Everything The Traitors gets right about disability and neurodivergence – and what it doesn’t

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It’s still rare to see disability well-represented on TV, and when it does happen, it’s often through harmful stereotypes like pity, prejudice, or the idea that disabled people are simply ‘inspiring’ for existing. However, right from the start, the UK version of The Traitors has consistently done things differently.

The Traitors has consistently featured a diverse cast of disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and their experiences are portrayed with care and authenticity. The show seamlessly integrates these cast members, treating them just like everyone else. This approach is quietly groundbreaking for a primetime television program, offering valuable representation of disabled people on screen.

The show offers a diverse portrayal of disability and neurodiversity, moving beyond typical representations. Throughout its seasons, it naturally integrates disability into characters’ lives – it’s a meaningful part of who they are, but doesn’t define their entire story.

It’s common in stories that a character’s disability isn’t revealed until we’ve already gotten to know them – after their personality is established and they’re woven into the plot. As disabled people, that’s often what we want – to be seen as individuals first, with our disability being acknowledged as a part of who we are, not as the defining characteristic or something to ignore.

The show has featured a diverse range of disabilities, often underrepresented in similar programs due to the physically demanding challenges. This includes Meryl, the winner of season one, who has dwarfism, and several contestants with limb differences, like Mollie, who finished as runner-up in season two. Mollie even shared during a mission that having one hand was surprisingly helpful when navigating a difficult obstacle.

Steve Haynes, a trustee at the Reach charity, expressed delight that the show The Traitors includes contestants with limb differences. He stated that Reach is pleased to see Upper Limb Difference (ULD) represented on the program.

As a lifelong movie and TV buff, I’ve always been struck by how important representation is. I’ve heard from so many adults with undiagnosed learning differences that growing up, they rarely, if ever, saw anyone like themselves portrayed on screen or in positions of leadership. It’s amazing how that lack of visibility can subtly affect someone’s self-esteem. It’s really powerful to hear how finding communities like Reach later in life has been so validating and affirming for them – like finally seeing themselves reflected in the world.

It’s incredibly important for children with underlying learning differences (ULD) to see themselves reflected in the media. Seeing positive role models like Mollie and Netty – people who are capable and confident – helps them believe in their own potential. This not only builds confidence and a positive outlook for disabled children, but also helps everyone understand and accept differences.

When disabled people are shown as fully realized individuals with their own thoughts, plans, and feelings – instead of just being defined by their disability – it helps others understand them better and rethink their preconceived notions.

This season of The Traitors is leading the way in disability representation by featuring a contestant with a stammer – something we don’t often see on TV. It’s been particularly meaningful to watch the other contestants respectfully allow Jessie to speak at her own pace, without interrupting or finishing her sentences.

Similar to other contestants with disabilities, she’s proven to be very funny and insightful. What this show does so well – and what sets it apart – is portraying disabled people as complete individuals, with the same depth and complexity as everyone else.

Alison Kerry, from the disability charity Scope, noted that while many people are enjoying the show The Traitors, it’s also potentially the first time some viewers have seen someone with a stammer on television, which could help increase understanding and acceptance.

Jessie is one of several contestants from all four seasons of The Traitors who have shared their personal health conditions or disabilities on the show, bringing authenticity to their experiences.

Seeing disabled people represented on television is incredibly valuable. It challenges stereotypes, changes how people think, and helps viewers better understand the experiences, skills, and capabilities of people with disabilities.

However, it’s also important to talk about areas where the BBC’s portrayal of disabled people could be better, and what changes it could make.

A key challenge is that people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids, are often excluded. While it’s understandable to think their physical limitations might prevent participation, thoughtful and inclusive design can overcome these barriers.

Wheelchair users could be included in space missions by offering more roles focused on psychological support, or by creating a variety of mission roles that easily accommodate people with physical disabilities.

People with disabilities that cause fatigue or limited energy are often underrepresented. Addressing this would require the BBC to make some changes to the show, but given that the show thrives on unpredictability, these changes shouldn’t be viewed negatively.

The show continues to highlight how unconscious biases affect perceptions. Throughout its four seasons, many disabled and neurodivergent contestants were initially viewed with suspicion for little apparent reason. A prime example is Faithful Nicky, who was wrongly suspected and ultimately the first to be banished. The reason? She didn’t raise her glass – an impossible task given her limb difference.

Many viewers were disturbed by how Aaron was treated during a panic attack in the first season. Aaron has ADHD, which can make it hard to handle criticism and feel overwhelmed easily. Despite ultimately winning the show, his fellow contestants often unfairly suspected him of wrongdoing, reacting negatively to his natural reactions like asking questions and showing enthusiasm.

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He’s not alone – many neurodivergent people on the show have faced suspicion because of how they differ from others. For example, Dan from season 3 openly discussed his autism and explained that it influenced his unique gameplay, where he prioritized his own interests and remained consistent in his strategy. Ultimately, this approach led to his elimination after he was caught being dishonest about his involvement in a challenge.

Some people claim this isn’t about prejudice, but simply how other contestants perceive those with disabilities or neurodiversity – something they believe can’t be changed. However, this reflects a larger societal issue, visible even in this show, where disabled and neurodivergent individuals continue to be excluded and viewed with distrust. One step the BBC could take to address this is to help contestants become aware of their own potential biases before the competition begins.

The BBC’s The Traitors is doing a great job with inclusive casting and storytelling, which is wonderful to see. However, as a neurodivergent and chronically ill viewer, it’s also clear there’s still a long way to go in terms of truly representing and understanding these communities on television. The question now is: how can the show build on its progress and continue to be a leader in inclusive representation?

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You can continue watching season 4 of The Traitors on Friday, January 16th at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. If you’ve missed any previous episodes, seasons 1 through 3 are currently available on iPlayer.

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Authors

Charli Clement

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2026-01-16 17:36