The Traitors viewers are all saying the same thing about this season
Much like those that came before it, the third season of The Traitors has served plenty of drama and deceit – and there’s still a way to go ‘til the finale. But one of the striking differences between this year’s contest and previous series is the amount of emotion on show.
Of course, as any fan will know, there’s always a degree of anger, shock and distress, as Faithfuls are pitted against not just Traitors, but also themselves. But this season, we’ve seen notably more tears than we have previously – from Ellen’s reaction to being banished and Maia sobbing as her sister Armani (a traitor) was voted out, to Freddy bawling in last night’s episode as the group suspected he was deceiving them.
Now, crying is a natural emotional response – especially when under pressure. But some viewers at home have questioned the displays of emotion, stating that they're "over the top" and "too much".
Comedian Mollie Goodfellow wrote on X: "Not to be a hater but there’s too much crying happening this early in the game, why are you crying at breakfast on day three #TheTraitors."
Another user also asked: "What is going on with all these waterworks? This lot have cried more in two episodes than they did in the past two seasons combined... Can you just pull yourselves together #TheTraitors."
So, is there a reason why some of us are more prone to it than others? And what does our reaction to someone crying say about us? Experts reveal all…
Why do we cry under pressure?
Dr Hannah Kearney, psychiatrist and UK medical director at Flow Euroscience, explains: “A person’s level of emotional sensitivity and reactivity are determined by a combination of their underlying temperament and environmental experiences. Temperament relates to the ‘inbuilt’ expression of emotion seen consistently from very early on in a child’s development.
“We can all think of individuals who are by nature very calm and stoic versus those who are much more emotionally intense and changeable – this is just part of our make-up we are born with.”
“Furthermore, women cry more often compared to men, and this may be due to a combination of hormonal differences and other factors,” she continues.
Counsellor Georgina Sturmer also notes that "some of us might have found that our tears or strong emotions were a powerful way to elicit attention or affection when we were young. And in that case, this pattern might continue into adulthood."
Mindset coach and psychotherapist Nicola Noel says: "Some people fight, some freeze, some fawn, and others cry or lash out – it’s all part of the rich tapestry of humanity. The real takeaway here? None of it is wrong.
"Understanding why you respond the way you do gives you power. It’s a sign of emotional intelligence to pause, reflect, and learn to manage your reactions, whether it’s through mindfulness, mindset shifts, or rewiring old patterns.
"Crying under pressure doesn’t mean you’re fragile; it means you’re human. And thank goodness for that!"
Can we reign in our emotions?
“Emotional regulation is a skill that can be learned,” Dr Kearney says. “This can be more challenging to master for those who are naturally highly emotionally sensitive; just as learning to ride a wild horse would require a different skill level to riding a calm pony.”
Sturmer adds that we may wish to avoid crying or showing emotion ourselves for a number of reasons.
"For example, we may link it with an expectation of rejection; we may be worried that if we start to show our feelings it will open the floodgates and we won’t be able to stop; or we might worry about how it might impact on our image or persona," she explains.
Why do people react differently to emotion?
When it comes to our reaction to other people's emotion, there are a number of factors at play, BACP registered therapist Alison Gee explains.
“In high-pressure environments like The Traitors, these differences become starkly visible.
“One explanation lies in attachment theory. British psychoanalyst John Bowlby proposed that our early relationships shape how we manage emotions. For example, people with an avoidant attachment style, who may have grown up learning to suppress emotions to avoid rejection, might find it difficult to cry, even under immense pressure.
"In contrast, those with an anxious attachment style, who are more prone to seeking reassurance, may express their distress more openly, including through tears,” she says.
Educational psychologist Dr Patricia Britto adds: “People's reactions to emotional displays, such as crying, are shaped by their personal experiences, cultural norms, and emotional literacy.
“Those who empathise with contestants may have experienced similar situations or possess a higher capacity for emotional connection, viewing tears as a valid expression of vulnerability.
"On the other hand, some may react dismissively or critically, influenced by societal stigmas that associate crying with weakness, particularly in competitive or public settings.”
Before judging those on-screen, Kearney advises: “It is important to remember that the contestants are in a highly pressured and unfamiliar situation away from their usual support systems.
"It is likely that most of the Traitors and the Faithfuls in the castle are feeling under some degree of stress and fatigue, which tends to result in people having less emotional control than when they are at their best."
Read more about The Traitors:
Final warning to apply for The Traitors series 4 - do you have what it takes? (Glasgow Times, 2-min read)
Where do The Traitors sleep? All the secrets you don’t see on TV (Yahoo Entertainment, 5-min read)
The Traitors' Harry Clark shares surprising top tip for winning BBC show (Yahoo Entertainment, 5-min read)
