The Traitors Needs to Ban Housewives

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Season four of The Traitors really leaned into the reality TV drama, featuring a record five former stars from Bravo’s Real Housewives series. For the first time, two of them – Lisa Rinna and Candiace Dillard Bassett – were chosen as the ‘Traitors’ together. It makes sense that The Traitors casts Housewives, partly because both shows are produced by the same companies. But more importantly, Housewives are experts at creating conflict. When things are slow in the castle, they’ll find a way to stir up drama, which is helpful early in the season when there isn’t much concrete evidence for the ‘Faithful’ to go on. Moments like Porsha Williams starting a fight with Michael Rapaport based on a small clue, or Lisa Rinna getting upset with Colton Underwood, were exactly what the show needed to get things moving.

Last week’s reunion show made it obvious that the Real Housewives aren’t suited for a game like The Traitors. They’re much more interested in the typical Housewives formula: drama that plays out on social media, followed by a reunion special with Andy Cohen. This season highlighted the difference – Rob Rausch played almost flawlessly, while Lisa and Candiace made mistakes (which happens to most players on The Traitors). Then, for weeks, they complained to anyone who would listen about being betrayed, despite the fact that betrayal is central to the entire game! It’s time to take a break from casting Housewives on The Traitors – we need a season without them.

Candiace started the season playing a smart, strategic game. She stayed quiet, built relationships with both the Traitors and the Faithful, and even formed alliances, despite criticizing Rob for doing the same. However, her biggest mistake was letting other Traitors eliminate two of her allies, Rob and Monet. When Rob decided to distance himself from Lisa, Candiace reacted strongly. She angrily voted for Rob, creating a dramatic moment, but ultimately hurting her own chances. She couldn’t explain the vote to the other Faithful players and was quickly voted out, with Rob heavily influencing the decision. Candiace continued to argue that Rob had played unfairly, both in the castle and afterward on social media. At the reunion, she claimed Rob had revealed their Traitor status to Colton, which is against the rules. Porsha pointed out this tactic was typical of Housewives reunions – spreading rumors and trying to expose lies. But unlike Housewives, where lying is a major offense, it’s a core part of the game in The Traitors.

Rob defended himself against Candiace’s accusations by explaining he was simply playing the game, and that deception is part of it. He pointed out that he wasn’t the first to betray an ally, and wouldn’t be the last. Candiace insisted he take responsibility, a common theme on Housewives shows, but Rob felt he already was. The conflict spilled over to social media, where Housewives fans have relentlessly criticized Rob for weeks, labeling him with accusations ranging from misogyny to cheating and claiming he benefits from unfair advantages. While online criticism isn’t new, Housewives fans are known for turning their entertainment into intense, divisive arguments.

It was frustrating to see Candiace insist Rob apologize for simply playing the game. While it’s entertaining to watch her go head-to-head with someone like Ashley Darby on The Real Housewives of Potomac, she seemed like a bad sport on The Traitors. It makes you wonder if it’s inevitable that Housewives – who are known for constantly arguing and never admitting fault – will struggle with the concept of winning and losing on a competition show.

A common idea on Traitors is that the “Housewives” (reality TV personalities from shows like Real Housewives) should stick together. This belief persists because the show frequently casts Housewives alongside contestants known as “Gamers” – players with experience from strategic competition shows like Survivor, Big Brother, and The Challenge. Early in the game, with limited information, these two groups often target each other. It’s easier to eliminate someone as a “murder” than to strategically “banish” them, so who becomes a Traitor heavily influences who survives. Last season, experienced Gamers dominated, and several Housewives were quickly eliminated. This season, the same pattern emerged, with Gamers falling victim early on, and Tiffany Mitchell quickly banished. Viewers haven’t seen the Gamers truly compete against each other, or a major conflict erupt among the Housewives, because both groups are focused on protecting their own. This dynamic is hindering the show and needs to be addressed in future seasons.

The Real Housewives definitely add entertainment value to The Traitors – they bring personality, funny moments, and great interview segments. Just think of Lisa Rinna! And Porsha, even though she was eliminated first, was a highlight of the reunion, especially her shocked reaction to Rob buying Maura an expensive Birkin bag. However, most of the Housewives haven’t really engaged with the game itself. Some, like Dorinda this season, Sheree Whitfield last season, and Dolores Catania before that, just don’t take any risks. Others, like Lisa and Candiace this season, seem unwilling to play by the rules. Phaedra Parks was a notable exception in season two, excelling as a Traitor.

I’m hoping for a break from the usual format of The Traitors. I’d love to see a season where individual players compete against each other, instead of teams battling against wealthy influencers. Or, even better, let’s get more unexpected celebrity contestants like we saw this season – Johnny Weir, Tara Lipinski, Maura Higgins, and Kristen Kish were entertaining even when they made mistakes, and Mark Ballas had some strong moments too. I don’t want to permanently remove the Housewives cast members, just give the show a season or two without them so I can miss them again. Ultimately, I’d like to see contestants who really grasp the concept of betrayal and don’t get hung up on proving things with evidence at the roundtable.

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2026-03-03 17:56