Fans of The Traitors U.S. were left in stitches after host Alan Cumming delivered a sharp jab at reality star Tom Sandoval during the first episode of the season. The Peacock series, which blends strategic gameplay with dramatic revelations, wasted no time diving into the tension.
Alan Cumming’s Quick Wit Takes Center Stage
Alan Cumming, the charismatic host of The Traitors U.S., set the tone for the season by addressing Sandoval’s infamous cheating scandal. For those unfamiliar, Sandoval, a star of Vanderpump Rules, faced massive backlash in March 2023 when his months-long affair with co-star Rachel “Raquel” Leviss was revealed. This betrayal came despite his nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix, prompting widespread outrage and the hashtag #Scandoval.
During Sandoval’s introductory chat with Cumming, the Vanderpump Rules star expressed his desire to play as a “Faithful” contestant, avoiding the deceptive “Traitor” role. Cumming’s witty response, paired with a raised eyebrow, delivered a cheeky nod to Sandoval’s real-life drama:
“How would you feel if I were to tap you on the shoulder? Would you feel I’d betrayed you, Tom? Doesn’t feel so nice, does it?”
Fans immediately reacted online, praising Cumming’s humor. One viewer tweeted, “THIS KILLED ME! ALAN YOU LEGEND!”
A Star-Studded Cast with Drama to Spare
This season of The Traitors U.S. features a dynamic mix of reality TV icons, including alumni from Survivor, Big Brother, The Real Housewives, and even RuPaul’s Drag Race. Sandoval’s arrival, however, quickly stirred up the competition.
Fellow contestants, including The Bachelorette’s Gabby Windey and Total Bellas star Nikki Garcia, were less than thrilled to see him. “I’m not saying hi to him,” Windey quipped upon spotting Sandoval.
Sandoval’s gameplay was immediately scrutinized after he accused Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause of being a Traitor. Stause, in a confessional, didn’t hold back:
“First of all, who plays like that? Second of all, I know Tom has a bias against me because I’m friends with his ex. Knowing what he did to Ariana, I already have an opinion of him. If the ship’s burning, he’s coming down with me.”
Sandoval’s Attempt at Redemption
Hoping to rehabilitate his tarnished image, Sandoval saw The Traitors as a fresh start. “Finally, people are taking me seriously,” he claimed in a teaser. However, his strategy and history may make that goal harder to achieve than he anticipated.
Despite the drama, Sandoval was granted his wish to be a Faithful, while Survivor legends Carolyn Wiger and Rob Mariano, along with RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Bob the Drag Queen, were chosen as Traitors.
What is The Traitors U.S.?
A spin-off of the popular Traitors UK, this reality competition challenges contestants, known as “Faithfuls,” to uncover the hidden “Traitors” among them. The stakes are high, with participants completing missions to add money to a $250,000 prize fund. However, the Traitors secretly eliminate Faithfuls each night, attempting to avoid detection.
If the Faithfuls succeed in identifying all the Traitors by the finale, they split the prize money. But if even one Traitor remains undetected, they claim the entire jackpot.
Where to Watch
The first three episodes of The Traitors U.S. are now streaming on Peacock, with new episodes dropping every Thursday. The season finale is set for March 6, promising more twists, turns, and undoubtedly some unforgettable moments.
This season has already captivated viewers with its star power, strategic gameplay, and Alan Cumming’s impeccable hosting. Whether Sandoval’s time on the show helps repair his reputation or further cements him as a controversial figure, one thing is certain: The Traitors U.S. is a must-watch for reality TV fans.
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