Everything You Need to Know About ‘Squid Game The Challenge’ Netflix Reality Show

In a surprising turn of events, Netflix is set to premiere “Squid Game: The Challenge,” a reality series that departs from the harrowing survival drama of its predecessor, “Squid Game.” The new show, debuting with its first five episodes on November 22, transforms the chilling concept into a 10-episode reality competition featuring 456 real contestants engaged in children’s games for a substantial cash prize of $4.56 million, without the grim consequences of the original series.

The transition from “Squid Game” to “The Challenge” was a strategic move by Netflix to capitalize on the global success of the scripted series. With a considerable gap before the planned Season 2, Netflix collaborated with Studio Lambert, renowned for reality shows like “The Circle” and “Race Across the World,” to create a unique reality experience.

“‘Squid Game’ was not only an immensely popular scripted show about a game, but it was also a game that you could put real people in to play,” remarked Stephen Lambert, one of the executive producers of ‘The Challenge.’ The entire “Squid Game” set was meticulously reconstructed across six expansive stages in London, hosting 456 primarily British and American contestants, including a mother-son duo.

Despite retaining the iconic features of “Squid Game,” such as the eerie settings and labyrinthine stairwells guarded by masked figures, “The Challenge” introduces a twist by eliminating the life-threatening consequences. Instead, contestants face the pressure of winning the significant grand prize while engaging in strategic gameplay.

Contestants in “The Challenge” can turn on each other, creating an additional layer of intrigue and competition. The dorm piggy bank, a symbolic element from the original series, accumulates money with each elimination, adding to the drama.

The show, however, has faced backlash, primarily from disappointed fans expecting a new drama season. The shift to a reality format has been met with mixed critical reviews, holding a 63% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Furthermore, a Rolling Stone exposé in February featured participants considering legal action, alleging a rigged and traumatizing experience. Executive producer Stephen Lambert dismissed these claims as “completely untrue,” emphasizing the meticulous oversight of participant welfare and game fairness.

For those eagerly anticipating “Squid Game” Season 2, the scripted drama is in the works and began filming in July. However, the release is anticipated no earlier than late 2024, leaving fans on the edge of their seats for the next chapter in this global phenomenon.