turret. A significant blow came early when acclaimed actor Richard E. Grant, a clear "Big Dog" candidate, prematurely revealed his Traitor status, leading to his swift banishment. This left the remaining Traitors, including Maya Jama and James Acaster, with a challenging task.
Sam Ramsden, who runs the popular fan account The Traitors HQ, observed this shift. “I think season two may have fallen a bit flat compared to last year because the turret has lacked a ‘Big Dog’ character throughout,” Ramsden told The Hollywood Reporter. The recruitment of subsequent Traitors, such as mathematician Hannah Fry and comedian James Acaster, also contributed to the perceived dip in excitement.
Acaster, in particular, has been a point of contention among viewers. His open reluctance to embrace the deceitful role, admitting he was “basically playing the game as a Faithful,” and even abstaining from a crucial Traitor challenge, undermined the strategic tension. As Ramsden put it, "Both James Acaster and Hannah Fry were reluctant Traitors, and if they’re not fully embracing the villainous role, it doesn’t really make for great TV."
This lack of commitment from the Traitors, coupled with early banishments, has arguably lulled the Faithful into a false sense of security, making the endgame feel less unpredictable. Furthermore, a fan theory gained traction online suggesting producers might have intervened with a "dagger" twist after all three Traitors were deemed most trustworthy in a challenge, hinting at behind-the-scenes efforts to inject drama.
While the civilian version of The Traitors benefits from the life-changing monetary stakes, creating intense emotional responses, the celebrity edition's focus on charity fundraising means the pressure is different. This can lead to a less cutthroat approach, which some viewers feel has contributed to the season's subdued atmosphere. British TV critic Scott Bryan echoed this sentiment to The Hollywood Reporter, stating: “The first series of The Celebrity Traitors was practically perfect television — so it was never going to be easy for this series to even match [it]. Yet, while there have been enjoyable moments, [it] feels like something is missing with this current run.”
Ultimately, while The Celebrity Traitors remains a ratings powerhouse, this season serves as a potential lesson for producers about the critical importance of casting and the unpredictable chemistry required to make a reality game show truly shine. The entertainment factor of cunning, committed Traitors, as seen in the first season, proved to be an irreplaceable ingredient.