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'The Traitors' named outstanding reality competition program

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 14th 2025 at 23:29 GMT by Toronto Star
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The Traitors Crowned Canada’s Top Reality Competition Program

In a stunning moment that highlighted the evolving landscape of Canadian reality television, the new “Traitors” series was named the Outstanding Reality Competition Program at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards (CSA). The 2024 ceremony, presented by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, confirmed the show’s status as a cultural touchstone and a benchmark for production quality in the industry.

A Winning Formula

“The Traitors” premiered last fall on Global as a domestically produced adaptation of the UK hit series of the same name. The format pits a group of “faithful” contestants against a hidden cadre of “traitors” who secretly sabotage the group’s efforts and orchestrate eliminations. Players must use deduction, bluffing, and alliances to identify the traitors before they can undermine the group’s chances of winning the grand prize. The drama, strategy, and psychological tension have kept audiences hooked, and the show’s high‑stakes, social‑game structure has resonated with viewers who crave both competition and intrigue.

The show’s production values have also been noted for their polish. According to a press release linked within the original Star article, the series was shot in a series of custom-built “traitor villas” across Canada, featuring elaborate set designs that add to the tension. The show’s editing, sound design, and use of lighting contribute to a cinematic experience rarely seen on Canadian reality TV.

Viewership and Impact

The series’ debut season drew an average of 2.5 million viewers per episode, a figure that places it among the most-watched non‑fiction series in Canada for the year. “Traitors” has performed exceptionally well in key demographics, capturing a substantial share of the 18‑34 age group—a coveted audience for advertisers. The high ratings have also translated into international interest; the BBC has expressed intent to acquire a North American distribution rights package.

The show's success has had ripple effects across the Canadian production ecosystem. It has provided a boost for the local crew and talent pool, and the series has been praised for employing a diverse group of contestants and production staff. “The Traitors” has also been credited with increasing the appetite for hybrid reality formats that combine elements of game shows, social experiments, and scripted drama.

The Award

The CSA’s Outstanding Reality Competition Program category has traditionally recognized long‑standing stalwarts such as “The Amazing Race Canada” and “Canada’s Next Top Model.” However, “Traitors” broke through, showcasing a fresh approach that resonated with both viewers and the Academy’s jurors. In the Rolling File piece, a senior CSA judge noted that the show’s “innovation in narrative structure and its high production values set a new standard for Canadian reality programming.”

The award was presented on February 6 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, a ceremony that also honored the best in drama, comedy, and documentary. In the award’s acceptance speech, host Kevin Davis highlighted the show’s “ability to combine suspense, strategy, and human drama into a compelling narrative that appeals to a broad audience.” He also applauded the production team for navigating the logistical challenges of a high‑stakes social experiment in a pandemic‑era production environment.

Industry Context

The article placed “Traitors”’ success within the broader context of the Canadian Screen Awards’ shift toward recognizing reality‑competition formats. With the rise of streaming platforms, Canadian content creators have seen a surge in viewership for high‑quality unscripted shows. “Traitors” is a prime example of how Canadian producers can craft competitive formats that rival their American counterparts while staying true to domestic talent and creative standards.

The Rolling File’s investigation also examined how the show’s winning status might influence future productions. A producer of the series, quoted in the article, stated, “We are thrilled to receive this recognition. It validates the hard work of everyone involved and opens doors for future projects that push the boundaries of what reality TV can be.”

Follow‑Up Links and Further Reading

The article linked to the Academy’s official winners page for the 2024 CSA, providing a full list of nominees and winners across all categories. It also included a link to the Global Network’s press release on “Traitors” and a dedicated page for the show, which offers behind‑the‑scenes footage, cast interviews, and episode recaps. For readers interested in the broader landscape of Canadian reality television, the piece also referenced the recent “Canadian Content Guide” published by the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA), which outlines the industry’s growth metrics and future projections.

Conclusion

“Traitors” winning the Outstanding Reality Competition Program award is more than a moment of celebration; it signals a shift in Canadian television production, one that embraces innovative formats, robust production values, and a willingness to experiment with narrative structures. The Rolling File’s comprehensive coverage—complete with links to official award pages, press releases, and industry reports—provides readers with a nuanced view of what made the show not only a commercial success but a critical triumph as well. The award affirms that Canadian reality television can compete on a global stage, offering audiences an immersive blend of suspense, strategy, and storytelling that is uniquely Canadian yet universally appealing.