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Netflix has unleashed its latest reality competition series, “Squid Game: The Challenge,” onto the streaming platform, building on the success and brutality of the immensely popular South Korean show.
The show, inspired by the intense and widely viewed South Korean series, pits 456 participants against each other in challenges akin to those seen in Squid Game, all in pursuit of the largest reality television grand prize in history—a staggering $4.56 million. Upon its Netflix debut on November 22, the initial batch of episodes—titled “Red Light, Green Light,” “The Man with the Umbrella,” “War,” “Nowhere to Hide,” and “Trick or Treat”—were made available for eager viewers to binge.
However, the game is far from over after those first five episodes. “Squid Game: The Challenge” comprises a 10-episode season. The next four episodes are scheduled to drop on November 29, a week following the initial release, followed by the season finale on December 6, featuring episodes titled “Goodbye,” “Friend or Foe,” “One Step Closer,” “Circle of Trust,” and “One Lucky Day.”
According to Netflix, the contestant pool primarily consisted of individuals from English-speaking countries, although the global representation in the competition was diverse. While the majority of participants hailed from the United States, others came from various corners of the globe, including Canada, Singapore, Sweden, South Africa, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil.
The contestants’ ages varied, with a significant portion in their 20s or 30s. Surprisingly, a notable number of participants in their 70s also vied for the life-changing prize. Reportedly, approximately 81,000 applicants vied for a spot in this groundbreaking show, as per Netflix’s details about the cast selection process.
The filming of “Squid Game: The Challenge” took place over a span of 16 days at Wharf Studios in London, England.
The series aims to cater to fans of the original Squid Game by incorporating elements reminiscent of the thrilling action seen in its first season. Throughout the 10 episodes, classic games from Squid Game, such as Red Light, Green Light, are revisited until one contestant secures the coveted cash prize.
While the second season of Squid Game has been confirmed for a 2024 release, an official date is yet to be announced. In the interim, viewers can immerse themselves in “Squid Game: The Challenge” as a thrilling and intense alternative.