Peacock’s reality series, The Traitors, has garnered significant attention since its U.S. premiere in 2023. The show invites a mix of reality television stars and notable personalities to engage in a competitive game, with a prize of up to $250,000. While the show has featured a range of celebrities, not every individual approached has accepted the invitation to participate.
The first season showcased a blend of public figures, including Arie Luyendyk Jr., Brandi Glanville, and Cirie Fields, alongside everyday contestants. By its second season, the format shifted to include only celebrities, featuring names like Sandra Diaz-Twine, Phaedra Parks, and Chrishell Stause. As viewership continued to rise, the third season became the most popular yet, introducing personalities such as Wells Adams and Gabby Windey.
Despite the show’s appeal, several celebrities have turned down offers to join the cast. This decision often stems from personal circumstances or career commitments. For instance, Nene Leakes, known for her role on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, revealed that she was initially excited about participating in season three. However, she ultimately declined due to her son’s ongoing health issues. During a podcast appearance in July 2025, Leakes shared, “I couldn’t do The Traitors because my son is in the hospital… My fear was committing and then having to go back to them and say, I can’t do it.”
Leakes’ son, Brentt, has faced serious health challenges, including a heart transplant in July 2024 and subsequent hospitalizations due to complications. The emotional weight of these circumstances led Leakes to prioritize her family over the show.
Another celebrity who turned down the opportunity is Nick Viall, a former contestant on The Bachelor. On his podcast, he confirmed that while he was approached for the series, he was unable to participate due to professional commitments that kept him “booked and busy.”
Comedian Matt Rogers also expressed his reservations about joining the show, citing concerns over how he might be portrayed. He remarked on the same podcast that he is “too easy to cut into,” fearing that his on-screen moments could be edited to present him unfavorably.
Rogers revealed that he and fellow comedian Bowen Yang had been contacted for the third season. He speculated that if both had participated, the dynamics could have led to conflict, stating, “100 percent one of us would have been a Traitor and one of us would have been a Faithful. We can’t have that. That would have gotten so sad.”
The host of the series, Alan Cumming, acknowledged the interest from many reality stars who wish to join the cast. He mentioned in an interview with Us Weekly that he receives a steady stream of inquiries from potential contestants. “It’s not something I thought would be my life, but it is,” Cumming stated, highlighting the show’s growing influence in the reality TV landscape.
As Peacock continues to develop The Traitors as a major reality franchise, the balance between celebrity appeal and personal commitments remains a critical factor in shaping the cast for future seasons. With each passing installment, the show not only entertains but also reflects the personal choices of its potential participants, illustrating the complexities of fame and family.