In the high-stakes world of reality television, where every detail can spark fan debates, Stephen Colletti has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy. The actor and former reality star, known for his roles in MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and The CW's One Tree Hill, recently addressed speculation that he harbors resentment toward his breakout show after opting for a different credit during his appearances on Peacock's The Traitors. Colletti, who entered the show's castle as a contestant in its fourth season, clarified in an interview that his choice was purely practical, not personal.
The buzz began almost immediately after Colletti's debut on The Traitors, a competition series that premiered its fourth season in early 2026 and quickly amassed 3.2 billion minutes viewed in less than a month, according to Peacock executives. Viewers noticed that beneath Colletti's name in his video confessionals, the credit read One Tree Hill instead of Laguna Beach, his iconic 2004-2006 MTV series. Social media lit up with accusations, with some fans interpreting the decision as a deliberate snub to the show that launched his career.
"I had written down One Tree Beach, but they didn’t go for it," Colletti told Entertainment Weekly in a recent interview. He explained that he had hoped for a playful mashup of his two most famous credits to "stir the pot," but producers rejected the idea. Instead, they pushed for something more recognizable from his earlier work, leaving him to choose between Laguna Beach and One Tree Hill.
Colletti, born and raised in Newport Beach, California—the very setting that inspired Laguna Beach—first gained fame as a cast member on the MTV teen reality series from 2004 to 2006. The show, subtitled The Real Orange County, offered an unscripted glimpse into the lives of affluent high schoolers, with Colletti's romance subplot captivating audiences and turning him into a household name among young viewers. Transitioning to scripted television, he portrayed Chase Adams, a celibate teen character, on One Tree Hill from 2007 to 2012, appearing in more episodes over a longer period than his reality TV stint.
"I worked on One Tree Hill for a longer time, more episodes, and it was more recent," Colletti recounted to Entertainment Weekly. "Figured it cast a wider net, so I went with that one. Did not expect to get the blowback. I mean, people were accusing me of hating Laguna because I didn’t choose that one. That’s not the case at all."
The full title of his MTV origins, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, posed another practical hurdle, Colletti noted. "I mean, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, it’s a little word sandwich under there," he said. "It’s very long. I mean, you can’t do LBTROC, that doesn’t really have the kind of the zip to it as the Housewives ones. So yeah, One Tree Hill was clean and easy, and I stand by that."
I wish that it just said ‘actor,’ but they never gave me that opportunity. I had written down, Everyone Is Doing Great, the show I’ve been working on of late, and they’re like, ‘That’s maybe not necessarily as recognizable as some of your earlier shows.'
This anecdote highlights the behind-the-scenes negotiations that often shape how contestants are presented on reality shows like The Traitors. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the series draws inspiration from the Dutch format De Verraders and pits contestants against each other in a game of deception and strategy, set in a lavish Scottish castle. Colletti's participation adds a layer of nostalgia, bridging the unscripted drama of his Laguna Beach days with the competitive intrigue of modern reality TV.
While Colletti's clarification aims to quell the rumors, it underscores the enduring loyalty fans have for Laguna Beach, which aired for three seasons and spawned spin-offs like The Hills. The show's cultural impact is evident in ongoing reunions and documentaries, with cast members occasionally reflecting on its role in shaping early 2000s pop culture. Colletti himself has spoken fondly of the experience in past interviews, crediting it with opening doors to his acting career.
On the other hand, One Tree Hill holds a special place in Colletti's professional timeline. Airing from 2003 to 2012, the series followed the intertwined lives of two half-brothers in the fictional town of Tree Hill, North Carolina, blending teen drama with sports themes. Colletti's character, Chase Adams, evolved from a minor role to a more prominent one, appearing in dozens of episodes and allowing him to showcase dramatic acting skills beyond reality TV tropes.
The choice of credit also reflects broader trends in how legacy media is packaged for new audiences. Producers of The Traitors likely prioritized brevity and broad appeal, especially given the show's rapid rise in popularity. Peacock reported that the fourth season not only drew massive viewership but also prompted the network to issue a warning to fans: “What Happens In The Game Should Never Lead To Cyberbullying Or Harassment.” This statement came amid heated online discussions about contestants, including Colletti's representation.
Colletti's recent projects further illustrate his evolution as an entertainer. He co-created and starred in the 2023 Hulu series Everyone Is Doing Great, a dramedy about former soap opera actors navigating midlife crises. Though the show received positive reviews for its authentic portrayal of Hollywood's underbelly, it hasn't achieved the same instant recognition as his earlier hits, which may explain the producers' reluctance to use it as his credit.
As The Traitors continues to heat up, with episodes airing weekly on Peacock, Colletti's storyline remains a focal point. Fans, divided initially over his credit choice, have since shifted attention to his gameplay, where alliances and betrayals drive the narrative. Colletti's ability to navigate both on-screen drama and off-screen perceptions speaks to his resilience in an industry where public image is paramount.
Looking ahead, this minor controversy could inadvertently boost interest in Colletti's past work. Streaming platforms have seen renewed surges in viewership for Laguna Beach and One Tree Hill thanks to nostalgia-driven algorithms, and Colletti's appearance on The Traitors might encourage a new generation to explore his catalog. For now, Colletti seems content to let his actions—and clarifications—speak for themselves.
In the end, what started as a simple production decision has reminded audiences of the passionate connections forged by early reality TV. As Colletti put it, the blowback was unforeseen, but it hasn't dimmed his appreciation for the shows that defined his career. With The Traitors still unfolding, viewers can expect more twists, both in the game and in the conversations it sparks outside the castle walls.