When it comes to reality TV and game shows, it’s all about strategy. That’s especially the case for The Traitors, whether you’re deemed a Traitor or a Faithful.
The Peacock series sees a group of people head into a beautiful Scottish castle. Some of these people are celebrities, while others are everyday people. To start with, three people are chosen as Traitors by host Alan Cumming, and then the games begin. While building up a prize pot, the Faithfuls need to figure out who the Traitors are. If one Traitor is left at the end of the game, they take everything.
This is a great series to watch with teenagers. There are many lessons to learn, both good and bad.
It’s all about working as a team in The Traitors
The series has a team element to it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Traitor or a Faithful, each episode sees the team do one task to build up their prize pot. If they complete with success, the money is added to the pot to win at the end.
This encourages teamwork. It’s time to put aside the thoughts of who the Traitors are and just focus on building the pot. However, we see in a lot of cases that people will team up against others, focusing on getting rid of the Traitors to their own detriment.
Teens need to learn all about teamwork. This is one of the most crucial life skills to learn when it comes to the working world, even if you eventually gain a management position. Watch out for the dos and don’ts in The Traitors.
Focusing on strategy to play the game
Of course, there is a focus on getting to the end of the game. That means building loyalties with other people while figuring out who is and isn’t telling the truth. For the Traitors, it means building a strategy to get the biggest threats without losing the strongest team players to build the plot.
We get to hear the discussions between the Traitors as they discuss who to murder. Then there are the discussions as they try to encourage people to banish threats and to keep the attention off themselves.
Life involves strategy. While it’s not about “murdering” people, the strategy in life is about figuring out how to get promotions, who to trust in friend groups, and gaining a job at an interview. It’s worth watching this series with teens to discuss that.
Knowing when manipulation is happening in The Traitors
Of course, in a strategy game, there is always an element of manipulation. Some of the contestants will explain what they’re seeing and why they don’t trust people. Then there are the Traitors who want to stay in the game and, sometimes, have to throw each other under the bus.
Learning manipulation tactics as we grow up is essential for survival in life. Many of us learn manipulation tactics to avoid way too late in life, so watching this series with teens is a great way to set them up in the future.
Of course, it could backfire. You’re also teaching teens how to manipulate. That’s great when it comes to a strategy game show like this, but not great for everyday life. It’s something certainly to discuss.
There's no swearing or nudity in The Traitors. This could be a little boring for kids, but teens who love the likes of Survivor and Big Brother are sure to love this Peacock game show.