Netflix has taken the world by storm with its adaptation of the South Korean thriller series “Squid Game”, which became the most-watched show on the platform in 2021. The show follows a group of debt-ridden people who participate in a series of deadly children’s games for a chance to win a huge cash prize, while being watched by a mysterious elite. The show has been praised for its gripping plot, social commentary, and stunning visuals.
Now, Netflix has decided to turn the fictional show into a reality competition, called “Squid Game: The Challenge”. The new series, which premiered on November 22, 2023, features 456 contestants from around the world, who compete in a series of games inspired by the original show, for a record-breaking prize of $4.56 million. The reality version of “Squid Game” is not a matter of life or death, but it still puts the contestants to the test, as they face physical and mental challenges, betrayals, and alliances.
How does the reality show compare to the original series?
The reality show is based on the original series, but it also introduces some new elements and twists. The contestants are divided into six teams, each representing a different color: red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and black. The teams have to work together or against each other, depending on the game. The games are similar to the ones in the original series, such as red light, green light, tug of war, and marbles, but they also have some variations and surprises. For example, in the reality show, the red light, green light game is played with a giant robot dog instead of a doll, and the marbles game is played with different types of balls, such as ping pong, golf, and bowling.
The reality show also has some differences from the original series in terms of the rules and the stakes. In the reality show, the contestants are not killed if they lose a game, but they are eliminated and sent to a “dormitory”, where they have to stay until the end of the show. The contestants can also voluntarily quit the show at any time, by pressing a button in their wristbands, but they will lose their share of the prize money. The prize money is accumulated throughout the show, based on the performance of the teams and the individuals. The final winner of the show will get the entire prize money, which is the largest cash reward in the history of reality television and game shows.
What are the reactions of the viewers and the critics?
The reality show has received mixed reactions from the viewers and the critics, who have compared it to the original series and other reality shows. Some viewers have praised the reality show for its entertainment value, its diversity of the cast, and its creativity of the games. They have also expressed their admiration for the contestants, who have shown courage, resilience, and strategy. Some viewers have also enjoyed the drama and the suspense of the show, as they have rooted for their favorite teams and players.
However, some viewers have criticized the reality show for its exploitative nature, its lack of originality, and its deviation from the message of the original series. They have argued that the reality show trivializes the violence and the social issues that the original series addresses, such as inequality, debt, and class struggle. They have also pointed out that the reality show is similar to other existing reality shows, such as “Survivor”, “Big Brother”, and “The Hunger Games”. They have also questioned the ethics and the morality of the show, as they have wondered how far the contestants would go to win the money, and how the show affects their mental health.
Is the reality show worth watching?
The reality show is undoubtedly a controversial and divisive phenomenon, that has sparked a lot of debate and discussion among the fans of the original series and the general public. The reality show is not for everyone, as it may not appeal to those who are looking for a faithful adaptation of the original series, or those who are sensitive to the violent and dystopian aspects of the show. However, the reality show is also a captivating and addictive spectacle, that has drawn millions of viewers who are curious and fascinated by the concept and the execution of the show. The reality show is a risky and bold move by Netflix, that has proven to be a successful and profitable one, as it has generated a lot of buzz and attention for the platform.
The reality show is a spin-off of the original series, but it is also a standalone show, that can be enjoyed by anyone who likes reality competitions, challenges, and drama. The reality show is not a replica of the original series, but it is also not a mockery of it. The reality show is a homage to the original series, but it is also a twist on it. The reality show is a reflection of the original series, but it is also a reflection of the society and the culture that we live in.
