Entertainment
Squid Game USA | 2026 Is Going To Be A Crazy Year!
After the staggering success of South Korea’s Squid Game, Netflix brought the thrill closer to home with Squid Game: The Challenge—an American adaptation rooted in reality TV. This version isn’t about actors or fictional deaths; it’s real people, real competition, and real money. With a staggering $4.56 million prize, Squid Game USA became one of the most ambitious reality competitions ever produced.
But what exactly is Squid Game USA, and how does it stack up against the original series that shook the world?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Squid Game USA?
Squid Game USA (officially titled Squid Game: The Challenge) is a reality competition series inspired by the South Korean drama Squid Game. Launched by Netflix in late 2023, it features 456 real-life contestants battling in game-based eliminations to win the largest cash prize in reality TV history: $4.56 million.
Key Details About Squid Game: The Challenge
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Reality competition series |
| Number of Players | 456 |
| Prize Money | $4.56 million |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Total Episodes | 10 |
| First Release Date | November 22, 2023 |
How the Game Works
While no one dies in this version, Squid Game USA retains the intense psychological pressure and strategic gameplay:
- Classic Games Return: Red Light, Green Light, and other iconic games are reimagined.
- New Challenges: Several original games were created to test social and physical strength.
- Eliminations Are Real: When players are “eliminated,” they leave the competition instantly—with no second chances.
- Dorm Life Drama: Just like in the original show, contestants live in one shared space, adding tension and strategy outside the games.
Comparison: Original Squid Game vs Squid Game USA
| Aspect | Original (South Korea) | USA Version (Reality) |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Fictional Drama | Reality Competition |
| Stakes | Life and Death | Financial Elimination |
| Prize | ₩45.6 billion (~$38M) | $4.56 million |
| Players | 456 | 456 |
| Scripted? | Yes | No |
| Host | Masked Front Man | Game Master (not revealed) |
| Theme | Social inequality | Competition & survival |
Real Controversy Behind Squid Game USA
While the game avoided real danger, Squid Game USA wasn’t without criticism:
- Filming Conditions: Reports emerged that some contestants endured harsh conditions during long shooting days.
- Rigged Claims: A few eliminated players alleged parts of the game felt “staged” or unfairly edited.
- Ethical Debate: Critics argued that turning a show meant to expose capitalism’s cruelty into a competitive reality show misses the original’s point.
Despite this, the show quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched reality shows.
The Impact of Squid Game: The Challenge
- Global Reach: It topped charts in over 50 countries.
- Renewal: Netflix greenlit Season 2, set to expand the game universe with higher stakes.
- Cultural Discussion: The show sparked fresh debate on capitalism, ethics, and the commodification of suffering.
Is Squid Game USA Worth Watching?
If you’re a fan of:
- Reality competition shows like Survivor or The Circle
- Social dynamics and alliances
- Tense, strategic gameplay
Then yes, Squid Game: The Challenge delivers high tension without scripted outcomes. It’s visually inspired by the Korean original but emotionally rooted in real ambition, greed, and decision-making.
Conclusion
Squid Game USA isn’t just a spin-off—it’s a bold reinvention of what reality TV can be. While it lacks the violent, satirical punch of the original drama, it offers real stakes, real emotion, and a cultural experiment that mirrors our fascination with power, money, and competition. Whether you’re here for the suspense or the social commentary, this is one Netflix series you shouldn’t miss.