Alan Cumming’s big month: Traitors S4 premieres today, gig next

TL;DR:

The Traitors Season 4 premieres on Peacock on January 8, 2026.
Alan Cumming returns as host, with a 23-person cast from major reality shows.
confirmed Cumming will host the 2026 Film Awards on February 22, 2026.
Expect weekly episode drops after a multi-episode launch.
Cumming is also steering Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s 2026 season.

Alan Cumming is everywhere this winter. On January 8, 2026, he ushers a new crop of Faithfuls and Traitors into his Scottish castle as Peacock launches Season 4 of The Traitors. After today’s multi-episode drop, new episodes will land weekly.

Two months into the season, he will swap cape and brooch for black tie, hosting the 2026 EE Film Awards on February 22, 2026 at London’s Royal Festival Hall. announced the gig on December 18, 2025.

What’s new in The Traitors Season 4

Peacock’s hit returns with a 23-person cast, drawn from shows that viewers know well. Housewives stars Lisa Rinna and Candiace Dillard Bassett join Olympians Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, plus Big Brother and Survivor veterans like Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell. Comedian Michael Rapaport, singer Eric Nam, and drag star Monét X Change add more flavor. A $250,000 prize awaits the finalists who survive the banishments and midnight murders.

Season 4 follows the show’s simple but sharp rules. If the Faithful banish every Traitor, they split the pot. If even one Traitor reaches the end, the Traitor steals the money. Peacock confirms a three-episode launch followed by weekly releases, keeping the watercooler buzz alive.

Entertainment Weekly teed up the season with an exclusive where each contestant pitched why they should be tapped as a Traitor by Cumming. It offers a quick read on play styles and possible alliances before the first roundtable.

Where and when to watch

Premiere date: Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Platform: Peacock, ad-supported and ad-free plans available.
Release plan: three episodes today, then weekly on Thursdays.

Why Alan Cumming works so well as host

Cumming has turned the host role into performance art. The outfits are theatrical, the line readings are sly, and the tone walks a tightrope between camp and menace. That style set the U.S. edition apart since its 2023 debut, and Season 4 looks ready to double down on that blend. Cast guides ahead of the premiere stress how players prepare for his selection of Traitors, which frames the show like a social chess match.

2026: date, place, and what to expect

On December 18, 2025, named Cumming as host for the 2026 ceremony. The show airs on Sunday, February 22, 2026 on BBC One and iPlayer, live from Royal Festival Hall. highlighted his range across film, TV, and theater, and his knack for surprise, a good fit for a high-stakes awards night.

The calendar matters for film fans and awards watchers:

Longlists publish on January 9, 2026.
Nominations arrive on January 27, 2026.
Ceremony is February 22, 2026.
These dates drive campaigns and streaming releases worldwide.

Beyond TV and awards: leading a Scottish theater season

Cumming is also shaping a live stage year. As Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre, he announced his first full season for 2026, which also marks the venue’s 75th anniversary. The program mixes world and Scottish premières with revivals and visiting work, signaling a busy summer in the Highlands.

Quick reference: Cumming’s 2026 calendar

Date	Event	Where to watch or go
Jan 8, 2026	The Traitors S4 premiere	Peacock, 3-episode launch
Jan 9, 2026	longlists	channels
Jan 27, 2026	nominations	channels
Feb 22, 2026	2026 Film Awards hosted by Cumming	BBC One and iPlayer
2026 season	Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s 75th anniversary program	Pitlochry, Scotland

How it affects viewers

For reality TV fans, a weekly drop restores suspense. Fewer spoilers, more time to read the cast and track tells. For film fans, a seasoned host at can keep a long show moving, while adding warmth and wit. For theatergoers, Pitlochry’s season brings marquee titles and new writing to a scenic destination, worth a trip if you plan a UK summer holiday.

What happens next

The Traitors will reveal its initial Traitors during the premiere window, setting the social map for the rest of the season. Expect alliances to reset after the first banishment.
Awards chatter will intensify after nominations on January 27, 2026, often shifting momentum before the Oscars.
Pitlochry will open booking blocks for its 2026 lineup, with high demand likely for premières and musical revivals.

Background for new readers

Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor, author, and presenter. He has worked across film, TV, and Broadway, with credits from Cabaret to The Good Wife. Since 2023 he has hosted the U.S. edition of The Traitors, filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

Why it matters

Cumming’s triple role this year, as reality host, awards host, and artistic director, shows rare range. It connects mass TV, prestige film, and live theater. Viewers get sharper weekly drama on Peacock. gets a host with timing and charm. Scottish theater gets a global spotlight during a milestone year.