Welcome back, traitors and faithfuls! What does Scotland have in store for us for season 4? It's safe to say that "The Traitors" has pulled its cast from reality TV "buckets," if you will: There's the Gamers, with previous players of "Survivor," "Big Brother" and the like; the Housewives, ever-colorful leading ladies of the various Bravo franchise offshoots; and what I endearingly call the Randos, aka folks who aren't really reality stars, more reality star-adjacent — hi, Dylan Efron. Season 4 stays true to form, but which category of personality will prove victorious this time around?
2. Natalie Anderson ("Survivor," "The Amazing Race")
If Natalie has one fan, it's me. She first appeared on "Survivor" alongside her twin, Nadiya, on season 29 – and in a wild turn of events, Nadiya was voted out first while Natalie was crowned the winner. Natalie returned for "Survivor: Winners at War," where she was voted out first this time, but then – thanks to the season's Edge of Extinction element – she fought her way back and ended up as runner-up!!! The twins have also appeared as a team on two seasons of "The Amazing Race," so what's another competition show? Do I think her spunky personality might get her "killed" pretty quickly? Sure, but I ranked her high because Natalie is fun to watch, whipsmart and physically strong as hell.
3. Colton Underwood ("The Bachelor")
Colton has had a long, illustrious career as a messy reality TV star. He was the lead on season 23, chose Cassie Randolph for his final rose (after famously jumping a fence to get away from production during filming), was subsequently caught in a stalking scandal amid their breakup, then came out as a gay man! Now, he's living his best life, married to political strategist Jordan C. Brown and raising their first child, Bishop. It's only right that he makes his return to television at this stage. Do I think he's going to win? No. But this is quite a treat!
4. Mark Ballas ("Dancing with the Stars")
It feels kind of wrong to have Mark Ballas on my TV screen and not be dancing, but he carries a natural suave that you just can't teach. I'm picturing him making tons of friends while remaining perfectly unassuming and, therefore, innocent. Hey, it worked for Dolores last season!
5. Yamil "Yam Yam" Arocho ("Survivor")
If you haven't met Yam Yam yet, you're about to enjoy life that much more. The winner of "Survivor" season 44 doesn't have a dishonest bone in his body, and yet it worked out for him on a show that typically rewards (necessary) dishonesty! That could go either way for him on "The Traitors," but it'll be a ride no matter what. Fun fact: He and Carolyn Tiger, a traitor from last season, sat next to each other at the Final 3! Good company.
6. Dorinda Medley ("The Real Housewives")
That's right, she's back! Dorinda is "Housewives" royalty, and since she was the first person "killed" in season 3, she really didn't get a chance to shine. The producers were right to invite her back (though I would have voted for Chanel Ayan to join her!).
7. Donna Kelce (America's Sweetheart)
The official "Traitors" notes categorizes Mama Kelce as a philanthropist, which she definitely is, don't get me wrong! But let's be real, it's not her charitable spirit that landed her a spot on this cast. I'm excited to see how the rest of the cast reacts to her.
8. Rob Cesternino ("Survivor")
Rob, a two-time "Survivor" player, is credited with basically reinventing the strategy of the game — even still, he's never won. Folks were also shocked that he wasn't chosen for the historic, all-returning-players upcoming 50th season of "Survivor." So, can his strategic mind make a comeback amongst the traitors and faithfuls?
9. Lisa Rinna ("The Real Housewives")
11/10 choice. TBH, shocked this casting hasn't happened already. Rinna is made for this!
10. Stephen Colletti ("Laguna Beach")
Cutie Colletti is going to steal hearts, let me tell you. And it might just get him to the end. Our friend Stephen is no stranger to cameras, and we best not forget his role on seasons 4 through 9 of "One Tree Hill," aka the best teen drama ever created. We know he'll be right in his comfort zone in the castle.
11. Tara Lipinski (Olympic Figure Skater)
An Olympic athlete is a fun choice for "The Traitors" — talk about someone who's prepared to face fierce competition, am I right? Not to mention the media training, which should come in handy when it comes to deceiving the faithfuls!
12. Johnny Weir (Olympic Figure Skater)
Do I smell an Olympics alliance? I mean, Johnny was literally a bridesman in Tara's wedding. Despite no (if any) reality TV experience, these two could be the most powerful duo if they play their cards right.
13. Monét X Change ("RuPaul's Drag Race")
I'm putting Monét X Change pretty high, because these drag queens can work a room — just look at Bob the Drag Queen from last season! Sure, he was outed as a traitor fairly early, but we all blame Boston Rob for that, right? Monét could learn from Bob and take this thing all the way to the end.
14. Caroline Stanbury ("Ladies of London")
Ah, here's our resident Brit! As an English socialite-turned-reality TV star, Caroline likely has the chops to withstand a few roundtables, but she also might fall victim to a "murder" sooner rather than later...I say make her a traitor!!!
15. Porsha Williams ("The Real Housewives")
I don't know much about Porsha, but I do know that she used to work closely with fellow Bravolebrity Kate Chastain, who's now been on two seasons of "The Traitors." Maybe Kate gave her some tips to boost her chances?
16. Candiace Dillard Bassett ("The Real Housewives")
I, similarly, don't know much about Candiace, but her resume is stacked: former Miss USA, actress, recording artist...good traitors need to know how to pivot, and girly pop seems to have that skill on lock.
17. Kristen Kish ("Top Chef")
Cooking shows have to be the most high-pressure environments to compete in — which means Kristen should be well-versed in dealing with whatever Alan Cumming is going to send his contestants' way!
18. Maura Higgins ("Love Island UK")
I seem to be the only person who's missed the "Love Island" boat, and I take full responsibility. Nevertheless, I think it's great fun to include folks from dating shows on this cast. Just look at Gabby Windey, former Bachelorette and winner of season 3! These people have good instincts.
19. Rob Rausch ("Love Island USA")
Rob gets ranked right below Maura simply because, again, "Love Island" is one franchise I've yet to sink my teeth into. Personally, I'm just rooting for a crossover romance — the castle needs it — despite the public having categorized Rob as a villain.
20. Tiffany Mitchell and Ian Terry ("Big Brother")
I'm lumping the "Big Brother" folks together and placing them not very high on this list. Having never watched the show, I personally find those who have been cast on previous "Traitors" seasons to be kind of...icky. Sound off in the comments and reorder this list if I'm wrong!
21. Ron Funches (Actor, Comedian)
Ron's mostly done voiceover work, so no worries if you don't recognize his face. I expect this guy to be a likable character in the castle, so he might evade being "killed" for a while, but he could also be too outspoken for the traitors...time will tell!
22. Michael Rapaport (Actor/Comedian)
Everyone knows Michael Rapaport, and his inclusion on this season would be random enough if not for some of the politically-charged controversy following him as of late. So, I'm wary.
23. Eric Nam (Musician)
Nam has made quite a name for himself throughout his career (GQ Korea's Man of the Year, Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia, one of YouTube Music's Global Trending Artists on the Rise), but does that give him any street cred in the castle? He may be a little out of his element here.