If you’ve walked into the living room and seen a group of people in velvet cloaks standing in a Scottish castle while Alan Cumming (in a truly incredible wardrobe) looks on judgingly, you’ve found it.

The premise is simple: a group of contestants (usually a mix of reality TV legends and "regular" people) move into a castle to compete for a massive cash prize. At the start, a few are secretly designated as "Traitors." Every night, the Traitors meet in secret to "murder" one of the "Faithful" (the non-traitors). Every day, the whole group meets at a Round Table to debate, accuse, and vote to banish someone they suspect is a Traitor.

If the Faithful banish all the Traitors by the end, they split the money. If even one Traitor remains at the very end, the Traitor takes everything. It’s psychological warfare with a side of dramatic challenges.

For kids who grew up playing Among Us or Roblox social deduction mods, The Traitors is the ultimate "meta" experience. They already understand the core mechanic: someone is "sus," and you have to use logic (or vibes) to figure out who it is.

In 2026, we’re seeing a massive shift in how Gen Alpha and Gen Z consume media. They aren't just looking for a story; they’re looking for a "game" they can play along with. While they watch, they’re analyzing body language, tracking "voting blocks," and trying to spot the "tell" that gives the Traitor away. It’s interactive television without the actual buttons.

We’re pretty quick to label reality TV as "trash," but The Traitors actually demands a high level of emotional intelligence and critical thinking. Unlike shows that rely on manufactured dating drama or physical altercations, this show is a masterclass in:

If your kid is into Survivor or The Mole, they are going to eat this up. It’s "Big Brain" reality TV.

The biggest hesitation for intentional parents is the core mechanic: the "winners" are often the people who are the best at lying to their friends' faces.

In The Traitors, the Traitors have to look their "Faithful" friends in the eye, eat breakfast with them, and then "murder" them that night. It can feel a bit ruthless.

However, there’s a massive difference between malicious lying and strategic bluffing within the context of a game. This is a great time to talk about the "Magic Circle"—the idea that inside a game, the rules are different. Just like you aren't actually a thief when you play Monopoly, you aren't a "liar" in real life just because you played a great Traitor game.

Ask our chatbot for tips on talking to kids about "game vs. reality"

While the show is generally rated for teens (TV-14 in the US, but often watched by younger audiences), here is the breakdown of what to expect:

This is the sweet spot for kids who love strategy. They’ll enjoy the "detective" aspect.

High schoolers will appreciate the social dynamics and the "villain edits." It’s a great show to watch together because the strategy is complex enough to keep adults engaged, too.

If you’re watching The Traitors as a family, use it as a springboard for some actually interesting conversations:

If your kids are hooked on the "Traitor" vibe, don't just let them scroll TikTok for theories. Bring the social deduction to the table with these games:

A fantastic "gateway" game. Two teams, two "Spymasters" giving one-word clues. It’s all about reading your teammates' minds and avoiding the "Assassin."

The OG social deduction games. These are perfect for birthday parties or family gatherings. One or two people are the "wolves," and the "villagers" have to find them. No tech required!

This one is for the hardcore strategy fans. It’s pure social deduction with no "player elimination," so nobody has to sit out and watch everyone else have fun.

Wait, why is this here? Because after the high-stress environment of The Traitors, sometimes you just need a "palate cleanser." If the kids are getting too competitive or cynical about trust, a few hours of farming and building a community is the perfect reset.

Check out our guide on the best "Cozy Games" for a digital detox

The Traitors is one of the rare reality shows that actually rewards the viewer for paying attention. It’s not "brain rot"—it’s a psychological puzzle.

Is it teaching them to be master manipulators? Probably not. It’s more likely teaching them how to spot when they are being manipulated, which is a pretty essential 21st-century life skill.

If you’re looking for a show that will actually get your 13-year-old to sit on the couch with you for an hour without looking at their phone, this is the one. Just don't be surprised if they start looking at you a little suspiciously the next time you ask them if they've finished their homework.

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