Australia to return to The Traitors

Australia’s Network 10 is reviving the country’s local version of The Traitors with a new host and location.

The Traitors New Zealand indie South Pacific Pictures will take over production duties on The Traitors Australia, which was previously produced for two series by Endemol Shine Australia (Married At First Sight Australia, The Summit), also for Paramount-owned Network 10.

Last summer, the channel said it was not renewing its version for a third run because of dwindling ratings.

Rodger Corser presented the first two seasons, which were filmed at The Robertson Hotel in New South Wales, but hosting duties will now be taken up by comedian, writer and documentary maker Gretel Killeen, with the location set to pivot to a historic manor. Details of the latter are yet to be revealed.

The editorial changes suggest on-screen factors were a key reason for the format’s flop in the territory previously. Broadcast has analysed the potential editorial and cultural reasons why the format did not become a hit down under compared with other territories, with scheduling and cultural differences on format tone cited as potential reasons.

Killeen said: “As a writer and performer, I love a new experience and hosting the new Traitors gives me permission to explore an alternate version of myself in an imaginary place, full of challenging mischief.”

Vice-president of content at Paramount Australia Tamara Simoneau said: “The Traitors format has fans obsessing over every twist and turn all over the world and it’s time we bring it back to Aussie screens with our very own version.

“There is no one better to bring it to life than the OG of groundbreaking, buzz-worthy reality shows, Gretel Killeen. We are assembling a brilliant cast of the most cunning and clever Aussies, but Gretel is poised to take them on a ride that’ll test them like never before and audiences are going to be on the edge of their seats.”

The series is expected to air in 2026.

The original version of the psychological competition was created in 2021 by Dutch company IDTV with RTL Creative Unit, and over 30 territories have ordered local format versions.

All3Media International is responsible for the international distribution of the format and tape sales.