Netflix’s new reality series Million Dollar Secret is hosted by Peter Serafinowicz and gives one player the chance to win a life-changing prize – but who are the 12 players?
Netflix has dropped its latest binge-worthy series, Million Dollar Secret, touted as the streaming giant’s own spin on The Traitors. It’s all about deception, with one lucky player given a shot at snagging a life-altering prize.
At a swanky retreat called The Stag, twelve contestants are shacked up, each with a peculiar wooden box in their room. Only one of these conceals a cool million pounds; if the secret millionaire can keep their lips sealed, they edge ever nearer to claiming the jackpot.
Drama is promised throughout the eight episodes, packed with trials that could give the millionaire a sneaky hand in the contest. While the millionaire works out their strategy, the rest of the players – dubbed hunters – have to unearth clues and figure out the wealthy one among them.
Comedy star Peter Serafinowicz takes the reins of the show, presiding over the ‘trophy room’ where pivotal hints and nuggets about the millionaire’s identity lie waiting to be uncovered.
If you’re keen to know who’s who in this game of riches and secrecy, here’s a lowdown on the 12 contenders stepping into the fray.
Cara Kies
Hailing from the kitchen of In-N-Out burger, 29 year old Cara is all heart, valuing kinfolk and connections above all – though she wouldn’t mind an extra bit of cash in her pocket.
Clever tactics could be up her sleeve, courtesy of the myriad games nights with loved ones. However, her generous nature may prove her undoing since she frets over, “I care a lot about people’s feelings, and I never want to hurt anyone.”
A scroll through her Instagram shows Cara beaming alongside her spouse, Andreas.
Chris Allen
Beverage company boss Chris, 34, is banking on his savvy leadership tactics to help him sail through the competitive storm.
Speaking with conviction, he shares: “It takes a long time to build trust but only a second to lose it forever and never get it back.”
Hatching a strategic game plan, he reveals: “I want to gain a reputation in the house as a straightforward, trustworthy player and then cash in all of that trust for a late-game deception that will put me on the inside track to win a million dollars.”
Corey Niles
Builder Corey Niles, aged 38, knows that just having a strong game plan won’t cut it to clinch victory.
With a clear reminder set for himself, he states: “I wrote these words down in my journal as a reminder before entering the house and will read them every night before bed: ‘Let them judge you, let them misunderstand you, let them gossip about you. Their opinions are not your problems.’
Corey boasts an early-bloomed leadership quality, confessing: “Growing up with a single mother and three younger siblings, I learned to become the man of the house at a very young age.”
With a substantial social media presence, Corey’s charm has garnered him a following of over 33,000 on Instagram.
Harry Donenfeld
Photographer extraordinaire Harry Donenfeld, 59, comes armed with a knack for avoiding tricky questions and crafting a subtle gameplay.
He acknowledges his potential downside, “I am good at putting people together and at ease, but that could make me an immediate target, too.”
Harry isn’t new to glamour; he’s held the esteemed role of personal photographer for several billionaires.
Jaimi Alexander
Life coach and natural leader Jaimi Alexander, at 42, was brought up with a sense of responsibility being the eldest child.
Depending on her ace ability to read people, one competitor is counting on this skill to take her far in the game. She also rates herself as a “phenomenal liar,” which she believes might just give her an edge.
This Houston wellness aficionado is a hit on Instagram, sharing health tips galore with her lucky followers.
Kyle Wimberley
Kyle Wimberley, a construction worker aged 27, doesn’t pride himself on deception. He’s banking on his genuine approach to mislead adversaries, yet he’s not above holding back intel—a tactic he’s honed since his cheeky childhood days.
The Texan lad loves flaunting his hunting escapades and gym victories online.
Lauren Trefethren
From Fargo comes Lauren Trefethren, a savvy 35 year old housewife and ex-school counsellor whose speed of thought and keen intellect are her secret weapons. “I was trained to pick up on subtle changes in behavior and tone,” she reveals with confidence.
Lydia Blair
Meet Lydia Blair, a 64 year old retired escrow officer who appears to be your average Texan granny but harbours a covert persona. For three whole decades, she’s been bluffing her way through poker tournaments—an unexpected arsenal in her kitty.
“In our society, a woman my age is invisible. It’s easy to be overlooked and underestimated,” she claims.
Phil Roundtree
College professor Phil Roundtree, 41 years young and doubling as a therapist for over 15 years. His expertise lies in reading folks and winning trust—an invaluable trick up his sleeve in any contest.
“My biggest weakness is and probably will always be overanalyzing,” he confesses.
He also hosts the You Good Man podcast.
Samantha Hubbard
Police officer Sam, aged 41, keeps her real job under wraps, confessing to the group that she’s a stay-at-home-mom.
Sam is prepared to play with people’s emotions, but admits her greatest vulnerability is her caring nature and letting her heart lead.
On Instagram, Sam reveals she’s also a model with an impressive following of over 259,000 fans.
Se Young Metzroth
At 35, Systems VP Se Young credits her video game research career for teaching her about gameplay mechanics.
In preparation for Million Dollar Secret, Se Young has been honing her deception skills by “lying to people around me about inconsequential things”.
Sydnee Falkner
32 year old Medical Sales rep Sydnee plans to exploit the “Scottsdale blonde persona” to take others off guard.
She acknowledges: “My greatest strength is my looks,” believing others will underestimate her as a contender.
Hailing from northern Alaska, she’s no stranger to toughness.
“I’ve worked in negative 80-degree weather as a maintenance tech in pure darkness,” she boasts.
Million Dollar Secret is on Netflix
