The Traitors needs to learn a lesson from Love Island’s downfall

This is an open letter to the creators of The Traitors; a word of warning, if you will – please don’t make the same mistake Love Island did. 

Let it be known that I am an avid fan of Love Island (for better or worse). The reason for this piece is not to bash ITV’s seminal dating show, but rather to highlight one of the many reasons The Traitors UK is one of the most compelling, addictive, and entertaining series on telly right now – and why this needn’t change. 

Following its impeccable debut season, The Traitors is coming up to the finale of its second run, and once again it’s proven to be a wild ride, its allure laying in a potent concoction of cunning strategies, unexpected alliances, and the emotional rollercoaster navigated by its contestants. The BBC show, itself an adaptation of the Dutch series De Verraders, has been nothing short of a global phenomenon.

Much like Love Island, The Traitors UK has sparked numerous international interactions and spinoffs – and while it’s exciting to see the world embrace this deliciously diverting format, let’s hope the producers can keep what makes it so great front of mind. 

A warning to The Traitors from Love Island

At the heart of The Traitors UK is a crucial ingredient often overlooked by other reality shows – the use of everyday people as contestants. The brilliance of the show lies in its ability to showcase relatable individuals, allowing viewers to see themselves in the midst of the competition. Unlike other shows that opt for influencers and minor celebrities, The Traitors UK relies on the authenticity of its cast, creating a connection that resonates deeply with audiences.

It’s one of the reasons The Traitors Australia has maintained that same momentum – and why (at least for me) it’s more difficult to connect with the US version, which features a mix of everyday people and Z-list celebs. 

But what does any of this have to do with Love Island? Well, take a look at any ranking of the dating show’s seasons and you will see the same sentiment repeated – the first and second entries are the best, for the simple fact that the contestants felt real (albeit slightly better looking). 

Don’t get me wrong – there have been some absolute whoppers over the years, Seasons 3 and 8 being particular highlights. But the subsequent shift towards casting minor celebrities and influencers has altered the show’s dynamic somewhat, leaving audiences nostalgic for the authentic charm that characterized its inception.

Those tense conversations between early-season couples mimic the friendship-making/breaking roundtable sessions in the way that they don’t feel formatted or forced. As one Love Island fan analyzed after watching Season 1, “Even if you discount the booze induced fights and hookups, everyone was so much more natural and the interactions seem genuine. 

“There wasn’t this standardized templated format that all the relationships took like they do now. Couples were declaring themselves bf/gf like a week in. That would be unheard of now. Even the way people in the villa in Season 10 are constantly pulling each other for chats (‘small fire pit?’) just seems so stiff. And we got to see Islanders in the kitchen more and doing more real life stuff. Hannah smoking ciggies in her hair rollers is so iconic. Season 1 was a free for all and I love it so much. Now I’m back to season 10 and I am pretty bored/disappointed. Is there any way to get the magic back? Even slightly?”

Again, this is not to bash Love Island – there’s still an inherent entertainment factor to the format, one that’s bound to produce just enough drama to keep fans going throughout summer. But the above is far from the only viewer to make these comments, wishing for the “magic” of the early days. 

Given The Traitors is growing at a similar rate to Love Island – a plethora of international spinoffs are out or in the works – our call is for The Traitors UK to continue embracing its Machiavellian spirit and riveting gameplay while learning from the cautionary tale of the villa. In the realm of reality competitions, the true victors are those who remain grounded in authenticity, ensuring an enduring legacy that outshines the transient allure of fleeting fame.