When the next episode of The Traitors is on, what days the BBC show airs and how long the 2026 series is
We're here to make sure you don't miss a thingThe Traitors is officially underway and fans are already invested – but what days is the BBC show on?
The brand new series of The Traitors kicked off on New Year’s Day and viewers are gripped by the unfolding drama.
In a huge format change, host Claudia Winkleman revealed there is a new Secret Traitor ultimately controlling the game.
Three named Traitors will carry out the murders, but the Secret Traitor decides a ‘short-list’ of who they can choose from.
Fans are desperate to know what happens, so here’s when the next episode is on. Read on to also find out what days the BBC show airs and how long this series is.
The Traitors: When is the next episode?
The Traitors ended on a big cliffhanger last night. But would we expect anything else?!
Traitors Rachel, Hugo and Stephen were left with the decision of who to murder first. But unfortunately, due to the format change, they weren’t given free rein.
Following the first mission, 10 players were at risk of murder. However, the Secret Traitor was allowed to narrow it down to just three names to choose from.
Rachel, Hugo and Stephen can therefore only choose from either James, Netty or Maz to bump off first.
You can find out who they picked in the next episode. And you don’t have long to wait, as it is on tonight (Friday January 2, 2026).
The second episode starts on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm. Like the launch show, it is on for 65 minutes, with an end time of 9.05pm.
What days is The Traitors on? What is the schedule?
In a change to the usual format, this year’s series of The Traitors started with a three-day extravaganza on New Year’s Day – which was a Thursday. Episode 2 follows tonight, on a Friday.
Episode 3 of the new series will therefore air tomorrow night (Saturday January 3, 2026). But watch out, as it will start at the earlier time of 7.45pm on BBC One and iPlayer. Tomorrow’s show is also a little longer too, with it due to end at 9pm.
The Traitors will then revert back to its usual schedule of airing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Episode 4 goes out on Wednesday January 7 at 8pm, episode 5 on Thursday January 8 and episode 6 on Friday 9 January.
How long is the 2026 series of The Traitors? How many episodes?
This year’s series of The Traitors has 12 episodes. From next week onwards, each episode will be one hour long.
The Traitors’ spin-off show Uncloaked will also air straight after every episode this series.
The companion programme, which is hosted by Ed Gamble, briefly dabbled with a BBC Two slot this week, but it will move back to BBC One permanently from tonight (Friday January 2) onwards.
When is the final of The Traitors?
This year’s final of The Traitors is due to fall on Friday January 23, 2026. The BBC is yet to confirm the exact date for the series finale, but unless something dramatic changes with the TV schedules, this is the most likely date.
Last year’s series concluded on Friday January 24 with Faithfuls Jake Brown and Leanne Quigley being crowned the winners.
Here, you can find out what Jake and Leanne spent their winnings on and where all the other previous winners of The Traitors are now.
We wonder who will triumph on this year’s show?
