LexTalk

Ranking the seasons, calling out the icons, and watching from our California King throne

It all started with one episode. Just one. My husband Tony and I weren’t looking for anything too serious—just a new show to fill our evenings, something with mystery, drama, and maybe a little strategy. We landed on The Traitors (U.S. version) and… let’s just say we were immediately hooked.

Flash-forward to now, and we’ve officially binged multiple seasons of The Traitors from around the world. Yes, there are multiple seasons per country—and each one brings new twists, new cast members, and new heartbreak. We’ve watched the U.S., UK, and Australian versions and are planning to dive into the New Zealand one next. If you haven’t jumped into this series yet, beware: it’s dangerously bingeable.

 The Breakdown: Different Countries, Different Flavors

• U.S. Version– Think: reality TV’s Avengers. With big-name celebs from Big Brother, Survivor, The Bachelor, and more, the U.S. version has that chaotic star power that keeps things spicy. Plus, Alan Cumming as host? Iconic. His dramatic entrances alone deserve an Emmy.
• UK Version– Now this one hit different. No celebrities, just everyday people thrown into a castle and forced to lie, scheme, and form bonds that will inevitably be broken. The UK version gave us character development. By the end of each season, we weren’t just watching—we were invested. It felt like family. Tense, backstabbing family, but still.
• Australian Version– Great gameplay, interesting cast, but… where was the castle? This version took a detour from the traditional spooky stone setting and filmed somewhere else. We didn’t hate it, but the vibe was definitely different. That medieval castle backdrop? It’s a whole character on its own. We missed it.
• New Zealand Version– Not watched yet—but it’s queued up on our list. And yes, we fully plan to judge it based on strategic gameplay and castle presence. Priorities.

 LexTalk’s Official Traitors Ranking (So Far)

1. UK Version – 10/10 for vibes, emotional damage, and truly unforgettable moments.

2. USA Version – Celebrity chaos and cloak-drenched drama at its finest.

3. Australia Version – Still good, but missing the dark fairytale charm we love.

 Favorite Cast Members From Across the Globe

We’ve seen some incredible contestants, but these names? They live rent-free in our heads:

• Kate Chastain
• Cirie Fields
• Trishelle Cannatella
• Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio
• Phaedra Parks
• Parvati Shallow
• Chris “CT” Tamburello
• Peter Weber
• Britney Haynes
• Carolyn Wiger
• Dylan Efron
• Gabby Windey
• Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano
• Tom Sandoval
• Derek Levasseur
• Aaron Evans
• Hannah Byczkowski
• Charlotte Berman
• Jake Brown
• Ross & Diane Carson
• Kieran Tompsett
• Jonny Holloway
• Teresa Newton
• Nigel Brennan
• Mark Norman
• Chloe Campbell

Out of all of them, these are the ones I’d follow into battle—or a traitor banishment ceremony:

 Carolyn Wiger – Wild, unpredictable, and raw. You gave us everything, and I was rooting for you the entire time.

 Tom Sandoval – Say what you want, but the drama and singing you bring is unmatched.

 Derek Levasseur – Detective King. I was obsessed during The Traitors and I still watch your YouTube channel (Detective Perspective). If you’re into true crime, you need his insight in your life.

 Ross & Diane Carson – This mother-son duo was EVERYTHING. Smart, strategic, and heartfelt.

 Chloe Campbell – My heart broke for you during your exit. You’re brave, brilliant, and I admire your clairvoyant gifts. People may doubt, but I believe in your abilities.

 Our Castle at Home

One of my favorite things about this whole viewing experience is how cozy it’s been. Picture it: me, Tony, and our chaotic little cat Juggy curled up in our California King. We’re gasping at betrayals, analyzing gameplay, and debating who’s the real traitor—all from under the blankets like two snuggled sleuths.

This show doesn’t just entertain—it pulls you in. Every season feels like a new social experiment. You start off with strangers and by the finale, you’re crying when someone you love gets banished. How dare they.

 Final Thoughts From a Cloak-Loving Cat Mom

If you love strategy, betrayal, true crime psychology, and just a touch of the theatrical—The Traitors should be your next binge. And if you already watch… tell me your faves! Did anyone else sob when Diane and Ross got emotional? Or scream when the final faithfuls fumbled the bag?

Drop your rankings, theories, and love letters to your favorite cast in the comments. I’m here for all of it.

And remember… trust no one—except your cat.