10 Reality Shows and Dramas Like The Traitors
Explore competitive series featuring high-stakes deception, social strategy, and intense psychological gameplay.
1The Global Traitors Phenomenon
Originating from the Dutch show De Verraders in 2021, the format has expanded into a massive global reality phenomenon. Versions now exist in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey. The addictive nature of these social deduction games drives viewers to seek similar content featuring backbiting and intense psychological drama.
2The Mole's Secret Saboteur
A clear inspiration for modern social deduction shows, The Mole features players completing collaborative missions to build a prize fund. One secret double agent, the mole, works to undermine the group's efforts. Eliminations occur via quizzes, where contestants who know the least about the mole's identity are booted from the competition.
3Strategy in The Devil's Plan
This South Korean reality series challenges 12 celebrity contestants to build a prize pot through complex strategy games. Participants earn Pieces, which function as currency to buy advantages or survive elimination. The show emphasizes shifting alliances and competitive dynamics, as players must manage their resources to avoid being ousted from the game.
4Digital Personas in The Circle
Contestants in The Circle are isolated in individual apartments, interacting solely through a custom social media app. Players can choose to be genuine or adopt entirely new personas to manipulate their standing. Influencers are determined by these interactions, and they hold the power to decide which players are eliminated from the game.
5High-Stakes Million Dollar Secret
In this 2025 series, contestants receive suitcases, but only one contains a million dollars. The goal is to identify the secret holder through challenges and voting. If the truth is discovered, the money moves to a new suitcase, allowing remaining players to swap bags until the final moments of the competition.
6Villains and Social Dynamics
House of Villains gathers notorious reality television personalities to compete in Big Brother-style challenges. Hosted by Joel McHale, the show focuses on established TV figures like Richard Hatch and Omarosa Newman. The primary appeal lies in watching these high-profile contestants clash while competing for safety and rewards in a cutthroat environment.
7Dramatized Treachery in The 8 Show
Unlike standard reality competitions, this drama depicts eight strangers locked in a building, earning money for every minute they survive. Provisions are purchased at extreme markups, forcing contestants to pool resources. Tensions rise when participants realize those on higher floors receive more money, leading to a breakdown of social cooperation.
8The Psychology of Greed
Shows like The Trust and Outlast mirror the tension between competition and cooperation found in The Traitors. Whether sharing a pre-allocated prize pot or surviving in the Alaskan wilderness, these series force contestants to maintain fragile relationships. These formats highlight how social pressure and greed influence human behavior in high-stakes environments.
Original article: Lifehacker — 10 Reality Shows and Dramas Like The Traitors