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The Squid Game Reality Show Dominated Netflix, and Even Revived the Popularity of the Original

Squid Game: The Challenge. Season 1 of Squid Game: The Challenge. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023

“Squid Game: The Challenge,” the reality show version of the blockbuster original Korean suspense show, dominated Netflix’s viewing during the Thanksgiving break.

The show, which pits 456 contestants against each other in surreal and sadistic games inspired by the original Squid Game for $4.56 million, drew the most views for an English show at 20.1 million, with One Piece the last Netflix show to get close to that mark. It also tallied 85.7 million hours viewed. It was popular enough that the original Squid Games re-emerged as the No. 6 show among top non-English programs, its 21st week in the top 10.

The reality show likely scratches a small part of the itch left with another season of Squid Game still far off. There was plenty of buzz ahead of the show with the faithful recreation of sets like the “Red Light-Green Light” challenge and the metal racks of beds in the sleeping quarters.

It’s also drawn some controversy, with contestants reportedly looking to sue the producers for injuries sustained during the show’s filming. The unnamed contestants say they suffered from hypothermia and nerve damage, according to Entertainment Weekly.

A spokesperson Studio Lambert, which is behind the show, wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Behind Squid Game: The Challenge is season six of The Crown, which debuted at No. 1 last week. Adam Sandler’s animated film Leo was the top film of the week on the service.

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