Netflix’s SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE is the next great reality competition show. As a SURVIVOR, BIG BROTHER, MTV’S: THE CHALLENGE diehard, I do not say this lightly; it has every element of a reality competition show that makes it entertaining: strategy, social manipulation, moral dilemmas, exciting challenges, and most importantly introducing and developing competitors who you can root for. And the best part? You don’t even need to have seen the original SQUID GAME series to understand and love it. But if you are already a fan of the series, you’re going to love it even more.
The 10 episode SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE drops 456 players into challenges inspired by the series for the chance to win $4.56 MILLION dollars (yes you heard me correctly), the largest single game show prize ever awarded. The pool of players is whittled down each episode through skill-based challenges, social tests, and temptations. Three players remain for the final episode, which airs December 6, where we will find out the identity of the ultimate “survivor” (and new millionaire).
There are so many things I love about this series, which might explain why I stayed up until the early hours of the morning when the episodes dropped to watch the next one. I especially love that it is one of the few reality competition series with challenges that are incredibly inclusive for people of all ages, sizes, and ability. The challenges did a great job of combining strategy, social dynamics, and sometimes luck to ensure that no one group had an advantage over the other. On top of that, it does a phenomenal job of making you root for (and against) some of the competitors in just a few episodes. I immediately became obsessed with 64-year-old former Leann (#302), who was actually playing with her son Trey (#302). I loved her story and that she was such an absolute badass, not only in the competitions but in her social game as well. Shows like BIG BROTHER and SURVIVOR always favor the brawny 20-year-old dudebros, and it was refreshing that SQUID GAME has made Leann one of its MVPs.
I am already hopeful SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE gets another season. If so, my only suggestion is that there be fewer games of luck and more games of skill. I am never a fan of when a simple case of bad luck can ruin your chances of winning. For example, the dice rolling game, while exciting, was a bit frustrating in its randomness. I love that it did encourage a social element, allowing the audience to hear how the players would decide to target the outcome of their roll (either against themselves or another player). But nevertheless, I would like to see more games based on the luck of the draw.
Although we still don’t know who won the series, there is good news! If you haven’t already watched, you have until December 6 to binge-watch episodes 1-9 in preparation for final episode and the big winner reveal. That way, you can be part of the initial conversation and buzz and not get spoiled on who takes home the huge amount of money.
I had the amazing opportunity of participating in the Squid Game: The Trials Experience myself in Los Angeles, where I competed in six challenges, including red light/green light and the bridge. I also met many of the competitors from the series, INCLUDING LEANN! If you are a fan of the series and challenges, I highly recommend getting tickets to check it out and participate yourself, starting on December 6! I had the absolute time of my life!
My Review: A
