Johnny Weir, the Quarryville native and celebrated Olympic figure skater, is set to join a lineup of celebrities in the new season of “The Traitors,” a popular reality show on Peacock premiering this week. Weir will participate in a psychological contest with fellow contestants, including his broadcasting partner Tara Lipinski and NFL matriarch Donna Kelce, as they navigate alliances in a Scottish Highlands castle setting.
Season four, hosted by Alan Cumming, begins with an episode titled “Let the Cards Fall as they Will,” available for streaming starting January 8. In this Emmy Award-winning series, players are divided into two groups: the Faithful and the Traitors, who must engage in strategic maneuvering to avoid elimination.
“We’re trying to play it cool for this game,” Weir stated, highlighting the need to avoid drawing attention to their friendship with Lipinski, which he described as being “besties.” This dynamic is expected to play an important role in their approaches to the game.
Weir, a three-time U.S. national champion and two-time Winter Olympian, has a storied career in figure skating and was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2021. Since then, he and Lipinski have become established sports commentators, winning a Sports Emmy Award for their coverage of the Paris Summer Olympics last year.
Following their involvement in “The Traitors,” Weir and Lipinski appeared on the TV travel series “NBC’s 1st Look Presents — Extra Mile Club: Scotland.” This program showcased their exploration of Scottish culture through whiskey tasting, scenic boat rides, and visits to local designers, although they mentioned having limited time to enjoy the country during the filming of “The Traitors.”
Weir’s extensive television experience includes appearances on various game shows and competitions, emphasizing his versatility as a performer. Additionally, he runs the Johnny Weir Skating Academy, an elite training program aimed at nurturing future figure skating talents in Downingtown.
Other contestants in the upcoming season of “The Traitors” include a mix of personalities from various fields such as “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish, singer Eric Nam, and reality stars like Porsha Williams and Lisa Rinna, enriching the season’s competitive landscape.
As Weir embarks on this new adventure, his unique blend of charisma and strategy is sure to engage viewers, making season four of “The Traitors” an anticipated highlight for reality TV enthusiasts.