“The Traitors” has become a sensation across the globe, captivating audiences with its intriguing gameplay and high-stakes drama. Its popularity has led to multiple international adaptations, from Australia to the Netherlands, and even Italy and Ireland. Notably, Finland boasts its own version of the show, hosted by Christoffer Strandberg. This iteration features 18 Finnish celebrities navigating a web of psychological strategy within the atmospheric walls of Vanajanlinna Castle. The series launched in 2023, drawing viewers in with its clever twists and intense competition.

However, the Finnish version faced an unexpected and heartbreaking turn of events. The show’s final episode was canceled following the tragic murder of contestant Janne Puhakka. Janne, a beloved participant known for his sharp strategic mind, was tragically killed at the age of 29 on October 13, 2024. He was fatally shot by his partner, Rolf Nordmo. The discovery was made by a friend of Janne’s who, concerned by his uncharacteristic silence, found him in his apartment.

The investigation, led by Matti Högman, uncovered that Janne had separated from Rolf weeks earlier and had moved out of their shared home. On the day of the incident, Janne had returned to discuss the logistics of their breakup. This tragic encounter ended in his death.

In the aftermath, Rolf Nordmo faced legal consequences for his actions. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Janne Puhakka, a sentence that typically equates to 14 to 15 years in Finland. The incident cast a shadow over the show’s success, reminding audiences of the real-life vulnerabilities behind the televised competition.

Earlier this year, Rolf Nordmo was sentenced to life for the murder of Janne. He was handed a life sentence for the crime, which means in Finland an average of 14 to 15 years behind bars.

A translated statement about the postponement from TV channel Nelonen said at the time: “The final episode of the season of Petolliset was scheduled to be shown on Thursday of this week.

“We have come to the conclusion that right now is not the right time to air an episode. We will return to the question of the possible presentation of the episode later. We share in the grief of Janne’s loved ones.”

Janne was a former player for Espoo Blues and Espoo United. An emotional tribute was paid at the time by Liiga, Finland’s top ice hockey league, which described him on X as “an important role model” and said his “courage and openness left an indelible mark on Finnish hockey”.