Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Million Dollar Secret’ is a sharp, suspenseful reality series where contestants compete in high-stakes challenges—all while trying to uncover which one among them is secretly a millionaire. Hosted by Peter Serafinowicz, the first season delivered a tightly crafted, tension-filled experience with clever twists, escalating stakes, and standout gameplay. From mind games to emotional betrayals, the competition kept viewers guessing until the very end. Ultimately, it was Cara Kies who outplayed the rest and took home the victory, with Samantha Hubbard and Corey Niles finishing as formidable runner-ups. It struck a good balance between game mechanics and human drama, which made for a very entertaining season.
Cara Keis Always Prioritizes Her Family’s Well-Being
Cara Kies began the season by maintaining a low profile, a tactic that helped her earn the trust of her fellow contestants. When she finally gained possession of the million-dollar box, she leaned into strategy and demonstrated a sharp intuition about the gameplay and motives of those around her. This combination of discretion and insight ultimately secured her victory. Cara has described the prize money as life-changing, especially given her family’s long-standing financial struggles. Her father has been battling cancer for nearly a decade, and she hopes the winnings will bring much-needed stability.
Currently, Cara works as a cook at an In-N-Out Burger in Southern California, a job she’s held with pride and dedication. She lives with her husband, Andreas Kies, who has been with her for seven years, and they enjoy a close relationship with both sides of their family. The couple also dotes on their beloved dog, Banks, who they consider their fur baby. For Cara, winning wasn’t just about outsmarting the game—it was about finally being able to take care of the people she loves.
Samantha Hubbard’s Personal and Professional Lives Are Equally Enriching
From the very beginning, Samantha Hubbard projected an image of strength and determination—and she lived up to it at every step. She was quick to pick up on clues and had an early instinct about who the secret millionaire might be, but she wisely chose to keep that information to herself. When she held the million-dollar box during the game, Samantha made bold moves and didn’t hesitate to eliminate friends if it meant advancing. However, in the final moments, the game of luck didn’t tip in her favor, and she finished as a runner-up.
Outside the show, Samantha leads a dynamic and inspiring life. She has served as a police officer since 2013 and, at the same time, has built a parallel career as a model—a dual path that gained national attention in 2017 when her story went viral. Since then, she’s become a social media personality and a role model to many, using her platform to explore other ventures and give back to her community through social work. Samantha currently lives in New Jersey with her husband of four years, Donte Hubbard, and their three-year-old son, Ollie, who is the heart of her world.
Corey Niles is Running His Business Alongside Pursuing a Career as a Rapper Today
Although Corey Niles may have made a few misjudgments early on in the game, he was consistently focused on building alliances and solidifying his position. This approach carried him all the way to the final six. As the game progressed, Corey eventually caught on to the fact that Cara Kies was likely the secret millionaire. He made a last-ditch effort to swap boxes with her, but since Cara had the final say, she quickly reversed the move, and Corey missed his shot by the slimmest of margins.
Corey’s journey extends far beyond the game. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he later pursued a degree in Sports Management with a focus on Recreation Studies at the University of South Alabama. After gaining experience in corporate roles, Corey launched his own business, Rustic Edge Homes, in April 2016, which specializes in construction and landscaping. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, he is also passionate about music. He’s released multiple tracks such as “My Last,” “Get to Know You,” and “Chasing Stars” and shares his creative work through his own YouTube channel.
Sydnee Falkner Has a Strong Entrepreneurial Spirit
Sydnee Falkner consistently remained under suspicion of being the millionaire throughout the season, largely due to her strong gameplay and sharp instincts. This made her a target at various points, but she skillfully navigated the competition and secured a spot in the top four. Unfortunately, when her ally intentionally threw a challenge, Sydnee found herself outnumbered and was ultimately eliminated. For most of the game, she kept her real profession under wraps. In reality, she works in medical sales as an Account Manager for H.B. Fuller, Adhezion Biomedical, LLC.
She is also the founder of Cake Co. Fitness, a platform where she provides various fitness and workout programs to her clients. Additionally, she runs a business called Lioness Prints, which specializes in custom glitter prints. As a fitness model, Sydnee has participated in numerous fashion shows and runway events and has built a solid presence in the industry. With her growing social media influence, Sydnee has successfully established herself in the world of brand collaborations and promotions, using her platform to engage with fans and expand her professional opportunities.
Kyle Wimberly is Quite Particular About His Physical Fitness
Kyle Wimberley entered the game with a simple yet consistent strategy—stay honest, keep a low profile, and avoid drawing suspicion. Rather than overplaying, he leaned on building strong friendships and staying loyal to the people he started the season with. That sense of loyalty carried him far, but ultimately, it was his trust in others that cost him the game. When Cara Kies was granted the power to eliminate a player, she strategically chose Kyle—not because he was a threat, but precisely because he wasn’t the obvious target, allowing her to maintain her cover.
Outside the game, Kyle has made a name for himself through sheer hard work in the construction industry. He’s found solid success in the field and continues to build on it. Known for his down-to-earth style and Southern charm, Kyle also has a flair for fashion and has partnered with brands like Southern Marsh Collection. In his downtime, he enjoys hunting and stays committed to a strict fitness routine, which is a key part of his daily life. His dedication to health and discipline is evident in both his personal lifestyle and professional achievements.
Jaimi Alexander is a Woman of Many Talents
Jaimi Alexander may have made more enemies than allies during her time on The Stage, but one thing about her that remained constant was her honesty. Her straightforward nature often placed her in the realm of suspicion, with many contestants doubting her intentions. Still, Jaimi proved to be incredibly resilient. Whether it was through luck or sheer determination, she managed to shake off suspicion time and again, surviving deep into the game before falling just short of the finale.
That same fire and tenacity are reflected in her real life. Jaimi has carved out success across several industries, beginning with real estate before launching The Sleepless Network, an influencer marketing platform. From 2013 to 2023, she made a name for herself as a host and media personality. Since 2023, she’s been working as a certified life coach through her venture S.A.S.S.Y. Method, LLC. Additionally, she is the on-air host and founder of Just Jaimi, LLC, a production company through which she leads panels, conducts interviews, and produces empowering content across platforms like YouTube. Bold, dynamic, and unapologetically herself, she continues to inspire through every medium she touches.
Chris Allen is Dedicated to Taking His Business to Greater Heights
Chris Allen kicked off the season with a solid footing, forming close alliances with Sydnee, Jaimi, and Corey. He had sharp instincts throughout the game and often seemed to be on the right track about who the millionaire was—but his unwillingness to openly share his suspicions worked against him. His downfall came when he confessed to voting against Sydnee but then told her he hadn’t. He was telling her the truth, but the move backfired, and he lost the trust of his friends as well.
Outside the show, Chris has had an impressive and multifaceted career. An MBA graduate from Villanova University, he has worked with major corporations like Johnson & Johnson and Feherty Brand. In September 2019, he took the entrepreneurial leap by launching his own beverage company, Osena Spiked Coconut Water, a zero-sugar, electrolyte-rich drink that’s naturally sourced and contains just 100 calories. Balancing business and leadership, Chris also serves as the Senior Director at Reyes Beverage Group. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he shares his passions with his two brothers and continues to live life on his terms.
Lydia Blair is Known For Her Skills as a Professional Poker Player
Because of her age, Lydia Blair was often underestimated during the season, but she consistently proved she belonged in the game. She played smartly, knowing when to speak up and when to hold back information and gradually earned a reputation as a strong and savvy competitor. Unfortunately, her journey was cut short by a betrayal from her closest ally, Samantha Hubbard, who eliminated her in order to protect her own identity as the secret millionaire. Professionally, Lydia has retired from the real estate industry and is a seasoned poker player who is known for her sharp instincts and cool demeanor under pressure.
She’s also been building a strong digital presence, sharing insights from both the poker world and her reality TV experience. In her downtime, Lydia enjoys golfing and has competed in tournaments like the Mexico Open Golf Tournament. Now settled in Texas with her husband, she is also a proud grandmother of five and they often come to visit and light up her world. These days, she’s channeling her energy into content creation and offers behind-the-scenes scoops, reactions, and interviews with fellow cast members.
Phillip Roundtree is Committed to Serving and Helping Other People
Phillip “Phil” Roundtree appeared to be a strong contender at the start. However, once he ended up with the million-dollar case, his demeanor subtly shifted, raising eyebrows among the other contestants. It wasn’t long before several of them began to suspect that Phil was the secret millionaire. Though a few players considered keeping him around and targeting a more dominant competitor like Sydnee, the majority voted against him, and Phil was eliminated. In real life, he has dedicated his life to serving others. Early in his career, he worked with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services and Carson Valley Children’s Aid, offering support to children and families in need.
In 2016, he took a bold step by founding Quadefy, a resource hub for individuals dealing with mental, physical, or emotional challenges. He later earned his Ph.D. in Social Work from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and, since 2020, has been working as a professor at Delaware State University. In addition to his academic and advocacy work, Phil hosts a podcast titled ‘You Good Man,’ where he creates space for honest, vulnerable conversations. He often shares his own mental health journey to connect with and empower others.
Lauren Jean Has Built a Successful Career as a Content Creator
The first contestant to receive the million dollars was Lauren Jean, and she quickly proved that she had the wit to manipulate the game and navigate its twists. While she managed to stay afloat for a while, the weight of carrying the money and maintaining her cover got to her. After the case was passed on, Lauren admitted to being the millionaire and faced backlash from fellow contestants. Many accused her of being dishonest, but she was soon eliminated.
Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, Lauren is a content creator and a stay-at-home mom of three lively kids. She has been married to her husband, Robby Trefethren, for 12 years, and together, they’ve built a close-knit and loving family. Much of Lauren’s online presence centers around her day-to-day experiences as a mother, her life in the Midwest, and her personal take on parenting, wellness, and homemaking. Her authenticity and the charming, down-to-earth content she shares have earned her a loyal following. Whether it’s sharing honest mom moments, seasonal traditions, or bits of everyday joy, Lauren continues to connect with people who appreciate her honesty and heart.
Se Young Metzroth is Busy Renovating Her House With Her Husband
Se Young Metzroth may not have had much screen time, but she certainly showcased her intelligence and adaptability. She proved she was more than capable of playing the game. Unfortunately, her trust in her close friend Lauren Jean, who turned out to be the true millionaire, led to her elimination. Her profession alone explains why she was often referred to as the “smarty pants” of the season. Se Young works as a video games researcher and market analyst, serving as the vice president of Global Systems.
Beyond her career, Se Young is deeply passionate about giving back to the community. She’s actively involved in various charitable efforts and supports organizations like Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. She and her husband of seven years, Alex, purchased their first home in 2024 and have been busy renovating it ever since, making it their dream space. Their adorable puppy, Pickle, is always by their side, adding extra joy to their journey. Surrounded by a loving support network of family and friends, they are wholeheartedly working to turn their dreams into reality.
Harry Donenfeld is a Creative Professional Running His Own Media House
Harry Donenfeld believed he had a solid grip on the game, but things didn’t unfold as he expected. Just before the first round of eliminations, the other contestants began to sense that he was hiding something. Despite his efforts to defend himself, he was eliminated. In his professional life, Harry has carved out a successful career in production and media management. His journey began with gaining invaluable experience working with companies like Station X Entertainment and Thank You TV Inc., eventually serving as the President and Executive Producer at Aloha Ariels, LLC.
In 2024, he took a big step and launched his own venture, Kahu Media Group, focusing on broadcast media. His life in Maui County, Hawaii, is a blend of creativity and nature. The proud goat wrangler and comic enthusiast spends his free time diving into comic books and capturing stunning wildlife photography, which was his passion before videography became his primary focus. Harry enjoys spending quality time with his beloved pets, who make his days as colorful and diverse as the natural world he deeply appreciates.
Read More: Where is Million Dollar Secret Filmed? Where is The Stag Located?
