The Challenge of Squid Game brings together 456 contestants and fans in a series of games from the original show, along with some new additions. But is it all real? When Squid Game initially premiered on Netflix, it drew comparisons to Battle Royale and Takeshi’s Castle, and for good reason.
The show centered on a covert, intense competition happening in South Korea, where numerous ordinary individuals battled to the death in classic children's games such as Red Light Green Light. Losing meant facing execution or experiencing fatal consequences, such as falling to their demise in Hopscotch.
As The Challenge reintroduces Squid Game on Netflix, you might be wondering about what it entails and, most significantly, whether it's based on reality.
Is Squid Game: The Challenge real?
Yes, Squid Game: The Challenge is totally real – but unlike the original series, its contestants aren’t killed if they’re eliminated from the contest.
Netflix has transformed its top-performing show into a reality competition with the largest cash prize in TV history, following the lead of MrBeast’s high-budget YouTube series. Contestants from diverse backgrounds around the globe take on traditional challenges (such as shaping a Dalgona biscuit) and tackle one-of-a-kind obstacles.
Instead of being shot, contestants who fail to make it to the end are "executed" in a more lighthearted manner - a small squib with black ink bursts from their t-shirt, creating an amusing spectacle. However, the production was not without its share of controversy, as accusations of inhumane conditions and calls to medics prompted Netflix and the producers to address concerns about the health of the cast and crew, as well as the integrity of the show. They vehemently denied any allegations of rigging the competition or causing serious harm to the players.
"We have implemented all necessary safety measures, including post-game care for participants, and an impartial adjudicator is supervising each game to guarantee fairness to all." According to BBC News, contestant Lorenzo Nobilio shared that his experience on the show "felt authentic, not fictional."
Squid Game: The Challenge Batch 1 (Episodes 1-5) is on Netflix now, while Batch 2 (Episodes 6-9) arrives on November 29. You can find more about the show below:
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the release of Squid Game: The Challenge. The original series was a massive hit, and I am excited to see how the new reality competition will play out. I think it's a great idea to bring together 456 contestants and fans from all over the world to compete in a series of games inspired by the show.
It's also interesting to see how the show has been adapted for a reality competition setting. The games are still dangerous and challenging, but the contestants are not actually killed if they are eliminated. Instead, they are "executed" in a more lighthearted manner, with a small squib of black ink bursting from their t-shirt. I think this is a good way to keep the show exciting and suspenseful without being too graphic or violent.
Overall, I think Squid Game: The Challenge is a great show and I am excited to see how it unfolds. I think it's a great way to bring the world of Squid Game to life and give fans a chance to experience the show in a new way.