The secret behind casting one of TV's most gripping reality shows comes down to a simple question: Would you want to grab a drink with this person?
According to Lewis Thurlow, executive producer of BBC1's hit series The Traitors, likability is the key factor when selecting contestants from tens of thousands of applications. Unlike other reality TV shows that deliberately cast confrontational personalities to stir up drama, The Traitors takes a different approach.
"Players have to be likeable," explains Thurlow. The production team applies what they call the "pub test" - evaluating whether viewers would enjoy sitting down for a pint with each potential contestant.
This unique casting philosophy stems from the show's premise itself. In The Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, ordinary people compete as either secret "traitors" or innocent "faithfuls" trying to expose the deceivers among them. The format naturally generates tension and drama through gameplay, rather than relying on volatile personalities.
The show transforms everyday people into strategic players capable of deception and manipulation. By starting with likeable contestants, the dramatic arc becomes more compelling as viewers watch relatable characters navigate moral dilemmas and complex social dynamics.
This approach marks a notable departure from reality TV's typical formula of casting obvious villains and heroes. The Traitors proves that genuine entertainment can emerge from putting friendly faces in extraordinary circumstances, letting the game itself bring out their competitive - and sometimes devious - sides.
For aspiring contestants, the message is clear: Being genuinely personable matters more than manufacturing drama. The show's success suggests audiences connect more deeply with authentic personalities pushed to their limits than with ready-made antagonists.