From the moment Reed Hastings attended the earnings call wearing a green and white tracksuit, it was clear that Netflix may have learned the wrong lesson from the success of "Squid Game." In 2021, the South Korean drama – created, written and directed by author Hwang Dong-hyuk – became a surprise global sensation with a grim and violent allegory of capitalism, which exploits desperate people for the pleasure of a rich few. Hastings, a wealthy and powerful tech founder, was closer to one of the masked spectators of the titular game than a contestant risking his life for a chance at the prize, though he didn't see the irony.
This week, the contrast becomes even more apparent with "Squid Game: The Challenge," a competition series that brings Hwang's vision to life, minus the mass murder and most of the social commentary. It's Netflix's latest attempt to address an ongoing issue. As a relatively young company without its own established franchises, Netflix has been striving to transform its domestic hits into sustainable sources of intellectual property. While "Squid Game" is set to receive a second season next year under Hwang's direction, the focus on brand-building often takes precedence over quality control.
The "challenge" itself is just one aspect of a multi-pronged strategy to leverage the "Squid Game" phenomenon. In the coming month, fans in the L.A. area can participate in "Squid Game: The Trials," where they pay for the chance to simulate vulnerability in hopes of alleviating their debt. Reality TV and immersive "experiences" prove to be more cost-effective and quicker than scripted productions, serving as a means to sustain audience interest during prolonged waits.
"Squid Game: The Challenge" closely mimics the structure and aesthetics of the original, paring down a pool of 456 contestants competing for a $4.56 million prize through a series of childlike games. Emulating the distinctive production design of the first "Squid Game," the U.K.-based "Challenge" replicates the iconic pink jumpsuits, playful setups, and M.C. Escher-esque staircases.
However, these elements serve as a stark contrast to the lethal nature of the tournament, where elimination equates to execution, contributing more money to the final winner's pot. Similar to predecessors like "Battle Royale" and "The Hunger Games," "Squid Game" highlights the steep moral cost of entertainment in a profoundly unequal society. In contrast, "The Challenge" suggests that, without delving too deeply into its implications, such entertainment remains enjoyable to watch.
"The Challenge" maintains a curious, indirect relationship with its source of inspiration. Contestants readily identify iconic sets like the Red Light, Green Light arena and exhibit familiarity with terms popularized by "Squid Game" internationally, such as "gganbu." The group's cheers resonate when they encounter the familiar bunk beds and demonstrate coached responses like playing dead when eliminated, substituting a burst of black paint for a bullet wound.
The absence of a host or explanatory voiceover implies that "The Challenge" assumes viewers share a similar level of familiarity with these elements. Despite introducing new games and twists to keep participants on their toes, the show does not overtly acknowledge that its cast members recognize these elements from having watched them on television.
"The best part of 'The Challenge' is definitely the cast members. The show stands out because it has a huge number of contestants from different places, all competing for a massive amount of money. Although the players come from diverse locations like America, Australia, and Italy, the show itself is English-speaking, unlike 'Squid Game.' As the show progresses and focuses on fewer stars, it becomes more intimate.
Some participants are familiar with the typical drama of reality TV; one even calls their rival a "villain," aware of the roles they'll play on screen. Others, like a former newspaper editor who competes with her son or a doctor with a tattoo for each of his 18 grandchildren, are unique finds.
They don't fit the usual reality TV mold but turn out to be outstanding performers. Even a confident football player, who initially rubs his peers the wrong way, shares a touching backstory about growing up biracial with a white single parent. This story unfolds during an interview turned confessional."
"The Challenge" tries to make us care about the contestants by exploring their personal lives, such as paying off a house. However, the way to achieve this is not always attractive. The show uses humor to reduce drama, such as when a contestant reacts carelessly to an important event. Despite the humor, there is a lot of risk involved because there is a lot of money involved, creating a brutal environment.
Contestants are forced to betray each other or rely on luck, leading to emotional breakdowns. The question is not whether the reality version of "Squid Game" can be entertaining, but whether it dilutes the powerful points made by the original. Ultimately, "Squid Game" stands on its own, while "The Challenge" is a more straightforward depiction of the pressure placed by reality shows on participants, even if they sign up willingly. However, the show can't escape the troubling fact of its existence – a commentary invited into the very system it aims to criticize.