Squid Game Challenge: Dystopian Reality Show Review | Al Bawaba

Netflix's "Squid Game: The Challenge" reality competition attempts to capitalize on the original series' success, but lacks its profound social commentary.

"Squid Game" took the world by storm in 2021, offering a dark reflection of capitalism's exploitation of the desperate for the entertainment of the wealthy. Now, Netflix is capitalizing on the show's success with "Squid Game: The Challenge," a reality competition that brings the essence of the original series to life without the mass murder and social commentary.

This move is part of Netflix's strategy to turn its popular shows into lasting intellectual properties. "The Challenge" is just one part of this approach, along with immersive experiences like "Squid Game: The Trials," where fans can pay to simulate the struggles depicted in the show.

While "The Challenge" mirrors the original's structure with contestants competing for a large prize through childlike games, it lacks the profound social commentary that made "Squid Game" a global phenomenon. The show faithfully recreates the original's colorful production design but raises the question of whether a reality show can capture the essence of the original without sacrificing its critical message.

Contestants on "The Challenge" exhibit an awareness of the iconic sets and terms popularized by "Squid Game." The show's diverse and expansive cast adds depth, but its method of eliciting empathy for its contestants is questionable, as emotional breakdowns become inevitable in the intensely ruthless environment.

Ultimately, "The Challenge" serves as a more direct illustration of the pressures inherent in many reality concepts, unable to escape the dystopian irony of its own existence. While "Squid Game" remains a singular achievement, "The Challenge" raises important questions about the nature of reality television and the societal critique that made the original series so impactful.