Indianapolis Therapist Joins All-Civilian Cast of 'The Traitors: New Blood'

An Indianapolis resident will test her strategic skills on the upcoming season of "The Traitors." Niyyah Hayes, a 29-year-old therapist and doctoral student at the University of Indianapolis, is among the 22 contestants on "The Traitors: New Blood." This edition marks the first time the U.S. series will feature an all-civilian cast.

The show, set at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, centers on a social deduction game where participants are assigned roles as either "traitors" or "faithfuls." The faithfuls attempt to identify and eliminate the traitors, while the traitors work to remain undetected. Eliminations occur through secret "murders" by traitors or banishments by the group during round-table discussions. A prize of up to $250,000 is awarded to the remaining faithfuls if all traitors are identified. If a traitor survives until the end, they claim the entire prize.

Hayes, originally from Gainesville, Florida, is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. She described her strategy as quiet and adaptable, aiming to blend in. Hayes expressed a preference for the traitor role, citing its opportunities for control and decision-making.

"The Traitors: New Blood" is scheduled to premiere on September 17 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with subsequent episodes airing Thursdays and available for streaming on Peacock the following day.