In the three-part premiere of "The Traitors" season 3, aired on January 9, the drama between reality TV stars escalated as alliances formed and suspicions grew. Chrishell Stause, a star from "Selling Sunset," quickly became wary of Tom Sandoval's intentions, suspecting that his remarks about her were driven by her friendship with his ex-girlfriend, Ariana Madix. Dylan Efron informed Chrishell that Tom had mentioned her almost immediately upon entering the game. This suspicion led to discussions among the cast members about potential sabotage tactics. Meanwhile, the first mission involved navigating a loch to collect prize money while leaving contestants vulnerable to elimination. The episode also introduced new players and revealed strategic decisions that impacted the game's progression.

The setting shifted to the picturesque Scottish landscape where the third season of "The Traitors" unfolded. Within minutes of starting the game, tensions arose when Chrishell felt targeted by Tom Sandoval. Her concerns were echoed by other contestants, particularly Nikki Garcia, who agreed that Tom's actions seemed suspicious. Chrishell expressed her frustration during a confessional interview, highlighting her preconceived notions about Tom based on his past behavior towards Ariana. As the group embarked on their first mission, they faced the challenge of collecting up to $40,000 while strategically deciding whom to leave behind at various pontoons. The decision to return with only half the potential prize money left several contestants at risk of being eliminated.

The dynamics within the group became more complex as alliances began to form. Notably, Nikki, Chrishell, and Gabby Windey created an alliance named "the Bambis," due to their expressive eyes. They identified Tony Vlachos as a potential Traitor, which influenced subsequent events. During a conversation with Tom, Nikki pointed out his unsettling demeanor, to which he responded defensively. Tom also shared his own suspicions about Chrishell with the newcomers, suggesting she might be a Traitor. These interactions set the stage for further intrigue and betrayal in the following episodes.

As the season progressed, the introduction of new players like Wes Bergmann and Derrick Levasseur added layers to the game. Host Alan Cumming declared these newcomers immune from immediate elimination, altering the balance of power. The first eliminations included Dorinda Medley and Wells Adams, followed by Ayan and Tony Vlachos. Chrishell's animosity towards Tom persisted even after filming concluded, evident in her social media posts where she excluded him from a group photo. Fans speculated on the reasons behind this exclusion, fueling ongoing discussions about the relationships between the reality stars. The season promises more twists and turns as alliances shift and betrayals unfold.