So, you’ve probably seen the memes of Alan Cumming in a flamboyant cape or heard people screaming about "sheep" and "shield missions" on your social feed. It’s unavoidable. The show has basically reinvented the social deduction genre for a new generation. But the problem is, the franchise is a messy spiderweb of different international versions, different streaming rights, and regional lockouts that make it a total headache to figure out how can i watch Traitors without jumping through ten different hoops.
You’re not alone in the confusion.
I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time tracking down the UK, US, Australian, and even the New Zealand versions because, frankly, once you finish one, you need the hit of the next. The show works because it taps into our basic human instinct to spot a liar. Or, more accurately, our complete inability to actually do so. Watching people confidently ruin their own game is the best kind of car-crash television.
Where to Start with the US and UK Versions
If you are in the United States, your life is actually pretty easy for once. Peacock is the undisputed king of this franchise. They own the US version, which is filmed at the stunning Ardrossan Castle in the Scottish Highlands. This is the version where they mix "celebrities"—mostly reality TV legends from Survivor, Big Brother, and The Real Housewives—with regular "civilian" players. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s high-budget.
Peacock doesn't just stop there, though. Because of their partnership with Sky and the BBC, they’ve managed to snag the rights to the UK version as well. Honestly? The UK version is often better. There, I said it. Without the "reality fame" baggage, the British players take it way more personally. When you’re wondering how can i watch Traitors UK while living in the States, just open your Peacock app. They usually have the full seasons available shortly after they finish airing across the pond.
For those in the UK, the BBC iPlayer is your best friend. It’s free (if you have a TV license), and they keep the episodes up for a long time. They’ve also started importing the US and Australian versions to the iPlayer, making it a one-stop shop for your betrayal needs.
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The Australian and New Zealand Hidden Gems
Don't sleep on the Aussies. The Traitors Australia is notoriously brutal. The first season is a masterclass in gameplay, while the second season is... well, it’s a masterclass in how not to play the game, which is arguably more entertaining.
If you're trying to figure out how can i watch Traitors Australia or New Zealand from abroad, it gets a bit trickier. In the US, Peacock has previously carried these, but rights fluctuate. Sometimes they disappear and reappear on platforms like DailyMotion or via "alternative" means that we don't talk about in polite company. For a legitimate experience, check if your local "catch-up" TV services have an international section. In the UK, the BBC has been pretty good about licensing the Australian seasons about six months after they air.
New Zealand’s version is hosted by Paul Henry, who brings a much darker, almost cynical energy to the proceedings compared to Alan Cumming’s campy theatricality or Claudia Winkleman’s "worried mother" vibe. It's a refreshing change of pace.
Why the Platform Matters for Your Experience
Streaming isn't just about finding the video file; it's about the release schedule. One of the biggest gripes fans have is the "spoiler gap."
- The Binge Model: Peacock usually drops the US version episodes weekly, but they often dump the entire UK or AU seasons at once. This is great for a rainy Saturday but dangerous for your sleep schedule.
- Live Viewing: If you’re a purist who wants to watch as it happens to join the Twitter (X) discourse, you’re stuck with the local broadcasters. BBC One for the UK, Network 10 for Australia, and Three for NZ.
- VPNs: Look, let’s be real. If you are a hardcore fan, a VPN is almost mandatory. By setting your location to London, you can access the BBC iPlayer and see the newest episodes before they ever hit American shores. It’s a bit of a grey area, but for those wondering how can i watch Traitors the second it airs, this is the open secret.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
People think every version is the same. They aren't.
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The Dutch version, De Verraders, is where it all started. It’s a bit more psychological and less focused on the "missions." The missions in the English-speaking versions are often just there to build the prize pot and give the editors some action shots. The real meat of the show—the part you actually care about—is the Breakfast and the Round Table.
Another misconception is that you need to watch them in order. You don’t. You can jump from US Season 2 straight into UK Season 1 without losing a beat. In fact, seeing how different cultures approach the concept of "lying to your friends for money" is half the fun. The Americans tend to be very strategic and loud about their "resumes," while the Brits get bogged down in "who didn't look me in the eye during the porridge course."
Technical Hurdles and Subscription Costs
Let's talk money. Nobody wants to pay for five different apps.
If you’re budget-conscious, here is the hierarchy:
- Peacock (US): Most "bang for your buck" for Traitors fans. $5.99 a month gets you three different versions of the show.
- BBC iPlayer (UK): Free, but requires a UK IP address and a TV license declaration.
- Paramount+: Occasionally hosts international versions depending on your region (especially in Australia).
- YouTube: Some versions, specifically the Canadian or South African ones, sometimes have episodes uploaded by fans, though these get taken down for copyright faster than a Traitor at a Round Table.
Essential Tips for the New Viewer
If this is your first time diving in, don't look up the casts. Don't go on Reddit. Don't even look at the thumbnail of the next episode too closely. This show is built on the "reveal" at the start of the first episode.
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Watch the UK Season 1 first. It is widely considered the "purest" version of the format. It features people who didn't fully understand what they were signing up for, leading to genuine emotional breakdowns that you just don't get with seasoned reality TV pros. After that, hit the US Season 2 if you want to see how "Gamers" (like Dan Gheesling or Sandra Diaz-Twine) try to break the mechanics of the show.
The strategy evolves. In the early seasons, people were clueless. Now, players are coming in with pre-planned "meta-strategies." This makes the newer seasons of any version a bit more "chess-like" and a bit less "Lord of the Flies."
Taking the Next Step in Your Viewing Journey
Now that you know the landscape, your next move is simple.
Check your current streaming subscriptions. If you already have Peacock, search for "The Traitors" and you will likely find over 40 hours of content ready to go. If you are outside the US or UK, verify which local broadcaster has the "first-look" rights; in Canada, it's often Crave or CTV.
Once you’ve picked a version, commit to at least three episodes. The first episode is always a bit slow with introductions, the second episode establishes the paranoia, and by the third, the first "murder" has usually caused a total collapse of social order. That is where the show truly begins.
Download the app of your choice, clear your schedule for a few hours, and remember: trust no one, especially not the person who seems the most honest. They’re usually the ones holding the metaphorical dagger.