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Salem Comedian Ron Funches Shines on 'The Traitors'
Funches' emotional exit on the Peacock reality show has made him a fan favorite.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:47pm
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Salem-raised comedian Ron Funches was the first player voted off of the Peacock reality show 'The Traitors' in an emotional exit that has made him a fan favorite. Despite being targeted early on, Funches stayed true to himself and the spirit of the game, creating compelling television in the process.
Why it matters
Funches' performance on 'The Traitors' has resonated with viewers, highlighting his authenticity and kindness even in the face of suspicion from his fellow players. His revelation that he was recently diagnosed with autism has also sparked important conversations about not judging people for being different.
The details
Funches was the first name mentioned at breakfast, with players suspicious of his early alliance with Donna Kelce, who was revealed as the Secret Traitor. Though he seemed to try and connect with other players, Funches knew he was likely going home. During the challenge, a repeat from last season, players had to solve clues to find buried money in a nearby graveyard. Funches seemed resigned to his fate, but Rausch began to have second thoughts about letting him take the fall. At the Roundtable ceremony, Funches openly dared his fellow players to accuse him, leading to a shift in the vote away from him. In a surprising move, Funches then attempted to prove his innocence by genuinely complimenting everyone at the table, swaying more players to his side. Ultimately, Funches was chosen to be banished, in an exit that proved more emotionally taxing than viewers might have expected.
- On January 22, 2026, the sixth episode of 'The Traitors' debuted on Peacock.
- Following the episode, Funches revealed on social media that he had received a diagnosis for autism.
The players
Ron Funches
A Salem-raised comedian who was the first player voted off of 'The Traitors', despite staying true to himself and the spirit of the game.
Donna Kelce
The Secret Traitor on 'The Traitors', who was revealed in episode three.
Colton Underwood
A player on 'The Traitors' who started campaigning against Lisa Rinna, even proposing an alliance to her face.
Lisa Rinna
A player on 'The Traitors' whose comparatively muted demeanor and vote against Porsha Williams were seen as damning evidence against her.
Rausch
A player on 'The Traitors' who began to have second thoughts about letting Funches take the fall.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
Rinna's remaining screentime on 'The Traitors' could be limited, as she narrowly survived banishment against Funches. She will feature prominently in the next episode's challenge, a banquet where the Traitors will have to perform a murder in full view of the other Faithfuls.
The takeaway
Funches' performance on 'The Traitors' has resonated with viewers, highlighting his authenticity and kindness even in the face of suspicion from his fellow players. His revelation about his autism diagnosis has also sparked important conversations about not judging people for being different.
