Squid Game: The Challenge - Netflix release date, trailer and latest news
The anticipated Squid Game reality show is coming to our screens very soon.
It's been two years since the release of Korean hit drama Squid Game, but the series continues to make waves in the cultural zeitgeist, now as a reality show.
The anticipated Squid Game competition show is being released on the streamer tomorrow (Wednesday 22nd November), with the first five episodes being released followed by two more batches in the coming weeks.
Squid Game: The Challenge will see 456 contestants battle it out for a whopping $4.56 million (£3.78 million) cash prize, with their strategies, alliances and character being put to the ultimate test.
The series features an array of people from all walks of life, all over the world.
Production on the series kicked off in January 2023 but, according to reports, a small number of contestants needed medical assistance after filming in the subzero temperatures.
While one contestant was believed to have injured their shoulder after accidentally running into a wall, others were said to have been treated for minor injuries.
"Some people couldn’t move their feet because it was so cold," a source told The Sun. "You could hear someone yell 'medic' and the crew would rush on. We ended up standing there for 30 minutes between takes."
In a statement shared with Variety, a spokesperson for Netflix said at the time: "We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures. While it was very cold on set — and participants were prepared for that — any claims of serious injury are untrue.”
Fans have had a glimpse of what is to come in the series, and the games look eerily exactly like the drama, with contestants falling through trap doors, fighting over food and struggling to make it over the finish line in the iconic game, 'Red Light Green Light'.
With the first batch of episodes imminent, read on for everything you need to know about Squid Game: The Challenge.
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Squid Game: The Challenge release date
CONFIRMED: With the newly released trailer comes a release date at last for the Netflix competition show, which has now been slated for release on 22nd November 2023.
The first five episodes will be released then, followed by four episodes in one batch and one episode in a final instalment.
What is Squid Game: The Challenge?
Squid Game: The Challenge is a real-life competition based on Netflix's Squid Game, which launched on the streaming site in September 2021.
Like the drama series, the show will see 456 contestants competing for a huge cash prize of $4.56 million, with contestants being "killed" off each round.
"The biggest Netflix show ever becomes the biggest reality series ever," Netflix teased in the trailer, which featured clips from the hit first season.
"The stakes are high, but in this game the worst fate is going home empty-handed," Netflix added on their official website.
The official synopsis for the series reads: "456 real players will enter Squid Game: The Challenge in pursuit of a life-changing reward of $4.56 million USD.
"As they compete through a series of games inspired by the original show — plus surprising new additions — their strategies, alliances and character will be put to the test as competitors are eliminated around them."
Where is Squid Game: The Challenge filmed?
Produced by Studio Lambert and The Garden, Squid Game: The Challenge has been filmed across two studios in the UK.
The first challenge "Red Light Green Light" took place in Bedford's Cardington Studios in North London, which is a former airplane hangar.
According to Variety, only 228 contestants our of 456 make it past the first hurdle and continue through to the rest of the game.
Squid Game: The Challenge trailer
The trailer finally gives fans a taste of what's to come in the reality series and answers some burning questions viewers may have, especially over just how contestants will be eliminated in the 'Red Light Green Light' game.
More like this
In the original drama, contestants were shot and killed but in the reality show, contestants are shot with paintballs to signal their end in the game. Watch the trailer below.
Squid Game: The Challenge will be available to stream on Netflix on 22nd November. Sign up for Netflix from £6.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our guide to the best series on Netflix and best movies on Netflix. Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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