The Emmy-winning reality series The Traitors is back. Season 4 premiered on Jan. 8, once again dropping a group of celebrities and reality TV veterans into a high-stakes game of deception, alliances, and betrayal. Hosted by the ever-dramatic Alan Cumming, the show may look like glamorous chaos on screen—but behind the scenes, strict rules govern every move. From where contestants sleep to how much they’re allowed to drink, here are nine lesser-known rules cast members must follow during their time on the Peacock series.
1. Contestants Don’t Actually Sleep in the Castle
Although episodes show players heading to bed in gothic castle rooms, the reality is very different. Contestants sleep at a hotel nearly 45 minutes away from the filming location near Inverness, Scotland. The castle is used strictly for production and gameplay.
2. Alcohol Consumption Is Strictly Limited
Despite the frequent sight of goblets and cocktails, contestants are limited to just one alcoholic drink per night. Producers tightly control alcohol to prevent impaired gameplay or unrecorded strategy conversations.
3. Movement Inside the Castle Is Restricted
Players cannot freely roam the castle. Production limits which rooms they can enter, adding new spaces selectively each season—such as kitchens or outdoor gathering areas—to maintain control over interactions.
4. Heavy Security Protects Traitor Meetings
Each night, the Traitors secretly meet to decide who will be “murdered.” To prevent Faithfuls from witnessing these moments, production employs tight security protocols, carefully escorting players to ensure secrecy.
5. No Game Talk Outside of Filming
Once cameras stop rolling, contestants are forbidden from discussing the game—even back at the hotel. Any strategic conversation must be filmed, or it won’t count. Violating this rule can lead to severe editing consequences or removal.
6. Personal Belongings Are Taken Away
Upon arrival, contestants surrender phones, watches, wallets, passports, and chargers. With no outside contact or time awareness, players are fully immersed—and isolated—inside the game.
7. Cast Members Don’t Know Who Else Is Competing
Before landing in Scotland, contestants are kept completely in the dark about who else is on their season. This prevents pre-game alliances or strategy planning, ensuring every relationship forms organically.
8. No Brand Promotion Allowed
Celebrities and reality stars are prohibited from promoting personal brands or businesses on-screen. Clothing, accessories, and verbal mentions must remain brand-neutral unless approved by production.
9. Everyone Takes a Personality Test
Before casting is finalized, potential contestants undergo personality assessments. Producers use these tests to evaluate who might thrive under pressure—and who could convincingly lie as a Traitor.
Why the Rules Matter
These guidelines ensure fair play, airtight storytelling, and maximum suspense. Former contestants have confirmed that production enforces the rules aggressively, with violations leading to reduced screen time—or complete removal from episodes.
As Season 4 unfolds, viewers can expect more mind games, shocking betrayals, and dramatic round tables—all made possible by the tight structure behind the scenes.
