Kevin Hart recently commended Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson on his game show, Beast Games, stating it has revolutionized the concept of game shows. During an appearance on The Breakfast Club on March 9, 2025, Hart expressed his admiration for MrBeast's innovative approach to the genre, noting, "What MrBeast is doing is dope."
Hart was enthusiastic about the new wave of content creators, mentioning his collaboration with fellow personalities Druski and Kai Cenat to help them realize the potential they hold as streamers and influencers. He explained how MrBeast has taken traditional game shows and fundamentally redefined them, saying, "He broke the model. He did it time after time again and then he built a big ass series."
Released in December 2024 on Amazon Prime Video, Beast Games features 1,000 contestants vying for a staggering $5 million prize, combining elements of popular reality shows with unique challenges. With MrBeast himself declaring he spent over a year developing this ambitious competition, he created what he described as "the craziest sets in entertainment history" and reportedly broke 40 world records throughout the production process. MrBeast summed up his dedication, stating, "I poured everything I have onto this show."
Despite its success, the show has faced serious backlash. Several contestants filed complaints back in September 2024 claiming they endured hostile working conditions, including allegations of sexual harassment and failure to pay minimum wage. The official 54-page complaint highlighted grievances such as "dangerous work conditions" and accused the defendants of overseeing strict control over contestants' lives throughout the production, alleging they were required to miss other job opportunities to participate.
Allen, who became the champion of Beast Games as Player 831, recently appeared on The Iced Coffee Hour where he revealed how he joined the show not just for entertainment but to raise awareness for his son Lucas's condition, creatine transporter deficiency (CTD). His son, who suffers from this rare genetic disorder, lacks a functional transporter for creatine, causing developmental delays and other challenges. "We finally learned what was happening through various tests including MRS scans," Allen explained. "I started doing funky things to raise awareness, including joining Beast Games."
Although Allen triumphed and won the promised $10 million, he quickly learned about the looming tax responsibilities associated with his winnings. "I think it all depends on what I do with the money this year," Allen remarked when asked about how much tax he would need to pay. The winnings were wire-transferred to him without any taxes withheld, which posed significant financial planning challenges. "If I didn’t donate to charity or if I didn’t give anything to a DAF or CRT, I'd guess my tax bill would be about $5 million," he noted.
This unexpected tax burden has stirred conversations among fans, some of whom have expressed disbelief at the potential loss of half his winnings to taxes. One fan voiced on social media, "That's ridiculous, I'd hand it back." Another chimed, "There should be a law about game show winnings and lottery. The government steals so much it is disgusting." It raises pertinent questions about the treatment of prizes and game show winnings and the fairness of tax policies concerning them.
Kevin Hart's acknowledgment of MrBeast's influence on the entertainment industry and the legal issues arising from the competitive show creates a poignant backdrop for the rapid changes facing reality-based entertainment. With increasing viewer interest and participation, the program's impact remains significant, yet general complaints from contestants demonstrate the other side of the glitzy showbiz experience. Meanwhile, Allen's commitment to fundraising for his son's rare condition highlights the personal motives behind their participation.
With the inaugural season of Beast Games now airing on Amazon Prime Video, audiences can witness not only the innovative gameplay but also the human stories behind each contestant, including Allen's heartfelt dedication to research for his son. Fans and viewers eagerly await the next installment of MrBeast's groundbreaking show, even as contestants navigate the complex aftermath of victory and the realities of significant winnings.