The series Squid Game became such a success that Netflix absolutely took advantage. The streaming platform recently revealed a spin-off series inspired by Squid Game, titled Squid Game: The Challenge, which is an actual reality TV series based on challenges from the scripted show.
Now, however, viewers are complaining about The Challenge, with some calling the program both “ignorant” and “tone deaf.” The reality series spin-off was revealed in a brand-new trailer which has Netflix catching backlash on social media. As you can see below, they went to great lengths to recreate environments and games from the original series. But this hasn’t exactly gone over well with fans. Especially with those who simply want a second season of the original show’s narrative.
The trailer for Squid Game: The Challenge and some of the controversy sparked by the new spin-off series:
Make friends. Make enemies. Make millions.
Get ready, players. Squid Game: The Challenge premieres November 22. pic.twitter.com/nQbSPwKFpv
— Netflix (@netflix) October 23, 2023
We need season 2 of real Squid Game. Please
— Bhuvan. (@timesofbhuvan) October 23, 2023
So, can we get season 2 instead of this reality show? https://t.co/WE4KCGze6r pic.twitter.com/a1K7BC2xub
— Wardere (@Wardere) October 23, 2023
I see you completely missed the point of the series. Good job.
— Tripp Dinger (@TrippDinger) October 24, 2023
how are you so ignorant to the entire point of the show that was on your platform
like did you even watch it https://t.co/aIQxY1jOCs
— JamBOO (@PlayWithJambo) October 24, 2023
The fact this even exists proves they didn’t understand the point of the actual show – it’s going to be so disappointing how popular this will likely be. https://t.co/sEurodDVwp
— Jordan Mychal Lemos (@jordanarywriter) October 23, 2023
Making a reality game show based a show that critiques capitalism is still super cringe
— Peter (he/him) – support #WGAstrong (@Kestral52) October 23, 2023
I hate that this exists. Squid Game’s entire premise was a satire of greed, class warfare and exploitation of the working class. So naturally a large corporate entity like Netflix just saw dollar signs $$$. https://t.co/trxzFp1frn
— ♪ (@JasperJay40) October 23, 2023
i don’t know how tone deaf you have to be to create this, it’s insurmountable. capitalism at its finest (also, this is what you pour all your money into instead of properly paying staff? lol) https://t.co/W4uVD2zN4L
— amber (@hurricanerunin) October 23, 2023
Obviously some fans are merely disappointed because they simply want to see the original series continued already. Others are pointing out the ironies in Netflix creating a real-life “Squid Game.” Especially when the original series is a satire referencing aspects of greed and capitalism. It’s especially ironic when considering Netflix’s tagline that was tweeted along with the trailer:
“Make friends. Make enemies. Make millions.”
As such, Netflix does seem to be going against the message of its predecessor to create this spin-off. Nevertheless, despite the backlash, there are also those who are excited to see Squid Game make the leap to reality television. So we’ll have to see how well this show does for the platform. Especially with the first Squid Game being one of the biggest projects to ever be released by the giant streaming service next to hits like Stranger Things.
The new spin-off series, Squid Game: The Challenge, is scheduled to premiere on November 22, 2023. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates as we have them.