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The Guardian
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Lie, cheat, steal, repeat: will the Traitors knockoffs ever cease?
This is a punt, but Fox might have started to commission new shows via the power of online thesauruses. Take its new reality show The Snake. It's a game of secrets and betrayal, of feigning one emotion to gain trust while you stab your new friends in the back. In other words, it's basically The Traitors. I don't know whether any of you have ever searched Merriam Webster for synonyms of 'traitor', but 'snake' is literally second on the list. And this laziness is indicative of the show itself, which is such a painfully halfhearted retread of The Traitors that it ends up being exhausting to watch. Hosted by Jim Jeffries, presenting in the style of a drunk guy shouting through his letterbox at 3am, The Snake gathers contestants from the most easily stereotyped professions – detective, ex-con, pastor, Onlyfans model – and has them connive at each other until only one remains. The runtime of the first episode is almost exclusively given over to letting these people describe exactly how unpleasant they are. Subsequent episodes involve gross-out challenges, like drinking meat smoothies or being relatively close to some insects, so in that regard a direct comparison to The Traitors is slightly unfair, because it's actually ripping off The Traitors and Fear Factor in equal measure. But perhaps this isn't such a surprise, because at the moment you could wade through television blindfolded and stumble into any number of shows that desperately want to be The Traitors. Maybe you saw Netflix's Million Dollar Secret, which was a version of The Traitors set in a luxury hotel. Or Netflix's The Trust, which was a version of The Traitors hosted by someone from CNN. Or maybe you saw the USA Network's Snake in the Grass, or ITV's The Fortune Hotel. Perhaps you even accidentally found yourself watching Amazon's 007: Road to a Million, which was a version of The Traitors explicitly designed to make you feel depressed about the future of James Bond. None of these shows are shy about their inspiration. They are all about people encouraged to screw over their peers for a quick buck. But the problem is that, as a format, The Traitors is unbeatable. It is beautifully simplistic. People move into a castle. Some of them have to secretly undermine everything. Everyone goes crazy with paranoia. That's it. It's bulletproof. A monkey could understand it. But the networks can't just produce a straight remake of The Traitors, because that would be cheating. And so every new iteration has to add some new element, a gimmicky format point that differentiates it just enough to be legally distinct. With The Fortune Hotel it was a sunny location. With The Snake it's adding too many unnecessary insects. But this sort of tinkering can easily overwhelm a format. In the UK, ITV recently produced a Traitors knock-off called Genius Game that was so absurdly convoluted – every episode was full of endless tedious explanations about bags and tokens and codes and zombies and garnets – that it quickly felt like the worst kind of hungover Boxing Day board game imaginable, the kind where everyone gives up halfway through and just ends up eating Twiglets in silence. It was like watching The Traitors, but a version of The Traitors that had been loaded with so much superfluous paraphernalia that its ankles shattered under the weight. And, true, television has always done this. We've already lived through the Pop Idol phase, where civilians were alternately encouraged to either sing or cry on command. And then there was the Love Island phase, where we found ourselves inundated with an infinite number of nimrods copping off in villas. The Great British Bake Off formula has been variously transposed to sewing, pottery, dressmaking, glassblowing, flower arranging and, probably before long, bereavement counselling. Now it is the turn of The Traitors. A year or two from now another show will get its time in the test tube. That said, maybe The Traitors deserves this fleet of copyists. After all, The Traitors is not a new idea. It's based on Mafia, a game devised in the halls of Moscow State University in the 1980s. It's also incredibly similar to the board game Secret Hitler, not to mention a 2004 BBC show that was literally called Traitor and ran for five episodes in 2004. Even so, The Traitors stands as the perfect refinement of the idea; it is thrilling and accessible in equal measure. None of its copycats have even come close to replicating it. Still, the night is young, and there are still 41 perfectly unused synonyms for 'traitor' left in the thesaurus. Coming soon: The Rat (The Traitors but organised crime), The Quisling (The Traitors but wartime Scandinavia) or The Stool Pigeon (The Traitors but everyone eats cold chicken bones out of bins).
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Joe Rogan Teasing Future A-List Podcast Guest Thrills Fans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Joe Rogan teased a possible future A-list interview during a recent episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. The Context Rogan began his career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, before becoming a sitcom star in the 1990s with roles on Hardball and NewsRadio. The 57-year-old later hosted the stunt reality show Fear Factor, and today, he has one of the most popular podcasts in the world with The Joe Rogan Experience. For years, the program—which was launched in 2009—has been at the top of Spotify's podcast charts. At the time of publication, he's completed 2,327 episodes. What To Know On Thursday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan spoke with comedian Jimmy Carr. At one point during the show, their conversation turned to the topic of Oasis. "Adam Eagan. He's the best," Rogan said, referring to the talent coordinator he often works with at his Comedy Mothership club in Austin, Texas. "He's in Hawaii this week, I'm missing him," Carr responded. "Oh, well he'll be back," Rogan assured, before Carr added: "He's coming to London to see Oasis with me." UFC commentator Joe Rogan announces the fighters during a ceremonial weigh-in for UFC 264 at the T-Mobile Arena on July 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC commentator Joe Rogan announces the fighters during a ceremonial weigh-in for UFC 264 at the T-Mobile Arena on July 9, 2021 in Las Vegas, British rock band Oasis rose to fame in 1994 with their hit debut album Definitely Maybe and later produced such hits as "Wonderwall," "Champagne Supernova" and "Don't Look Back in Anger." Band members, brothers Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher were infamous for their constant feuding. And after years of tension, they're reuniting in a highly anticipated tour beginning in July. Their tour announcement in 2024 came just one day before the anniversary of their split on August 28, 2009. "Oh really? Oh wow, that should be incredible," Rogan said of their upcoming tour. "Don't they hate each other? They hate each other but they're touring together. The Gallaghers." Carr hinted that "there's an amount of money you can put down" to put those differences aside, before suggesting: "You should get Noel on the show." Newsweek reached out to Noel Gallagher's representative via email for comment. "I would love to," the UFC commentator replied. "Noel is so fun," Carr said, to which Rogan expressed: "I love them, I love them." In 2017, Liam Gallagher posted a message to X, formerly Twitter, that Noel Gallagher had "reached out" and "we're all good again." What People Are Saying In the comments underneath the podcast on YouTube, listeners urged Rogan to book Noel Gallagher for an interview. YouTube user @THEJAM-EATERS wrote: "Yes get Noel Gallagher on please!" @finn8598 said: "I've said for a long time that Noel Gallagher would be an amazing guest." @debonaire_nerd shared: "YES! Get Noel Gallagher on the show. Based Jimmy." @ipostedacomment added: "If you could somehow get Noel and Liam Gallagher together for a podcast it'd be one of the best ones ever." @barrywatson6620 chimed in: "Nostradamus checking in here..I predict Noel Gallagher on this show just before the Oasis concerts this chance." What Happens Next New episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience are released weekly on platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rizwann Sikander remembers Mukul Dev: His encouragement marked the start of my career
Rizwann Sikander and Mukul Dev Mukul Dev 's sudden demise at the age of 54 has left the industry in shock. Among those struggling to come to terms with the news is actor Rizwann Sikander, who shared a close bond with him since their time together on Fear Factor India in 2006. Rizwann recalls, 'Mukul bhai always had a soft corner for me during Fear Factor India. I think he saw the youngest, most adrenaline-filled, mentally strong version of me — and gave me a special place in his heart. He constantly encouraged me to push forward and never give up. I'll never forget that he was the first to announce my victory, proud and beaming with joy. Sharing that historic win with him was the start of my career, and a memory I'll cherish forever. He truly was a gem of a person. His presence will be missed, but his belief in me will always stay in my heart.' The two last met on the sets of R... Rajkumar (2013), which starred Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. Rizwann shares, 'We met through our common fitness coach. He was genuinely happy to see me, and all our Fear Factor memories came rushing back — we were laughing about all the goof-ups. I told him about my acting journey since then — working in Balaji TV shows, living in London, shooting a commercial, hosting a French reality show, even working at a restaurant near Victoria Bus Station, while continuing to pursue acting. He appreciated my journey, boosted my morale, and encouraged me to never give up on my dream. He gave me his blessings.' Rizwann remembers Mukul as someone who was warm, supportive, and grounded — traits that made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
News18
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Mukul Dev's Chilling LAST Post Was About 'Dark Forebodings': 'If Your Head Explodes…'
Last Updated: Actor and host Mukul Dev passed away at 54. Known for his long career, Mukul was also a certified pilot. His last Instagram post hinted at "dark forebodings". Shocking news swept through the world of showbiz on Saturday morning — actor and host Mukul Dev has passed away. The gifted artist had a career spanning almost three decades in the acting industry. While confirming the news, Mukul's close friend, Vindu Dara Singh, said that the actor would mostly keep to himself in his last few days. Not just that, he also fell silent on Instagram. However, his last post in February will run a chill down your spine. The actor wrote about 'dark forebodings" as though he had already looked into the future. Not many know but Mukul Dev held a certificate in aeronautics from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation in Raebareli. He would often fly out and explore the sky on his own, and share his experiences from the high up with fans. That was exactly was the former Fear Factor host's last Instagram post on February 26, 2025, was all about. Up in the sky, Mukul shared a glimpse from his two-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane. Surrounded by clouds, he watched the setting sun. 'And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too…. I'll see you on the dark side of the moon. #crosscountry," he wrote as the caption, with the karaoke version of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side Of The Moon' ringing on. Take a look: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mukul Dev (@thereal_mukuldev) Moments before his last post, on the same day, Mukul dropped a glimpse of his plane before flying out. He wrote, 'Echo November India. She gave me wings and taught me a few tricks in the skies. #learningtofly." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mukul Dev (@thereal_mukuldev) In fact, Mukul Dev loved flying. He would often post throwback posts and anecdotes from his flight training. In his third-last post made on December 20, 2024, the late actor shared a glimpse from his flying exam in 1990. Taking to the caption, he mentioned how he cleared the written test in the first attempt with flying colours. '1990 – My flight training entrance exam at the laid back lawns of the Delhi Flying Club. It was long, slow burn and exhausting, but i nailed it in the first attempt. #igrua #7thcommercialpilotsbatch," he had penned. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mukul Dev (@thereal_mukuldev) Mukul Dev no more The actor passed away on May 23 at the age of 54. Mukul had been ill for the past few days and was admitted to the ICU. Despite all efforts, he could not recover. He is survived by his brother, actor Rahul Dev. The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed yet. First Published: May 24, 2025, 14:18 IST
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Joe Rogan Ripped Over Bad Habit on Podcast
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Joe Rogan is being criticized online for a bad habit during a recent episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. Newsweek reached out to Rogan's representative via email for comment. The Context Rogan is one of the most influential global podcasters. He began The Joe Rogan Experience in 2009 and has completed 2,326 episodes to date. On the show, he interviews politicians, actors, athletes and more. Some of his previous podcast guests include President Donald Trump, chef Guy Fieri, billionaire Elon Musk, actor Jeremy Renner and former professional boxer Mike Tyson. What To Know On Wednesday's three-hour episode of The Joe Rogan Experience with NFL star Aaron Rodgers, Rogan received backlash for discussing a variety of topics—including vaccines, Netflix and New Jersey's mystery drones—but not the future of his football career. Fans were also irked by something else: his loud chewing. Some listeners said they couldn't finish the episode because of it. While it's unclear what exactly Rogan was munching on, the former Fear Factor host has raved about Neuro gum and mints on his podcast. During episode 2,290 with standup comedian Michael Kosta, Rogan said he's "a big fan" of their products. "I chew it all the time," Rogan told Kosta in March, referring to the gum. "It's gum that has a little bit of caffeine, a little bit of theanine in it." Joe Rogan attends the UFC 277 ceremonial weigh-in in Dallas, Texas, on July 29, 2022. Joe Rogan attends the UFC 277 ceremonial weigh-in in Dallas, Texas, on July 29, People Are Saying People took to Spotify and YouTube to vent their frustrations with the episode. Spotify user Truth Commenter commented: "Wtf is that smacking noise." quentinhoufek03 commented: "The chewing into the mic is insane I fr [for real] couldn't make it passed 15 mins." Gough110 commented "Chewing right into the mic SMH." Hauserlives commented: "I love hearing them chewing." Paul McDowell commented: "love the sound of chewing gum and swallowing like i'm listening to a weird asmr podcast." Steve Skalecki commented: "Joe. Love the podcast. Respectfully could you stop chewing gum or your nicotine pouch in my ear? Thanks brotha lol." Randy commented: "Thanks for chewing gum into the mic." Zach Whitt commented: "Ah yes, another mouth noise episode." Pete Zjacic commented: "Can't listen... the f****** chewing sounds!" Corey Cantrell commented: "Please, quit eating or sucking the entire 3 hour pod. No one wants to hear mouth noises..." On YouTube, people echoed similar sentiments. @kylecalvert1121 commented: "I can do without the Joe Rogan mouth noises lol." @katerramma297 commented: "i can't with joe's mouth smacking sounds this episode." @LoganMac28 commented: "Holy s***, make chewing gum on a podcast illegal." @scottpeterson7474 commented: "Quit chewing gum during podcasts. It's so hard to tolerate." What Happens Next New episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience are released weekly on platforms like Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
