The fourth season of the hit BBC reality show The Traitors reached its dramatic conclusion on Friday 23 January 2026, with contestants Stephen and Rachel emerging victorious after a tense final episode. The duo, who played as Traitors throughout the series, managed to outmanoeuvre all the Faithfuls in a climactic roundtable that left viewers divided.
Final Episode Breakdown: A Strategic Masterclass or an Anticlimax?
In the season finale, the last three contestants were Faithful Jack and the two Traitors, Stephen and Rachel. The episode saw the eliminations of James, Jade, and Faaraz in the lead-up to the final vote at the firepit. Jade notably broke down during the last roundtable, adding an emotional layer to the high-stakes gameplay. Ultimately, Stephen and Rachel voted off Jack, securing their win by banishing all the Faithfuls.
Fan Reactions: Praise and Criticism Flood Social Media
Reactions to the finale were sharply split among fans of the show. Many hailed Stephen and Rachel's performance as phenomenal, praising their strategic gameplan as immaculately executed. Supporters took to social media to applaud their ability to deceive and eliminate opponents without detection until the very end.
However, not all viewers were impressed. A significant portion of the audience described the final episode as an anticlimax, labelling it predictable due to the Traitors' dominance throughout the season. Critics argued that the lack of suspense in the outcome diminished the excitement typically associated with The Traitors finales.
What This Means for Future Seasons of The Traitors
The mixed response highlights the challenges in balancing gameplay and entertainment in reality TV. While Stephen and Rachel's win showcases the effectiveness of a cohesive Traitor strategy, it also raises questions about how producers might tweak formats to maintain unpredictability. The show's popularity continues to grow, with fans eagerly anticipating how future seasons will evolve to keep audiences on edge.
As the dust settles on season four, the debate over whether this finale was a triumph or a letdown is likely to fuel discussions until the next installment airs. For now, Stephen and Rachel can celebrate their well-earned victory, even as the controversy over its predictability lingers.
