The Celebrity Traitors Producer 'Amazed by Reaction'

Stephen Lambert, CEO of Studio Lambert, the production company behind the hit reality series The Traitors, has expressed his amazement at the show's widespread reception. The series, which includes both a celebrity and a civilian version, has captivated audiences in the UK and the US.

"The Traitors was actually created by some brilliant Dutch people, who we then managed to get hold of the rights from to make the show in Britain and America," Lambert told BBC Radio Oxford. "Our brilliant team make those two versions and they've been hugely successful, so we've been amazed by the reaction."

Studio Lambert is also known for producing other popular shows such as Race Across the World, Gogglebox, and Squid Game: The Challenge.

The current season of The Celebrity Traitors has seen significant viewership, with nine million people tuning in live for its launch. Lambert attributes the show's appeal to a combination of factors, including its dramatic elements and the inherent psychological game at its core. He highlighted the format's reliance on "dramatic irony," where the audience is aware of who the traitors are from the outset, creating a unique viewing experience.

"We the audience know who the traitors are right from the beginning, we see them being picked, and that completely changes the dynamics of the viewing experience," Lambert explained. "The fact the traitors are licenced to lie means that, just like a good poker player, we are impressed by their ability to be traitors – rather than thinking 'oh this is revealing a kind of terrible character flaw'."

He noted that unlike some other reality shows where lying might be viewed negatively, The Traitors encourages viewers to appreciate the strategic deception. This element, he suggested, removes any potential audience discomfort with the participants' dishonesty.

The first series of The Celebrity Traitors featured a notable upset when comedian Alan Carr was revealed as the winner, despite what Lambert described as "a series of faux pas throughout the series." This unexpected outcome underscored the unpredictable nature of the game and contributed to its success.