Squid Game: The Challenge

What’s it about?

Inspired by the Netflix series, Squid Game, 465 real-life contestants compete in a series of challenges based on Korean children's games for a $4.56 million cash prize – the largest single cash prize in history.

The facts

• Produced in collaboration between production companies Studio Lambert and the Garden.
• English language
• Runtime: 10 episodes approximately 57 minutes each
• Based on Squid Game, the South Korean dystopian drama directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk

Why did it get this rating?

This series was self-rated by Netflix. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Offensive language

Like other game shows contestants use words such as “hell”, “damn” and “sh*t” out of frustration, nervousness, and fear.

Horror

When eliminated, characters are sprayed with black ink and then drop down, simulating that they have been shot and killed.

Contestants are seen sometimes crying after winning, losing, or when faced with difficult decisions. They often share how nervous and terrified they are.

Music from the original series is used which makes challenges seem more nerve racking and suspenseful.

Further information

While this series doesn’t involve violent murders and death, the challenges copy the brutal nature of the original series and often highlight a bleak view of human nature. If someone in your whānau has watched the original series or is confronted by the conversations, choices and situations contestants are put in check out the links below for more information.

• Should my children be watching Squid Game?
• Talking with young people about what they’re watching
• The ‘Squid Game’ Reality Show Is More Depressing Than the Original – New York Times
• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?