Bell Media sneaks Traitors into Canada with local versions in English, French

The UK version of The Traitors

Canadian broadcast group Bell Media has commissioned English- and French-language adaptations of hit Dutch psychological reality format The Traitors.

The English-language adaptation has been ordered by Bell’s main broadcast network CTV, while the French-language version will air on Bell-owned network Noovo.

Both versions will be produced by Quebec-based prodco Entourage and hosted by Canadian actor Karine Vanasse.

The original version of The Traitors was produced by Holland’s IDTV, which is part of All3Media. In the show, strangers in a majestic mansion take part in group missions to win prizes for their common prize pool that could reach up to US$100,000. However, some of them are traitors who will try to sabotage the group and ‘kill’ members of the ‘faithful’ every night.

The format, sold globally by All3Media International, has been one of the most popular formats of recent years, with remakes in the UK (BBC), the US (Peacock), France (M6), Australia (Network 10), Germany (RTL), Denmark (TV2), Flemish-speaking Belgium (VTM) and French-speaking Belgium (RTL TVI), among others.

The greenlighting of two new Canadian versions comes after Bell Media picked up the local rights to the UK, US and Australian adaptations of the show.

“I am thrilled to join forces with our valued partner, Bell Media, for the Canadian English and French versions of The Traitors,” said Jennifer Askin, senior VP of North America at All3Media International.

“This global-phenomenon format has repeatedly produced must-see thrillers for audiences around the world, and I am confident Noovo and CTV audiences will be completely captivated by this intelligent and addictive reality show.”

Suzane Landry, VP of content development, programming and information at Bell Media, added: “This major production, with two sets led by the same host and team of artisans, will ensure the national promotion of local talent.”