When the news dropped that we could binge The Traitors US on BBC iPlayer hardcore Traitors fans were delighted: already we could get another fix of the best new reality TV show format in decades. Weekend plans duly cancelled, anyone who's already jumped into the American version will know it's pretty much identical to the UK version - even the challenges are the same. But there are two key differences: there's no Claudia Winkleman (as much as we love Alan Cumming, nothing can live up to her slightly tongue-in-cheek delivery) and some of the US contestants, unlike in the UK version, are 'celebrities' rather than 'civilians'.
Of course, it was going to be hard to live up to the sheer joy of watching The Traitors the first time - the format twists, the camp-ness, the set-pieces, aren't new to us anymore. There's no novelty factor. (And because the US version has dropped as a box set, there isn't the communal experience of watching it night by night.) But a big part of the charm of the UK version was the cast was decidedly normal - it had the air of early Big Brother, with a rag-tag bunch of average people (no influencer types) - who crucially really wanted to win the prize money. There was genuinely something to play for.
The celebs on the US version are all reality TV alumni - from the likes of Below Deck, The Bachelor, Real Housewives - and presumably have some cash in the bank (or at least enough of a profile to make money other ways), so there just isn't the same motivation. The ex-reality stars are also too TV-savvy, too practiced in their to-camera moments, it doesn't feel as authentic.
Still, some Traitors is better than no Traitors. And by the end of the series, we'll probably be as over-invested as before. If you're just going in, here's your guide to the celebrities to look out for...
All The Celebs In The Traitors US
1 of 10Arie Luyendyk Jr.
Arie Luyendyk Jr. - son of race driver Arie Luyendyk - is best known for appearing on The Bachelor in 2018, meeting his future wife Lauren. After a short-lived racing career himself, he turned to reality TV first appearing on The Bachelorette followed by The Bachelor: Winter Games and The Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart.
2 of 10Brandi Glanville
Former The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills star, Brandi Glanville now hosts a podcast called Brandi Glanville Unfiltered and has released two best selling books.
3 of 10Cirie Fields
Considered by some as 'the best Survivor contestant to never win', Cirie Fields is yet another reality TV star appearing on The Traitors. Having already worked with Stephenie LaGrossa Kendrick and Rachel Reilly on another similar TV show called Snake in the Grass, she could be one to watch.
4 of 10Cody Calafiore
Cody Calafiore shot to fame when he came second on Big Brother US in 2014. As well as several other reality TV appearances including winning Big Brother 22: All Stars in 2020, he's turned his hand to acting with some minor roles in films such as Set It Up and Elementary.
5 of 10Kate Chastain
Kate Chastain is best known for appearing as Chief Steward on Below Deck for six series but left in 2020 to pursue a land-based career as a reality star and podcaster.
6 of 10Kyle Cooke
Another reality TV star, Kyle Cooke was a regular on both Summer House and it's spin-off Winter House about a group of strangers who all share a house together over the holidays. Besides his TV career, Kyle is also an entrepreneur having set up numerous startups including the drinks company Lover Boy.
7 of 10Rachel Reilly
Known for winning basically all the reality shows she appears on including Big Brother, Fear Factor and Snake in the Grass, Rachel Reilly is another one to watch. Especially as she already knows contestants Stephanie LaGrossa, Cirie Fields and Cody Calafiore.
8 of 10Reza Farahan
Real estate agent and - you guessed it - reality TV star Reza Farahan is best known for appearing on Shah's of Sunset.
9 of 10Ryan Lochte
Former Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte currently holds five Gold, three Silver and three Bronze medals as well as the record in the 200 individual medley. His career is said to have been derailed after he was suspended for doping in 2018 and in 2020, he missed out on being a part of the Olympic team.
10 of 10Stephenie LaGross Kendrick
Stephenie LaGross Kendrick is another Survivor alum having competed in the show three time. She is married to former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Kyle Kendrick.