How does “House of Villains” work?
We’re now a few episodes into E!’s brand new reality competition franchise House of Villains, and it was quite a ride. Ten infamous reality TV stars entered the villains’ hideout to win a cash prize of $200,000.
But that’s not all it’s about. Host Joel McHale revealed in Episode 1 that the player who defeats the rest will also receive the title of “America’s Ultimate Supervillain” after the dust settles – which will look great on their entertainment resume.
The participants range from a money heist Challenge star to a Bachelor Alum with a healed heart. Each person in the cast has made a name for themselves largely because of their on-screen villains.
Whether it was a moment, like Jonny Fairplay’s dead grandma lie, or her entire personality – step in The Apprentice Omarosa – they all deserve a place on the first season squad. Here’s who showed up:
- Tiffany “New York” Pollard from Taste of love 1
- Corinne Olympios from The Bachelor 21
- Omarosa by The apprentice 1
- Tanisha Thomas from Bad Girls Club 2
- Anfisa Arkhipchenko 90 Day Fiancé 4
- Jonny Fairplay by Survivor: Pearl Islands
- Johnny Bananas by The challenge
- Bobby Lytes by Love & Hip Hop: Miami
- Jax Taylor by Vanderpump Rules
- Shake off Chatterjee Love is blind 2
So how does it work? House of Villains work? In this article I will break down the structure of the game step by step. And don’t worry, I’ll keep it spoiler-free.
A quick note: This article is based on three episodes of House of Villains. Since this is a new franchise, there may be twists that change the format of the game. If this is the case, the article will be updated accordingly.
The villains fight in competitions and The Stronghold means the end of one of their games each round
House of Villains is structured like most reality competition shows. Contestants vie for power and security to avoid elimination. And each game round ends with someone being eliminated from the game.
Determining the “Supervillain of the Week”
First, the cast competes for the ultimate position of power of the week, dubbed “Supervillain of the Week.” By securing the top spot in the house, the reality star is not only protected from leaving the game during this round of play, but also faces a decision. The supervillain of the week is tasked with nominating three other candidates for possible elimination. These three players make up the hit list – more on that later.
To find out who takes the throne, participants compete against each other in a battle royale. The individual competitions range from physical to mental and strategic challenges and are designed to award a winner.
A select group of performers enjoy a luxurious reward
When the supervillain of the week is crowned, they not only have to make the hit list, but they also have to make a different choice. If they win the day, they can enter a luxury reward along with two other villains. And who gets to join them is entirely up to the champion of the week. The trio sets off after refreshing themselves from the challenge.
The “hit list” is created
As the three return to the villains’ hideout, it’s time to find out who’s in danger of going home. The remaining participants take a trip into the fortress through a secret passage in the mansion. There they are greeted by McHale and as soon as the supervillain of the week sits down in the middle of the group, he asks them about their hit list.
At this point they share the three names. It is guaranteed that one of these three players’ game will end during the game round. However, you have the opportunity to save yourself from the banishment ceremony.
A candidate ensures their safety
A way how Big Brother with the right of veto or Survivors with its immunity challenges, House of Villains offers competitions for players to gain security. The three reality stars of the hit list duel of the week in the Redemption Challenge.
Whoever emerges victorious has their name crossed off the list, while the other two remain with their heads directly under the guillotine. At this point, no competition will save them – only their social and strategic skills will save them.
A villain’s election campaign ends in an anonymous vote
After upending, dishing out, and angering their roommates, the cast heads back to the fortress for the banishment ceremony. The supervillain of the week takes his place in the chair while the two on the hit list are strapped into their own chairs across the room.
After the two have made their final requests to the cast, the voting begins. The supervillain of the week and the two nominees are not allowed to vote. Instead, they watch as every other participant takes their turn in the private voting area.
Once all eligible Villains have cast their vote on who will leave the Villain Hideout, the votes will be counted. Whoever gets the most votes is then kicked out of the game (literally) by the supervillain of the week.
And that’s that. After that, a new round of play begins, starting with the Battle Royale to determine this week’s ruler.
If you haven’t seen it yet House of Villains and you’re ready to take the plunge (I definitely recommend it), then you can catch up on the season via Hulu, Fubo TV, or NBC’s website before watching the new episodes arriving on E! Every Thursday.
