ITV's new reality game show The Neighbourhood premieres tonight, Friday, April 24, at 9pm. Hosted by Graham Norton, the series sees six real-life households move to a self-contained street in the Peak District, dubbed 'KeepYourEnemies Close'. They compete in group challenges and navigate social dynamics for a £250,000 prize, with one household voted out each episode.
The format draws comparisons to BBC's The Traitors, which also involves contestants scheming for a cash prize in a remote location. However, The Neighbourhood is described as more 'wholesome' by Norton, who noted emotional moments and 'snake' allegations but said it brings a tear to his eye. The setting features picturesque cottages and a duck pond, lacking the menacing atmosphere of The Traitors castle.
ITV likely sought a Traitors-inspired show after the BBC series drew 9.6 million viewers for its fourth series finale, and 11 million watched Alan Carr's victory last year. The Neighbourhood offers easy primetime entertainment with gossip and challenges, but may not satisfy fans of The Traitors' darker tone.
Norton acknowledged 'things got heated' with emotional outbursts, but emphasised the show's genuine and heartwarming moments. For those preferring sinister plots, the next series of Celebrity Traitors is due later this year.
