Who was murdered and banished first on 'The Traitors' Season 4? Inside the game's earliest surprises

With the first batch of episodes, the identities of the first set of three traitors and a secret fourth one were eventually revealed
PUBLISHED JAN 9, 2026
A screenshot of Alan Cumming from 'The Traitors' Season 4 trailer (Cover Image Source: YouTube | @Peacock)
A screenshot of Alan Cumming from 'The Traitors' Season 4 trailer (Cover Image Source: YouTube | @Peacock)

'The Traitors' isn't an easy game, as the 23 contestants on the show have found out since the reality television show premiered on Thursday, January 8. With the first batch of episodes, the identities of the first set of three traitors and a secret fourth one were eventually revealed. This was coupled with the first murder and the first banishment of the latest season. If there's anything that can be said for certain about the upcoming episodes, it's just that the competition is poised to grow fiercer by the day at the imposing Scottish castle!

As explained by TVInsider, the format of 'The Traitors' allows host Alan Cummings to choose the traitors from among the contestants by tapping them on the shoulder as they sit blindfolded at the roundtable. Eventually, after overcoming several obstacles and curveballs that are thrown their way, whoever survives till the finale will be crowned the winner. In case there are multiple faithfuls present, they will be eligible to split the considerable trophy money of $250,000 among themselves. On the other hand, in case there is a single traitor present in their midst, the entirety of the prize money will be credited to them.

The first traitor of the ongoing season was revealed publicly when the contestants were made to stand with Cumming as he opened a trunk for each of them. In case the trunks were empty, the corresponding contestants were deemed to be clear. However, the one individual who discovered the traitor card within the trunk was labelled as the first traitor, and his identity was kept under wraps for the moment. Lisa Rinna, Rob Rausch, and Candiace Dillard Bassett were the three traitors who were selected right at the round table in the first episode. 

The second episode of 'The Traitors' Season 4, according to a report by Cosmopolitan, saw the murder of Ian Terry, who was a Faithful. His absence from the fourth season's teaser video was noticed by fans earlier, and it was eventually revealed that he posed a threat to the three traitors, prompting them to eliminate him at first instance. Moving on, the first contestant to be banished this season was Porsha Williams, in line with the game show's history of eliminating 'Real Housewives' alums early on. The banishment resulted from the lack of trust the Faithfuls had in Porsha. 

The third episode saw the murder of another Faithful, Rob Cesterino. Traitor Rausch sought to make sure that Cesterino doesn't advance further in the game, remarking, "There's only room for one Rob in this castle." The Traitors devised a ploy by which they were able to seize Cesterino's card and toss it in the fireplace in the breakfast room. The second person to be banished on the third episode was Travis Kelce's mom, Donna Kelce. It was during her parting moments that the show disclosed her identity as the secret traitor. The fourth season of 'The Traitors' US is hosted by Alan Cummings and airs new episodes every Thursday at 9/8c on Peacock. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Things quickly went downhill for Ashley Carpenter and Alex Henderson after a tense and uncomfortable first meeting with her father
4 hours ago
Not everything from 'The Traitors' reunion will be available for the audience and this is what was deleted from the much-anticipated show.
5 hours ago
'Being Gordon Ramsay' takes a close look at the struggles that lie hidden under the success of chef Gordon Ramsay.
10 hours ago
Six of the seven engaged couples spent quality time at their romantic Mexico retreat in Cabo San Lucas
13 hours ago
Things took a turn in Chris Fusco and Jessica Barrett's relationship after the former made a jaw-dropping confession in the latest episode
14 hours ago
Flirty confessions, bitter splits, and sleep-deprived parents push friendships to the edge in ‘The Valley’ Season 3
14 hours ago
Ohio native Emma opened up about the emotional story behind her scars, ensuring her dates knew her story before they met face-to-face
16 hours ago
‘The Masked Singer’ Season 14 keeps fans buzzing with dazzling performances and surprises, but will the show drop a new episode tonight?
1 day ago
Shandi Sullivan revisits the Milan scandal, shocking reunion footage, and life after reality TV, in ‘Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model’.
1 day ago
'Love Is Blind' Season 10 contestant Priyanka Grandhi has finally addressed her sudden exit from the show
1 day ago