Hit reality TV series The Traitors is coming to Ireland, with RTÉ commissioning an Irish version that will offer prize money of €50,000.
Traitors Ireland will follow award-winning versions of the psychological reality gameshow in the UK, US and the Netherlands.
The series pits 22 complete strangers against each other in a nail-biting game of deception, betrayal and trust. Among these strangers lies the chosen “traitors” who will attempt to secretly murder a “faithful” player every night. The faithfuls must come together to detect the hidden traitors and banish them ... before it’s too late.
Contestants take part in daily missions to add more money to their prize pot. Whoever remains at the end of the gruelling game will have the chance to take home the money earned by the group.
From enchanted forests to winter wonderlands: 12 Christmas experiences to try around Ireland
Hidden by One Society restaurant review: Delightful Dublin neighbourhood spot with tasty food and keen prices
Gladiator II review: Don’t blame Paul Mescal but there’s no good reason for this jumbled sequel to exist
First developed in the Netherlands as De Verraders, The Traitors quickly became a global sensation.
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the BBC’s version has earned Bafta awards and attracted more than eight million viewers for its second season finale. The US version, led by Alan Cumming, scooped an Emmy. Both have been renewed for multiple seasons.
Now seeking applicants, Traitors Ireland will be produced for RTÉ by Kite Entertainment which has licensed the format from All3Media International.
Grainne McAleer, RTÉ's commissioning editor for documentaries and series, said: “We are delighted to bring this really ambitious and entertaining format to RTÉ's audience.
“We want to hear from all kinds of people. Those who can make friends and influence people. Those who can lie and connive their way to the top, and those who can plot their own unique path to victory. So, if you think you can outsmart and out-schmooze, this could well be for you.”
Darren Smith, managing director of Kite Entertainment, added: “We’ve been fans of the format since seeing the original Dutch version a few years ago ... Now, we’re off to get ourselves a beautiful castle, a great cast, some cloaks and a brilliant host!”
Applications are now open for Irish participants over 18, who will be available for filming in spring 2025. Contestants who think they have what it takes to come out on top as the master of deception can apply at rte.ie/traitors.
The series will air on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Our In The News podcast is now published daily – Find the latest episode here
