Sophia Michaels
Netflix is hosting a “Squid Game” reality TV show inspired by the survival drama series — but don’t worry, the stakes aren’t life or death. In June 2022, the streaming platform announced “the biggest reality competition ever” at the Banff World Media Festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Just like the series, the competition will host 456 contestants — the largest cast in a competition yet — battling it out in a string of mind-bending games to win a massive cash prize.
On June 17, Netflix offered fans in Brazil a sneak peek at what’s to come on the reality competition during the streamer’s annual Tudum fan event. “The world’s most notorious game becomes reality,” the text in the video read.
While specific games haven’t been announced, the 10-episode series will be “full of tension and twists,”and an IRL (but nondeadly) Red Light, Green Light doll has been confirmed. Fans of the show would also love to see a tug-of-war game, and a dalgona-candy challenge so frustrating we’ll be clinging to the edge of our seats as we watch from the comfort of our couches. But we also fully expect a few new challenges to be added to keep contestants on their toes, which means things could get dicey.
The original announcement came just days after Netflix officially renewed “Squid Game” for a second season. “We’re grateful for this support as we turn the fictional world into reality in this massive competition and social experiment,” Netflix’s Brandon Riegg said. “Fans of the drama series are in for a fascinating and unpredictable journey.”
Keep reading to find out more about the upcoming reality show.
“Squid Game: The Challenge” First Look
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“Squid Game: The Challenge” Cast
Netflix has not yet revealed the identities of the contestants who will face off with that creepy doll for a cash prize. However, in February, Deadline reported that three of the 465 players needed medical attention during filming. This sparked an independent safety assessment from Britain’s Health and Safety Executive, but the organization ultimately decided no further action needed to be taken.
“Squid Game: The Challenge” Cash Prize
In the original Netflix series, Gi-hun takes home 45.6 billion won, or about $38 million. For anyone cunning and fortuitous enough to make it to the end of the reality TV competition, the cash prize will be a whopping $4.56 million, the largest cash prize in TV history. It’s not yet clear how the money will be distributed or whether several winners will be able to split the prize.
“Squid Game: The Challenge” Release Date
During Netflix’s Tudum event on June 17, the streamer announced “Squid Game: The Challenge” will premiere in November 2023.
