In the ever-evolving world of reality television, few shows have managed to capture the imagination—and the collective obsession—of viewers quite like The Traitors US. Now in its fourth season, the hit Peacock series has returned with a cast so dazzlingly eclectic and wealthy that even longtime fans are doing double takes. On January 9, 2026, Reality Shrine and The Daily Beast both published deep dives into the season’s new episodes and its remarkable roster of contestants, offering a rare glimpse into the interplay of fame, fortune, and fierce competition that defines this year’s game.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, The Traitors US season four assembles a lineup that reads like a who’s who of reality royalty, sports icons, and entertainment heavyweights. The game’s premise remains deliciously simple: contestants—dubbed Faithfuls—must sniff out the secret Traitors hidden among them, all while dodging metaphorical “murders” and strategic banishments. The ultimate goal? Survive the mind games and walk away with a share of the jackpot in the finale. But, as any fan will tell you, it’s the personalities and the drama that make the show truly unmissable.
According to Reality Shrine, the cast’s combined net worth is nothing short of staggering. Leading the pack is Caroline Stanbury, whose $30 million fortune makes her the richest contestant in the show’s history. Stanbury, famed for her appearances on Ladies of London and Real Housewives of Dubai, built her wealth through ventures like the luxury goods business Gift Library, her work with The Wedding Shop in London, and her own furniture range. Not far behind is Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski, who’s amassed $25 million from her skating career and current role as a sports commentator. These figures alone set the tone for a season defined by both glitz and grit.
But the wealth doesn’t stop there. Dorinda Medley, a beloved figure from Real Housewives of New York City, boasts a $10 million net worth thanks to her high-end knitwear company DCL Cashmere and a knack for flipping New York real estate. Lisa Rinna, another reality stalwart, matches that sum with earnings from modeling, acting, and her trio of businesses: The Lisa Rinna Collection, Rinna Beauty, and Rinna Wines. Johnny Weir, the celebrated figure skater turned NBC commentator, also sits comfortably at the $10 million mark, while actor Michael Rapaport brings $8 million of his own to the table.
Of course, not every contestant is a multimillionaire—though even the “least wealthy” cast members are far from struggling. Candiace Dillard Bassett, formerly of Real Housewives of Potomac, holds $4.5 million from pageantry, reality TV, and her businesses Candiace Dillard Pageant Consulting, Prima Hair Collection, and Chateau Salon Suites. Mark Ballas, a three-time Dancing With The Stars champion, brings $4 million, while Maura Higgins, who shot to fame on Love Island UK, has $3.5 million, much of it from lucrative brand deals and her media company, The Flutter Effect Ltd.
Down the list, we find Colton Underwood, the former NFL player and Bachelor star, with $1 million; Donna Kelce, mother of NFL star Travis Kelce and soon-to-be mother-in-law to Taylor Swift, with $1.5 million; and Eric Nam, the Korean-American singer and nonprofit director, also at $1.5 million. Kristen Kish, winner and host of Top Chef, and Porsha Williams, who rebounded on Real Housewives of Atlanta with a hefty new contract, both land at the $1.5 million mark as well. Even Rob Cesternino, the Survivor alum and popular podcaster, has built a respectable $400,000 nest egg.
But wealth is only part of the story. As The Daily Beast points out, the true breakout star of the season isn’t necessarily the richest or most famous. It’s Donna Kelce, whose presence in the Scottish castle has cast a long shadow over the proceedings—thanks in no small part to her status as the matriarch of the Kelce-Swift dynasty. Contestants are openly wary of crossing her, fearing the wrath of Taylor Swift’s devoted fanbase. Johnny Weir, in a now-viral moment, exclaims during a challenge, “I’m excited to be in a rowboat with Taylor Swift’s soon-to-be mother-in-law.” The mere mention of Swift’s name, and by extension Mama Kelce’s, is enough to send ripples of anxiety (and a few giggles) through the cast.
It’s this blend of high stakes and high camp that keeps viewers glued to their screens. Host Alan Cumming, whose tartan-clad theatrics have become a hallmark of the series, expertly balances intensity with a knowing wink to the audience. As The Daily Beast describes, Cumming’s “birdcage-exploded-in-a-tartan-factory outfits” and Shakespearean narration add a layer of delightful absurdity to the proceedings. The cast’s inability to spell each other’s names at the roundtable has become a running joke, while the show’s cliffhangers are responsible for more than a few late nights among fans.
The roster this season is a patchwork of reality TV’s greatest hits: Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, the dynamic figure skating duo; Ian Terry, the youngest-ever winner of Big Brother; Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho and Rob Cesternino, both Survivor veterans; Kristen Kish of Top Chef fame; Mark Ballas from Dancing With the Stars; Colton Underwood, The Bachelor lead turned advocate; Monét X Change of RuPaul’s Drag Race; comedian Ron Funches; actor Stephen Colletti; K-pop star Eric Nam; Rob Rausch from Love Island; and a veritable parade of Real Housewives icons—Dorinda Medley, Porsha Williams, Caroline Stanbury, Candiace Dillard-Bassett, and Lisa Rinna. Each brings their own brand of chaos, strategy, and, occasionally, heartfelt camaraderie.
Even the show’s “villains” add to the fun. Michael Rapaport, described by The Daily Beast as “one of the most insufferable and unpleasant TV presences there is,” manages to unite the castle in collective exasperation. Meanwhile, Rob Rausch, the lowest-net-worth contestant at $250,000, embraces his underdog status—and his penchant for shirtless introductions—with good humor. “I’m just used to Love Island. It’s weird to be wearing clothes. I haven’t made out with anybody yet. It’s pretty crazy,” he quips, perfectly summing up the season’s playful energy.
Challenges this season take contestants from chilly Scottish lochs to muddy forest trails, though, as one reviewer admits, the specifics often get lost amidst the spectacle. But that hardly matters. The real joy of The Traitors lies in watching this bizarre, thrilling collection of personalities clash, connive, and occasionally connect in unexpected ways. As the first episodes unfold, it’s clear that this season is shaping up to be the most entertaining yet—a testament to the show’s winning formula of star power, strategy, and sheer unpredictability.
With a cast this rich—in both fame and fortune—season four of The Traitors US promises to keep fans guessing, gasping, and, above all, coming back for more. Whether you’re here for the drama, the gameplay, or just to see what Alan Cumming wears next, there’s never been a better time to tune in.
