Squid Game: The Challenge, a spin-off reality show derived from Netflix’s 2021 Emmy Award-winning K-drama, is set to premiere on Netflix this Wednesday. Initial reviews highlight its gripping nature as reality television but raise concerns that it might undermine the original show’s anti-capitalistic message.
Engaging Reality TV
The Vulture review emphasizes that the game show effectively employs the language of modern reality television to convey, in its peculiar manner, the themes of Dong-hyuk’s parable on capitalism eroding humanity. The review argues that the existence of reality television as a product of late-stage capitalism only reinforces the show’s message, countering claims of it being exploitative.
Irresistible, Yet Exploitative
Acknowledging the exploitative nature of Squid Game: The Challenge, The Guardian review concedes that, despite this aspect, the show remains irresistible for reality TV enthusiasts. While expressing concerns about it being a potential cash-in on the original’s success, the review suggests that as a spectacle and gameshow, it is difficult to look away from.
Ironically Unpretty
The Hollywood Reporter criticizes Netflix’s venture, asserting that Squid Game: The Challenge appears less like a standalone creation and more like a brand extension that misunderstands the original brand’s intended representation. IGN echoes this sentiment, pointing out the challenge of separating the show’s elaborate sets and aesthetics from the real-world context in which they originated.
Streaming on Netflix from November 22, Squid Game: The Challenge emerges as a captivating but controversial addition, prompting discussions about its alignment with the core themes of its predecessor.
