Squid Game: The Challenge
British reality competition television series
- Nicola Brown
- Tim Harcourt
- John Hay
- Toni Ireland
- Anna Kidd
- Stephen Lambert
- Louise Peet
- Nia Yemoh
- Stephen Yemoh
- Studio Lambert
- The Garden
present
Squid Game: The Challenge is a British reality competition television series based on Squid Game, the South Korean drama. The show features 456 players (the largest cast in reality TV history) competing for US$4.56 million, the largest single cash prize in reality television history.
The Netflix original was produced as a collaboration between independent television production companies Studio Lambert and the Garden, with Studio Lambert leading physical production in the UK.[1] The first 5 episodes of the show were released internationally on 22 November 2023 on Netflix.[2][3] Episodes 6–9 were released on 29 November, while episode 10, the finale, was released on 6 December.[4]
The show was No. 1 on Netflix’s list of Top 10 English-language show for the first two weeks after its release. It had 20.5 million views in its first week, 11.4 million in its second, and 6.6 million in its third, with a total of over 224 million hours watched within the first 21 days.[5][6][7]
On 6 December 2023, prior to the release of the season one finale, Netflix announced a second season order.[8]
Premise
456 players compete to win US$4.56 million (about £3.6 million), the largest cast and second largest cash prize in reality competition history. Through a series of games, each player is pushed to their limits and forced to ask themselves how far they will go to win.[9]
Gameplay
Players were eliminated in the first two rounds by getting "shot" (dye packs in their uniforms). Players listed below were eliminated in that particular round.[10]
Red Light, Green Light
In Red Light, Green Light, players had what seems to be five minutes[11] to cross the arena without getting caught by the robotic girl.
- Eliminated players (259)
Some notable players were eliminated in this round.
- 060 Leva
- 172 Mike
- 263 Cathy
- 318 Starla
Decision test
While peeling carrots in between games, players 101 and 134 were given the option to give a player an advantage or eliminate a player. They opted to eliminate.
- Eliminated players (1)
- 200 Mothi
Dalgona
Prior to the game, players were asked to stand in four lines. One player from each line was asked to agree on which groups (including themselves) would be assigned the four dalgona shapes (circle, triangle, star, and umbrella). When the four players could not come to an agreement in two minutes, they were eliminated. Ultimately, after three rounds of decisions, players 299, 344, 432, and 452 were able to come to a decision.
- Eliminated players (8)
- 98 Zach
- 166 Louisa
- 170 Alexander
- 288 D'Andre
- 321 Laverne
- 328 Louise
- 378 Hikmat
- 454 Kevin
Players were then tasked to etch the shape in the Dalgona Candy with a needle.
69 players were eliminated. Some notable players eliminated in this round were:
- 101 Kyle
- 134 Dani
- 299 Spencer
Phone test
Between games, a phone was provided in the dormitory. Player 198 picked up the phone and received a McDonald's meal. The second time the phone rang, Player 198 picked up the phone again and was told that, to avoid elimination, he would need to convince another player to pick up the phone as well. He was unsuccessful.
- Eliminated players (1)
- 198 Husnain
Warship
Players were tasked to create eight evenly split teams. The teams then were faced off against another team to play the next game, a variant on Battleship. After identifying a captain and lieutenant, teams had to place boats on a game board and seat players in the boats. When all boats were placed, teams shot "rockets" at the other team's game board to sink the ships. The first team to sink two ships won the round. All players in sunk ships and the Captain and Lieutenant of the losing team were eliminated, while all other players (including players on the losing team in surviving boats) moved on.
45 players were eliminated. Some notable players eliminated in this round were:
- 033 Figgy
- 107 Tayo
- 142 Anna
- 270 Adrian
- 432 Bryton
Vote test
Players were told that they each would place a vote for one person to be eliminated. Once a vote was cast against a player, they would be displayed on the screen. The top three receivers of votes were eliminated.
- Eliminated players (3)
- 161 Lorenzo
- 330 Kien
- 374 Andy
Jack-in-the-box test
Five volunteers were provided with jack-in-the-boxes which included tasks for them to complete. Player 130 was given an advantage in the next game (although he was eliminated before he was able to utilize it). Player 375 was eliminated. Player 087 was told to eliminate one player (Player 176). Player 183 was told to eliminate two players (Players 026 and 141). Player 229 was told to eliminate three players (Players 130, 232, and 243).
- Eliminated players (7)
- 026 Amber
- 130 Jakoben
- 141 Dash
- 176 Darius
- 232 Rick
- 243 Stephen
- 375 Joel
Marbles
For completing a chore successfully in the designated time, players were treated with a picnic where they sat in pairs. Hidden in the baskets were marbles, and players were told that their opponents for the Marbles game would be the person with whom they had their picnic. Player 222 who had no partner was selected to be safe through the round.
32 players were eliminated, 31 remained.
Notable players eliminated in this round are:
- Jada 097
- Chaney 179
- Phalisia 229
- LeAnn 302
- Brad 337
Allegiance test
The remaining players are tasked to decide on a captain, Player 182: TJ was eventually selected. Player 182: TJ is then informed that he alongside only 19 others will move on to play in Game 5, and that the next test will be an Allegiance Test. The captain must select one ally from the group to advance alongside him. This selection sets off a domino effect, where each chosen player picks another, creating a chain of allegiances. At the end of the test, the 11 players not selected are eliminated.
- Selection sequence
- 182 TJ is chosen as the captain
- 182 TJ chooses 287 Mai
- 287 Mai chooses 286 Chad
- 286 Chad chooses 254 Mike
- 254 Mike chooses 077 Marina
- 077 Marina chooses 018 Bee
- 018 Bee chooses 019 Amanda
- 019 Amanda chooses 393 Jackie
- 393 Jackie chooses 451 Phill
- 451 Phill chooses 278 Ashley
- 278 Ashley chooses 016 Sam
- 016 Sam chooses 023 Siobhan
- 023 Siobhan chooses 051 Rose Mary Kah
- 051 Rose Mary Kah chooses 221 Charles
- 221 Charles chooses 355 Hallie
- 355 Hallie chooses 429 Elliott
- 429 Elliott chooses 418 Roland
- 418 Roland chooses 301 Trey
- 301 Trey chooses 269 James
- 269 James chooses 031 Purna as Final Pick
- Eliminated players (11)
- 002 Favour
- 030 Jinwoo
- 090 Ankur
- 120 Clayton
- 149 Justin
- 158 Preston
- 178 Chaz
- 204 Dan
- 215 Eric
- 222 Jordan
- 323 Ed
- Remaining players (20)
- 016 Sam
- 018 Bee
- 019 Amanda
- 023 Siobhan
- 031 Purna
- 051 Rose Mary Kah
- 077 Marina
- 182 TJ
- 221 Charles
- 254 Mike
- 269 James
- 278 Ashley
- 286 Chad
- 287 Mai
- 301 Trey
- 355 Hallie
- 393 Jackie
- 418 Roland
- 429 Elliott
- 451 Phill
Glass Bridge
The game featured a glass bridge containing 17 pairs of glass tiles. Each set of tiles represents two types of glass: one type was safe to stand on, the other was not. Each player had to wear a vest assigned a unique number ranging from 1 to 20 and cross the bridge in sequential order within 30 minutes. Wrong choices on the bridge led to elimination.
- Order assignment
To add a layer of unpredictability to the game, players were instructed to select a teddy bear from a claw machine. Each bear was associated with a hidden specific number, which they then needed to assign to another player, establishing the sequence in which the contestants would participate in the game.
- Selection sequence
- 287 Mai grabs vest 04 and chooses 077 Marina
- 278 Ashley grabs vest 06 and chooses 031 Purna
- 451 Phill grabs vest 08 and chooses 418 Roland
- 393 Jackie grabs vest 01 and chooses 182 TJ
- 221 Charles grabs vest 03 and chooses 301 Trey
- 016 Sam grabs vest 09 and chooses 429 Elliott
- 031 Purna grabs vest 05 and chooses 278 Ashley
- 269 James grabs vest 12 and chooses 051 Rose Mary Kah
- 429 Elliott grabs vest 18 and chooses 355 Hallie
- 254 Mike grabs vest 07 and chooses 393 Jackie
- 182 TJ grabs vest 20 and chooses 287 Mai
- 019 Amanda grabs vest 02 and chooses 221 Charles
- 077 Marina grabs vest 13 and chooses 023 Siobhan
- 418 Roland grabs vest 10 and chooses 451 Phill
- 301 Trey grabs vest 15 and chooses 269 James
- 355 Hallie grabs vest 14 and chooses 254 Mike
- 286 Chad grabs vest 17 and chooses 016 Sam
- 051 Rose Mary Kah grabs vest 16 and chooses 018 Bee
- 023 Siobhan grabs vest 19 and chooses 019 Amanda
- 018 Bee grabs the final vest, 11, it goes to 286 Chad by default
- Player sequences
| #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6 | #7 | #8 | #9 | #10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 182 TJ | 221 Charles | 301 Trey | 077 Marina | 278 Ashley | 031 Purna | 393 Jackie | 418 Roland | 429 Elliott | 451 Phill |
| #11 | #12 | #13 | #14 | #15 | #16 | #17 | #18 | #19 | #20 |
| 286 Chad | 051 Rose Mary Kah | 023 Siobhan | 254 Mike | 269 James | 018 Bee | 016 Sam | 355 Hallie | 019 Amanda | 287 Mai |
- Eliminated players (8)
- 023 Siobhan
- 077 Marina
- 182 TJ
- 221 Charles
- 254 Mike
- 269 James
- 301 Trey
- 393 Jackie
- Remaining players (12)
- 016 Sam
- 018 Bee
- 019 Amanda
- 031 Purna
- 051 Rose Mary Kah
- 278 Ashley
- 286 Chad
- 287 Mai
- 355 Hallie
- 418 Roland
- 429 Elliott
- 451 Phill
Die test
Players need to take turns and roll the dice. Before rolling, they must decide whether to nominate their own name or another player's name. If a player rolls a '6', the nominated person will be eliminated. The game stops when 3 players are eliminated. The players selected Player 287 as the Leader, and consequently, 287 Mai was designated to be the first to roll the dice.
- 287 Mai nominates 278 Ashley and rolls a 4
- 418 Roland nominates himself and rolls a 3
- 016 Sam nominates himself and rolls a 4
- 355 Hallie nominates herself and rolls a 2
- 018 Bee nominates herself and rolls a 6, eliminating herself
- 278 Ashley nominates 287 Mai and rolls a 5
- 429 Elliot nominates himself and rolls a 3
- 031 Purna nominates himself and rolls a 6, eliminating himself
- 451 Phill nominates himself and rolls a 2
- 019 Amanda nominates herself and rolls a 3
- 286 Chad nominates himself and rolls a 6, eliminating himself and ending the game
- Eliminated players (3)
- 018 Bee
- 031 Purna
- 286 Chad
- Remaining players (9)
- 016 Sam
- 019 Amanda
- 051 Rose Mary Kah
- 278 Ashley
- 287 Mai
- 355 Hallie
- 418 Roland
- 429 Elliott
- 451 Phill
Circle of Trust
Players are seated at desks in a circle with a podium in the middle with a gift box, and then blindfolded. When tapped on the shoulder, the player secretly removes their blindfold, picks up the gift box, places it on another player's desk which they wish to be eliminated, then returns to their desk and replaces their blindfold. They all then remove their blindfolds and the player gets to guess who placed the box on their desk. If they guess correctly, the gifter is eliminated; if they guess incorrectly, they are eliminated. This game is an altered version of Heads up, seven up.
| # | Chosen player | Player with box | Guessed | Eliminated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 287 Mai | 418 Roland | 051 Rose Mary Kah | 418 Roland |
| 2. | 355 Hallie | 019 Amanda | 451 Phill | 019 Amanda |
| 3. | 429 Elliott | 287 Mai | 429 Elliott | |
| 4. | 051 Rose Mary Kah | 451 Phill | 051 Rose Mary Kah | |
| 5. | 278 Ashley | 451 Phill | 278 Ashley | |
| 6. | 451 Phill | 355 Hallie | 287 Mai | 355 Hallie |
- Eliminated players (6)
- 019 Amanda
- 051 Rose Mary Kah
- 278 Ashley
- 355 Hallie
- 418 Roland
- 429 Elliott
- Remaining players (3)
- 016 Sam
- 287 Mai
- 451 Phill
Button test
All 3 players were treated to a feast at a triangle-shaped dinner table. In the middle of the table, there was a podium at the middle displaying three buttons and each player must press a button. When a button is pressed, it will glow a different colour. If it glows green, that player moves on and chooses one player to go with them. If it glows gray, no consequence will happen. If it glows red, the player is eliminated.
287 Mai pressed the centre button which glowed gray.
016 Sam pressed the right button which glowed red, resulting in his elimination.
451 Phill did not have to press a button due to 016 Sam's elimination.
- Eliminated players (1)
- 016 Sam
Rock Paper Scissors
In a squid-shaped grid, both players must stand on the eyes of the squid. At the top and bottom of the grid, there is a safe and a box of keys respectively. Both players must draw a move in a game of Rock Paper Scissors. The winning player must go select a key from the box and try to open the safe. If they are unsuccessful, the game continues. Whoever picks a key and unlocks the safe wins Squid Game.
- Eliminated players (1)
- 451 Phill
Winner of Squid Game
- 287 Mai
Episodes
| No. | Title [12] | Original release date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Red Light, Green Light" | 22 November 2023 (2023-11-22) |
| 2 | "The Man with the Umbrella" | 22 November 2023 (2023-11-22) |
| 3 | "War" | 22 November 2023 (2023-11-22) |
| 4 | "Nowhere to Hide" | 22 November 2023 (2023-11-22) |
| 5 | "Trick or Treat" | 22 November 2023 (2023-11-22) |
| 6 | "Goodbye" | 29 November 2023 (2023-11-29) |
| 7 | "Friend and Foe" | 29 November 2023 (2023-11-29) |
| 8 | "One Step Closer" | 29 November 2023 (2023-11-29) |
| 9 | "Circle of Trust" | 29 November 2023 (2023-11-29) |
| 10 | "One Lucky Day" | 6 December 2023 (2023-12-06) |
Production
In June 2022, it was announced that Netflix had given the production a series order.[13]
Casting
Applications for the series opened in June 2022 with an announcement video released on YouTube.[14] Netflix sought contestants from around the world but mandated that they must be English-speaking.[13] The streaming service put out a final casting call in September 2022.[15] Approximately 81,000 applied to be contestants.[9]
With 456 real players, the series claims to have the largest cast in reality TV history.[16] The most number of players are: from the United States; in their 20s; men.[9]
Filming
Filming began in January 2023 across two studios in the UK, Cardington Studios in Bedford and on six giant sound stages in Barking, London.[17][18]
Reports emerged that ambulances had been called to treat real-life injuries sustained while filming the show. Several players claimed in an interview that "Red Light, Green Light" had actually lasted for 7 hours, where players had to hold poses for up to 30 minutes. Netflix denied the severity of the reports, stating that the injuries were mild medical conditions and that they care about the health and safety of the cast and crew.[19] The local ambulance service also stated it had not been called out to the studios. Britain's Health and Safety Executive evaluated the production after these complaints and found no actionable issues.[20] Two unnamed players from the show threatened to sue Netflix after claiming that they had hypothermia during filming.[21]
Release
The first five episodes of Squid Game: The Challenge were released on 22 November 2023.[3] Episodes 6–9 were released on 29 November, while episode 10, the finale, was released on 6 December.[4]
Game summary
Due to size constraints, this table only includes the 119 contestants that succeeded in Games 1 & 2, and appear in Episode 3: War.
Please note that 337 contestants were eliminated between the first two episodes and are not included in the game summary table.
Color key:
WINNER The winner of Squid Game
RUNNER-UP The runner-up of Squid Game
WIN Successfully passed the game
RISK At risk of getting eliminated
OUT Eliminated from Squid Game via failing a game or test
OUT Eliminated from Squid Game via being voted out
LOSE Failed Game 3: Warships, but continued on in the competition
Successfully selected a shape for their group in Game 2: Dalgona
Elected Captain of their group in Game 3: Warships, or in the Allegiance test
Elected Lieutenant of their group in Game 3: Warships
| Contestants | Episodes | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Name | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | ||||||||
| 1. Red Light, Green Light | 2. Dalgona | 3. Warships | Group Vote | Jack-in- the-Box Test | 4. Marbles | Allegiance Test | 5. Glass Bridge | Die Test | 6. Circle of Trust | Button Test | 7. Rock Paper Scissors | ||||||||
| 287 | Mai | WIN | Star | WIN | Group 2 | LOSE | 097: Jada | WIN | 286: Chad | 20 (by 182) | WIN | 278 4 | RISK | 418, 429 | WIN | Triangle | WINNER | ||
| 451 | Phill | Star | Group 7 | LOSE | 337: Bradford | WIN | 278: Ashley | 10 (by 418) | WIN | 451 2 | 051, 278, 355 | WIN | RUNNER-UP | ||||||
| 016 | Sam | Star | Group 5 | RISK | 344: Charlie | WIN | 023: Siobhan | 17 (by 286) | WIN | 016 4 | WIN | OUT | |||||||
| 355 | Hallie | Circle | Group 8 | LOSE | 410: Demi | WIN | 429: Elliott | 18 (by 429) | WIN | 355 2 | 019, 287 | OUT | |||||||
| 278 | Ashley | Circle | Group 3 | WIN | 229: Phalisia | WIN | 016: Sam | 05 (by 031) | WIN | RISK | 287 5 | 451 | OUT | ||||||
| 051 | Rose Mary Kah | Triangle | Group 3 | RISK | 080: Rachelle | WIN | 221: Charles | 12 (by 269) | WIN | 451 | OUT | ||||||||
| 429 | Elliott | Circle | Group 8 | LOSE | 427: Trudy | WIN | 418: Roland | 09 (by 016) | WIN | 429 3 | 287 | OUT | |||||||
| 019 | Amanda | Circle | Group 6 | WIN | 336: Brian | WIN | 393: Jackie | 19 (by 023) | WIN | 019 3 | 451 | OUT | |||||||
| 418 | Roland | Umbrella | Group 8 | LOSE | 202: Elliott | WIN | 301: Trey | 08 (by 451) | WIN | 418 3 | 058 | OUT | |||||||
| 286 | Chad | Circle | Group 7 | LOSE | 334: Robert | WIN | 254: Mikie | 11 | WIN | 286 6 | OUT | ||||||||
| 031 | Purna | Circle | Group 4 | WIN | 339: Rob | WIN | SAFE | 06 (by 278) | WIN | 031 6 | OUT | ||||||||
| 018 | Bee | Circle | Group 6 | WIN | 361: Melissa | WIN | 019: Amanda | 16 (by 051) | WIN | 018 6 | OUT | ||||||||
| 269 | James | Circle | Group 4 | WIN | 312: Alexis | WIN | 031: Purna | 15 (by 301) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 254 | Mikie | Triangle | Group 2 | LOSE | 087: Kyle | WIN | 077: Marina | 14 (by 355) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 023 | Siobhan | Triangle | Group 5 | RISK | 054: Lucia | WIN | 051: Rose Mary Kah | 13 (by 077) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 393 | Jackie | Star | Group 6 | WIN | 382: Tim | WIN | 451: Phill | 07 (by 254) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 301 | Trey | Circle | Group 5 | WIN | 302: LeAnn | WIN | 269: James | 03 (by 221) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 077 | Marina | Circle | Group 5 | WIN | 083: Christian | WIN | 018: Bee | 04 (by 287) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 221 | Charles | Star | Group 5 | WIN | 179: Chaney | WIN | 355: Hallie | 02 (by 019) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 182 | TJ | Star | Group 5 | WIN | 183: Jesse | WIN | 287: Mai | 01 (by 393) | OUT | ||||||||||
| 002 | Favour | Circle | Group 3 | WIN | 319: Yu Hannah | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 030 | Jinwoo | Triangle | Group 7 | LOSE | 445: Chapman | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 090 | Ankur | Triangle | Group 7 | LOSE | 043: Eddie | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 120 | Clayton | Star | Group 6 | WIN | 453: Rachel | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 149 | Justin | Triangle | Group 6 | RISK | 404: Ned | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 158 | Preston | Triangle | Group 3 | WIN | 359: Malyk | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 178 | Chaz | Star | Group 3 | WIN | 442: Phillip | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 204 | Dan | Star | Group 4 | WIN | 209: Marcus | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 215 | Eric | Umbrella | Group 1 | LOSE | 210: Chad | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 222 | Jordan | Triangle | Group 1 | LOSE | SAFE | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 323 | Ed | Star | Group 1 | LOSE | 326: Melissa | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 302 | LeAnn | Circle | Group 5 | RISK | RISK | 301: Trey | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 336 | Brian | Triangle | Group 4 | WIN | 019: Amanda | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 319 | Yu Hannah | Umbrella | Group 3 | WIN | 002: Favour | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 229 | Phalisia | Star | Group 5 | RISK | 130, 243, 232 | 278: Ashley | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 087 | Kyle | Triangle | Group 2 | LOSE | 176 | 254: Mikie | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 399 | Aurora | Circle | Group 2 | LOSE | 065: Dylan | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 065 | Dylan | Triangle | Group 4 | WIN | 399: Aurora | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 179 | Chaney | Star | Group 5 | WIN | RISK | 221: Charles | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 344 | Charlie | Star | Group 3 | WIN | 016: Sam | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 183 | Jesse | Star | Group 5 | WIN | 026, 141 | 182: TJ | OUT | ||||||||||||
| 334 | Robert | Star | Group 4 | WIN | 286: Chad | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 097 | Jada | Triangle | Group 5 | WIN | 287: Mai | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 209 | Marcus | Star | Group 4 | WIN | 204: Daniel | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 382 | Tim | Triangle | Group 6 | WIN | 393: Jackie | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 083 | Christian | Triangle | Group 6 | RISK | 077: Marina | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 361 | Melissa | Triangle | Group 5 | WIN | 018: Bee | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 404 | Ned | Circle | Group 2 | LOSE | 149: Justin | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 339 | Rob | Triangle | Group 3 | WIN | 031: Purna | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 337 | Brad | Star | Group 3 | WIN | 451: Phill | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 453 | Rachel | Circle | Group 6 | WIN | 120: Clayton | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 054 | Lucia | Triangle | Group 5 | WIN | 023: Siobhan | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 312 | Alexis | Star | Group 4 | WIN | 269: James | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 326 | Melissa | Circle | Group 1 | LOSE | 323: Ed | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 445 | Chapman | Triangle | Group 6 | WIN | 030: Jinwoo | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 043 | Eddie | Triangle | Group 6 | WIN | 090: Ankur | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 359 | Malyk | Triangle | Group 3 | RISK | 158: Preston | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 442 | Phillip | Triangle | Group 6 | RISK | 178: Chaz | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 210 | Chad | Triangle | Group 1 | LOSE | 215: Eric | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 427 | Trudy | Circle | Group 8 | LOSE | 429: Elliott | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 080 | Rachelle | Star | Group 6 | WIN | 051: Rose Mary Kah | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 410 | Demi | Triangle | Group 8 | LOSE | 355: Hallie | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 202 | Elliott | Circle | Group 4 | WIN | 418: Roland | OUT | |||||||||||||
| 232 | Rick | Circle | Group 4 | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 243 | Stephen | Star | Group 4 | RISK | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 130 | Jakoben | Circle | Group 6 | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 176 | Darius | Star | Group 5 | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 375 | Joel | Circle | Group 4 | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 141 | Dash | Circle | Group 2 | LOSE | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 026 | Amber | Circle | Group 1 | LOSE | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 161 | Lorenzo | Triangle | Group 5 | WIN | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 330 | Kien | Umbrella | Group 7 | LOSE | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 374 | Andy | Circle | Group 4 | RISK | OUT | ||||||||||||||
| 258 | Brownie | Circle | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 273 | Darylle | Circle | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 367 | Camilla | Umbrella | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 107 | Tayo | Umbrella | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 194 | Saïd | Umbrella | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 035 | Megan | Circle | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 103 | Stephanie | Triangle | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 248 | Chaun | Circle | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 033 | Figgy | Circle | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 297 | Kwame | Star | Group 7 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 414 | Rebecca | Triangle | Group 4 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 218 | Michael | Triangle | Group 4 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 057 | Madison | Triangle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 434 | Joe | Circle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 362 | Kiara | Triangle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 226 | Aiyanna | Star | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 357 | Nayo | Triangle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 446 | Tom | Star | Group 6 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 106 | Jessica | Circle | Group 6 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 034 | Hannah | Circle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 350 | Lindsey | Circle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 267 | Amanda | Circle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 435 | Catherine | Circle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 438 | Shelby | Circle | Group 8 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 396 | Scott | Star | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 264 | Tyler | Triangle | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 386 | MiMi | Triangle | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 135 | Vanessa | Star | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 136 | Carlos | Star | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 187 | Kevin | Star | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 186 | Onur | Circle | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 433 | Alex | Circle | Group 2 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 220 | Jessi | Circle | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 352 | Radhika | Star | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 270 | Adrian | Umbrella | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 432 | Bryton | Triangle | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 343 | Brianna | Circle | Group 3 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 142 | Anna | Triangle | Group 3 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 188 | Sam | Circle | Group 3 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 389 | Taylor | Circle | Group 3 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 452 | Mark | Circle | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 447 | Yongjun | Circle | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 422 | Riley | Triangle | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 041 | Jastin | Star | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 068 | Abdulla | Triangle | Group 1 | OUT | |||||||||||||||
| 198 | Husnain | Star | OUT | ||||||||||||||||
| 200 | Mothi | OUT | |||||||||||||||||
Reception
Viewership
In its release week (20–26 November 2023), Squid Game: The Challenge was the most-watched show globally on Netflix, with 85.7 million hours. It reached number one in 74 countries that same week, including the US and UK – and was Top 10 in a further 19 countries.[5]
The series stayed at number one globally on Netflix into a second week (27 November – 3 December 2023), with 11.4 million views and 85 million hours watched. It was Top 10 in TV in 91 different countries that week.[6] The reality competition series also boosted the original drama series Squid Game to number seven on the Non-English TV list with 1.5 million views that week.[22]
In its third week post-release, Squid Game: The Challenge came in third place globally. It added 6.6 million views and 54.1 million hours viewed.[7]
Critical response
The show received a mixed reception from critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of 45% based on 44 reviews, with an average score of 5.8/10. The website's critics consensus reads: "The Challenge can be an addictive binge thanks to the sheer ingenuity of Squid Games' set pieces, but playing the original series' barbed satire completely straight gives this spinoff a soulless aftertaste."[23] Metacritic gave a weighted average score of 51 out of 100 based on 22 critics reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[24]
Ryan Smith wrote in Newsweek, "Netflix's new spin-off of the thrilling Korean drama not only succeeds but triumphs in bringing to screens one of the most compelling TV competitions of the decade".[25] In the Financial Times, Dan Einav proclaimed the "Netflix megahit becomes an irresistible reality show",[26] while the Radio Times stated that Squid Game: The Challenge "not only lives up to the original, but with the new twists, challenges, and the real-life prize fund at stake, it's even more intense than the hit show".[27] In Vulture, Nicholas Quah said "not only does Squid Game: The Challenge qualify as damn good reality television, it even serves as an unexpectedly effective adaptation of the original K-drama. The game show uses the language of modern reality television to realize, in its own strange way, the themes in Dong-hyuk's parable of capitalism grinding human beings into dust". Quah concluded "Squid Game: The Challenge isn't just a good reality show. It's a morally righteous one".[28] Writing in The Guardian, critic Rebecca Nicholson said, "The real-life version of the Netflix drama is a grandiose, addictive spectacle that will have you shouting at your TV before the end of episode one."[29]
Some critics have suggested the unscripted version misses the point of the drama. The Hollywood Reporter called it "a brand extension that fundamentally misunderstands what the brand was meant to represent in the first place", continuing "you can take the anti-capitalism out of Squid Game – but capitalism will always find a way to rear its ugly head".[30] In The Telegraph, Jasper Rees said "the reality remake loses none of the tension or intrigue" of the drama, continuing "I…am agog to discover how ruthless the last dollar-driven survivors can be".[31] Chase Hutchinson for Collider found it "shameless and opportunistic" and concluded "if the corrupt forces of capitalism could be made into a shambling corpse of television, it would look like Squid Game: The Challenge".[32]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Art Directors Guild Awards | Excellence in Production Design for a Variety, Reality, or Competition Series | Mathieu Weekes and Benjamin Norman (for "War") | Won | [33] |
| British Academy Television Awards | Best Reality | Squid Game: The Challenge | Pending | [34] | |
| People's Choice Awards | The Competition Show of the Year | Squid Game: The Challenge | Nominated | [35] | |
| Producers Guild of America Awards | Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition Television | Nominated | [36][37] |
See also
- $456,000 Squid Game in Real Life! – 2021 video by MrBeast
References
- ^ "'Squid Game' Reality Show Teaser Brings 'Red Light, Green Light' to Life on Netflix (Video)". TheWrap. 17 June 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "'Squid Game: The Challenge': Controversial Netflix Competition Series Gets Release Date and First Look". Variety. 17 June 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ a b Goldbart, Max (22 September 2023). "'Squid Game: The Challenge': Netflix Unveils Trailer & Launch Date for Reality Series with $4.56M Prize Fund". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ a b Starkey, Adam (21 November 2023). "What time is 'Squid Game: The Challenge' on Netflix?". NME. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Netflix Global Top 10 TV (November 20-26, 2023)". Tudum. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Netflix Global Top 10 TV (November 27 - December 3, 2023)". Tudum. Archived from the original on 6 December 2023. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Netflix Global Top 10 TV (December 4-10, 2023)". Tudum. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
- ^ Moreau, Jordan (6 December 2023). "'Squid Game: The Challenge' Renewed for Season 2 at Netflix, Casting Now Open". Variety. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ a b c Richards, Amanda; Delbyck, Cole (1 December 2023). "Zip Up Your Tracksuits Because 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Is Here". Tudum. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ "Squid Game: The Challenge". Tudum.
- ^ Adekaiyero, Ayomikun. "I was on 'Squid Game: The Challenge.' The 'Red Light, Green Light' game took hours to film, and I knew karma would get me after I eliminated someone". Insider.
- ^ "Watch Squid Game: The Challenge". Netflix. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Will Squid Game: The Challenge be the darkest reality show ever?". The Guardian. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Squid Game: The Challenge – Announcement – Netflix" (video). Netflix. 14 June 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Squid Game: The Challenge – Final Casting Call – Netflix" (video). Netflix. 17 September 2022 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Squid Game Casting". squidgamecasting.com. Netflix.
- ^ "'Squid Game' Reality Show Sees Medics Called for Frozen Players Affected by U.K. Cold Snap". Variety. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "'It's like the Stanford Prison Experiment': The British studio turning Squid Game into reality". The Daily Telegraph. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Squid Game: Three receive treatment during Netflix show". BBC News. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "'Squid Game: The Challenge' Faced Safety Watchdog Review After Medical Incidents On Netflix Series". Deadline. 10 February 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ Kanter, Jake (23 November 2023). "'Squid Game: The Challenge' Contestants Threaten Lawsuit After Claiming They Suffered Hypothermia & Nerve Damage During Filming". Deadline. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
- ^ Campione, Katie (5 December 2023). "'Leo' & 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Dominate Netflix Top 10 For Second Week". Deadline. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
- ^ "Squid Game: The Challenge: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ^ "Squid Game: The Challenge". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 2 December 2023.
- ^ Smith, Ryan (22 November 2023). "Netflix's 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Breaks All the Rules of Reality TV". Newsweek. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Einav, Dan (21 November 2023). "Squid Game: The Challenge TV review — Netflix megahit becomes an irresistible reality show". Financial Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Henry, Grace (21 November 2023). "Squid Game: The Challenge review - More intense than drama series with new twists". Radio Times. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Quah, Nicholas (20 November 2023). "Oh No, Is Squid Game: The Challenge … Good?". Vulture. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Nicholson, Rebecca (20 November 2023). "Squid Game: The Challenge review – the most gripping reality TV since The Traitors". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Han, Angie (21 November 2023). "'Squid Game: The Challenge' Review: Netflix Cashes in, and It's Not Pretty". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Rees, Jasper (20 November 2023). "Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix, review: reality remake loses none of the tension or intrigue". The Telegraph. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Hutchinson, Chase (20 November 2023). "'Squid Game: The Challenge' Review: Netflix's Reality Show Needs to Be Eliminated". Collider. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (9 January 2024). "Saltburn, Oppenheimer, Killers of the Flower Moon Lead Art Directors Guild 2024 Nominations". Variety. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
- ^ "BAFTA Television 2024: The Nominations". www.bafta.org. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ^ Malec, Brett (11 January 2024). "2024 People's Choice Awards: Complete List of Nominees". E! Online. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Bergeson, Samantha (12 January 2024). "PGA Awards 2024 Nominations: Maestro, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Past Lives Among Contenders". IndieWire. Archived from the original on 12 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ "PGA Awards (2024)". IMDb.
External links
- Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix
- Squid Game: The Challenge at IMDb
- Squid Game: The Challenge at UKGameshows.com
- v
- t
- e
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Squid Game
- Awards and nominations
- Characters
- Music
- Squid Game: The Challenge
- Crab Game
- Annoying Squid Game
- "$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life!"
- "Wet Kuat Amortican Summer"
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