Credit: NetflixNetflix is undergoing some turmoil after recent allegations have been unearthed, accusing one of their original shows of on-set abuse, including forced hypothermia.
Netflix’s ascent to fame is a compelling story of innovation and adaptability in the entertainment industry. Founded in 1997 as a DVD rental-by-mail service by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, Netflix underwent a transformative shift in 2007 with the introduction of its streaming platform.
This move revolutionized how audiences consumed content, allowing them to instantly stream a vast library of movies and TV shows. The company’s commitment to user convenience, coupled with a pioneering approach to original content production, played a pivotal role in its meteoric rise.
Netflix’s strategic foray into original programming marked a turning point. Shows like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, Black Mirror, and more garnered critical acclaim and a loyal subscriber base.
The company’s data-driven approach to content creation, analyzing viewing habits to tailor recommendations and create successful original content, became a hallmark of its success.
With an ever-growing library of original content, international partnerships, and a commitment to staying ahead of industry trends, Netflix has become synonymous with on-demand streaming, reshaping the entertainment landscape and defining a new era in the way people around the world consume media. Now, the media mogul has an astounding 260+ million subscribers on the platform, leading the charge when it comes to the streaming wars. Behind Netflix, sits Amazon Prime, Disney+, Paramount+, Apple TV, Hulu, and others.
While Wednesday season one, and Stranger Things season 4 have the most views for an English-speaking show, they do not sit at the top of the leaderboard on Netflix.
In fact, the show that has flipped the world of entertainment on its head is not even spoken, or dubbed in English.
On September 17, 2021, Squid Game marked a transformative moment for the future of Korean entertainment. As a series predominantly experienced by a global audience through subtitles, it captivated viewers worldwide, holding them spellbound as they read every dialogue while firmly seated on the edge of their sofas.
Squid Game emerges as a monumental triumph on Netflix, exceeding all expectations and leaving an enduring imprint on the streaming landscape. Its success can be attributed to various factors, including a distinctive storyline, compelling character development, and a thematic fusion of social commentary and visceral entertainment.
Centred around contestants engaging in deadly children’s games for a chance at a substantial cash prize, the show resonated with global audiences. Its relentless suspense, unforeseen plot twists, and poignant exploration of societal issues like economic disparity struck a chord with viewers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Featuring characters such as “Seong Gi-hun (Player 456) portrayed by Lee Jung-jae, Cho Sang-woo (Player 218) played by Park Hae-soo, Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067) embodied by Jung Ho-yeon, Oh Il-nam (Player 001) portrayed by O Yeong-su, Ali Abdul (Player 199) portrayed by Anupam Tripathi, Hwang Jun-ho (Player 101) brought to life by Wi Ha-joon, and Jang Deok-su (Player 101) played by Heo Sung-tae.”
Squid Game shattered Netflix viewership records, becoming the platform’s most-watched series to date, capturing the attention of over 142 million member households and accumulating 1.65 billion viewing hours within its first four weeks. This unprecedented popularity transcended language barriers, amassing a colossal international fan base. The show’s unique visual style, captivating storytelling, and memorable characters, combined with the accessibility of the Netflix platform, contributed to its widespread success.
The series not only showcased the global appeal of Korean content but also underscored the transformative influence of streaming platforms in disseminating diverse narratives worldwide. Squid Game not only solidified its standing as a critical and commercial triumph but also paved the way for increased recognition and consumption of international content on a global scale.
The impact of Squid Game extended to accolades, with the series achieving notable recognition.
The show secured a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film, a well-deserved honor for O Yeong-su. Furthermore, the Screen Actors Guild bestowed two awards upon the series: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for Lee Jung-jae and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for HoYeon Jung. Notably, these wins marked a historic moment, with all three actors becoming the first Koreans to triumph in their respective categories, underscoring the groundbreaking success of the show.
While many have been awaiting news on season two of the show, which has reportedly been filming over the summer, Netflix decided to capitalize on the show’s popularity and create Squid Game: The Challenge.
This is a competition-based reality show where the games of the show are brought to life, but in this case, no one dies. The winner will take home $4.56 million dollars, a reference to the ₩45.6 billion dollar prize in the show.
While the show was not widely accepted by fans of the show who believed that the premise of the competition was the opposite of the socio-economic message that Squid Game entails, it has now debuted on Netflix.
Now, allegations are coming out from contestants on the show, sharing that they were brutally abused during filming.
Deadline reported, “Squid Game: The Challenge contestants are threatening legal action against Netflix and producers after claiming they were injured during the filming of the game show.
A British personal injuries law firm is representing two unnamed players who say they suffered hypothermia and nerve damage while shooting in cold conditions in the UK.
Express Solicitors said in a press statement that it had sent letters of claim to Studio Lambert, the co-producer of Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge.”
The reports continue, “The contestants’ allegations concern their experience shooting the show’s opening game ‘Red Light, Green Light,’ in which players must evade the attention of a menacing robotic doll.
Express Solicitors, which specializes in no win no fee claims, said its clients risked their health by having to stay motionless for long periods during the shoot as they attempted to stay in the competition.”
Daniel Slade, CEO of Express Solicitors, said: “We recognize people may see this as a classic David and Goliath battle with the company and its production partners.
“Contestants thought they were taking part in something fun and those injured did not expect to suffer as they did. Now they have been left with injuries after spending time being stuck in painful stress positions in cold temperatures.”
At the moment, no lawsuit has officially been filed by any contestants on the show, however, we were reminded that Deadline reported in February that Squid Game: The Challenge faced an independent safety inspection after the medical incidents on set.
You can currently stream Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix.
Have you watched Squid Game: The Challenge yet? Do you plan on it?