At a Glance
- 13 of the 23 season 4 cast members are parents
- Kids range from newborn Banksi Ballas to adult Christian Mitchell
- Several children previously appeared on Real Housewives franchises
- Why it matters: Viewers see a softer side of the deception-heavy reality hit
Despite backstabbing and betrayal on screen, more than half of The Traitors season 4 cast trade conniving for cuddles at home. The Peacock reality hit returned January 8 with 23 competitors, 13 of whom are moms and dads who balance strategic gameplay with bedtime stories.
The Dancing Dad
Mark Ballas and wife BC Jean welcomed son Banksi in 2023. The Dancing with the Stars champ posted a faceless Instagram shot weeks later: “Welcome to Earth my son.”
Ballas told The Joe Vulpis Podcast in November 2024 they vanished from social media to stay “home and in it with him.”
Housewives’ Little Ones
- Candiace Dillard Bassett (RHOP) had Jett in 2024 after an on-camera IVF journey
- Dorinda Medley (RHONY) raises academic daughter Hannah Lynch
- Lisa Rinna (RHOBH) models Delilah and Amelia work runways like mom
- Caroline Stanbury (RHODubai) parents Yasmine, twins Zack and Aaron
Comedian’s Two-Decade Gap
Ron Funches‘ sons are born 18 years apart:
- Malcolm arrived when Funches was 20; autism advocacy shapes the comic’s material
- Teddy debuted in 2022 with a relaxed, financially secure dad
“I can afford to relax! My bank account’s not negative,” he joked on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Survivor Dad’s Cross-Country Move
Two-time *Survivor player Rob Cesternino, wife Nicole, sons Dominic (2013) and Anthony (2015) ditched Los Angeles for Raleigh, North Carolina in 2021 after Googling “best places to raise a family.”
NFL’s Favorite Grandma
Donna Kelce, mom to Jason and Travis Kelce, joined the cast after binge-watching during playoffs. Jason urged her to audition. “When you get to a certain part in your life… it’s so important to reinvent yourself,” she said on the premiere.
Olympic Journey to Motherhood
Figure skater Tara Lipinski and husband Todd Kapostasy welcomed daughter Georgie via surrogate in 2023 following endometriosis. She told PEOPLE in 2025 they’re pursuing a second child: “Fingers crossed.”
Big Brother Mom
Tiffany Mitchell refused the “Mama Tiff” label on Big Brother 23. Her son Christian now attends Western Michigan University; she called herself “an extremely proud mom” on Instagram.
Bachelor’s New Title: Dad
Colton Underwood and husband Jordan C. Brown welcomed Bishop via surrogate in 2024 using donor eggs. “Our world is a million times better,” Underwood posted. The couple plans to use remaining embryos for future siblings.

Blended Families
- Michael Rapaport guides sons Julian and Maceo with mantra: “Believe in yourself. Don’t take no for an answer”
- Porsha Williams co-parents daughter Pilar with ex Dennis McKinley and step-moms five kids with husband Simon Guobadia
Key Takeaways
- Parenting spans generations from rookie dads Ballas and Underwood to veteran Donna Kelce
- Reality TV documented IVF, surrogacy, and co-parenting journeys
- Off-screen softness contrasts with on-screen scheming, giving fans a fuller picture of the competitors they love to hate
The January 8 premiere revealed who can juggle diapers and deception-proving even traitors have tender sides.

