Issue #843 Thu 8 Jan
Strands hints — January 8, 2026
Television provides a peculiar lens through which we view human nature. Today's grid offers a look at the archetypes that keep the cameras rolling.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
You take the same route home and a single door is open that's never open.
Reality television archetypes and roles
COMPETITIVE REALITY SHOW ARCHETYPES
Spangram 4 nudges · 11 letters
The connector word
Two-word plural noun
11 letters.
Starts with T, ends with S.
THETRAITORS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (10 letters)
- 2 C (6 letters)
- 3 F (8 letters)
- 4 M (7 letters)
- 5 S (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BA (10 letters)
- 2 CA (6 letters)
- 3 FA (8 letters)
- 4 MI (7 letters)
- 5 SH (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 nudges · 10 letters
A theme word
A permanent removal from the group following a unanimous vote.
10 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BA.
BANISHMENT
Theme word 2 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
The grand stone setting where the contestants reside for the duration of the game.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CASTLE
Theme word 3 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
The dedicated players who remain loyal to their alliance until the bitter end.
8 letters.
Starts with F.
Starts with FA.
FAITHFUL
Theme word 4 of 5 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A high-stakes task undertaken by the group to increase the communal pot of money.
7 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MI.
MISSION
Theme word 5 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A protective layer used to deflect suspicion during the nightly round table.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SH.
SHIELD