THE Traitors US has angered fans after blindsiding the cast with a shocking game twist during the Season 4 premiere.

Fans were left scratching their heads on Thursday when the first episode of the season revealed a major changeup to the game.

Alan Cumming in a black beret, plaid kilt, and sparkly suit jacket, with a crescent moon symbol on his forehead, extending his hand.
Season 4 of The Traitors US premiered on Thursday and revealed a shocking new twistCredit: Peacock
 

A person in a red hooded cloak walks down a dimly lit hallway with a patterned rug.
Fans were stunned to learn that the game will include a ‘secret traitor’ for the first time in the show’s historyCredit: Peacock
It happened upon the cast’s arrival at the Scottish castle, when host Alan Cumming announced that there would be a “secret traitor” for the first time in the show’s history.

This mystery person would be in addition to the three traitors Alan selected at the roundtable, most of whom are at the center of several cast feuds this season.

However, while the traitors know who their fellow traitors are, the secret traitor remains unknown – even to viewers.

That individual also selects four “faithfuls” to be on the “short-list” and be at risk of being “murdered” or “banished.”

The three known traitors – Real Housewives Lisa Rinna and Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Love Island USA‘s Rob Rausch – can only choose from that list who they want to murder, and they’re not exempt from the chopping block.

This is a drastically different gameplay from previous seasons, in which the traitors held all the power.

Fans reacted to the switch-up on social media, with many confused over how this will affect the game going forward.

“I’m so pissed off about this twist, I feel like it ruins everythingggg!” one X user wrote.

“This stupid secret traitors twist is so nasty and ruins the game,” another agreed.

“Can someone plz tell me how long before they show us the secret traitor? I don’t like secrets like this!” said a third.

Some also complained that the change wasn’t properly explained, as many factors, such as when the secret traitor would be revealed, remained unclear.

The episode ended with the traitors revealing the faithfuls on the short list and in jeopardy of getting axed.

Traitor Rob was among the names listed, along with Dancing with the Stars‘ Mark Ballas, Big Brother‘s Ian Terry, and singer/songwriter Eric Nam.

Two more episodes were released on Peacock, showing Ian being targeted for his strong strategic play before he was eventually eliminated.

Additionally, RHOA’s Porsha Williams was banished after receiving a majority vote from her fellow competitors at the first roundtable.

Also, Survivor alum Rob Cesternino was the second player to get murdered after being targeted by the traitors.

The Traitors will drop another two episodes next Thursday at 9:00 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST, and weekly episodes thereafter until the February 26 finale.

A person in a red hooded cloak writing in a book.
Fans expressed their confusion on social media about how the new twist will play out in future episodesCredit: Peacock
 

An aerial shot of 20 people wearing blindfolds seated around a large circular table with a compass design, from the show The Traitors.
The secret traitor is in addition to the three traitors chosen by host Alan CummingCredit: Peacock
 

A group of people in robes standing around a fire pit, with a person in a kilt and a crowd of people in the background.
Two players have already been murdered, and one banished from the castle within the first few episodesCredit: Peacock