YouTube’s largest creator, MrBeast, has ventured boldly onto the streaming scene with his latest project, Beast Games, which has rapidly become the number one most-watched show on Amazon Prime since its release on December 19, 2024. Featuring 1,000 contestants hoping to win the staggering $5 million cash prize—the largest ever awarded on a competition show—Beast Games is setting records across the board and generating significant buzz for its ambitious scale.
MrBeast, known for his viral stunts and extravagant giveaways, has launched this show, and it’s not just about the money. Over its ten episodes, many Guinness World Records have been claimed, with the series featuring the highest number of contestants, cameras, cables, and even the largest prize for any reality show. After the first episode aired, the contestant pool shrunk from 1,000 to 493, with the second episode dropping the number to around 300. MrBeast himself claimed over 50 Guinness World Records were set during the show, creating excitement among both fans and viewers alike.
But the glitz and glamour of the spectacle haven’t come without controversy. Following its premiere, IGN published a scathing review from Chase Hutchinson, who labeled the show "a bust" and criticized its creativity and ethics, rating it just two out of ten. This prompted MrBeast to respond on Twitter, calling the review "sad" and pointing out the hard work his team put forth. While fans have rallied to support the show, Hutchinson has faced significant backlash and harassment online.
Adding to the scrutiny, allegations have emerged about unsafe conditions faced by contestants on set. Reports have surfaced claiming mistreatment and inadequate compensation, as five contestants have filed lawsuits alleging emotional distress and poor treatment during filming. These serious allegations paint a troubling picture of the production’s ethical standards, drawing comparisons to Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge. Like Squid Game, contestants are put through high-stakes challenges, which critics argue trivialize real-life struggles.
Both viewers and critics have intensely debated the ethical and creative merits of MrBeast’s show. Some have accused him of copying the premise of Squid Game, as both shows involve numbered players facing perilous tasks, but to contrasting ends. While Squid Game is framed as a bleak commentary on societal inequality, MrBeast has positioned his show as merely entertainment. Stuart Heritage of The Guardian called Beast Games "one of the most undignified spectacles ever shown on TV," summing up the controversy well. This has raised questions about the intent behind the show and the ramifications of hosting such competitions.
Against this backdrop of criticism, social media has responded explosively. User @iheartonda tweeted, "Beast Games is actually just Squid Game IRL... does anyone not think that's really crazy?" This sentiment is echoed by other users, with @miles_tzu arguing, "Mr. Beast recreates Squid Game after watching the show about rich people making poor people play games for the rich people's entertainment for a cash prize." Such reactions indicate there are serious concerns over the ethical tensions embedded within the entertainment design of Beast Games.
Defenders of the show argue it uses high production quality and exciting challenges to draw people’s interest, aligning well with MrBeast’s known style on YouTube. Supporters find the production’s scope impressive and entertaining, praising its adventure-like format. Yet the crux of the issue remains: is it morally justifiable to layer thrill over the potential distress of contestants? One critic aptly summarized this dilemma on social media, stating, "Squid Game (scripted) being turned to Squid Game (unscripted)... seems like everyone missed the entire point."
With the first two episodes of Beast Games generating substantial viewership and conversation, MrBeast stands at the intersection of entertainment and ethical scrutiny. The show has undeniably captivated audiences with its massive stakes and elaborate setup, but the accompanying discussions about contestant treatment and the show's integrity cannot be overlooked. Its narrative touches upon contemporary themes relevant to audiences today and challenges the boundaries of reality television.
The premise of Beast Games, coupled with the controversy surrounding it, sets the stage for what could become one of the most defining realities of modern competition shows. With new episodes dropping weekly, viewers will be left wondering how both the show and its surrounding debates will evolve as it continues its run on Amazon Prime Video.
