MrBeast, the YouTube sensation turned media mogul, has recently entered the world of television with his new show, Beast Games. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the show has quickly captivated audiences, particularly young viewers, captivating onlookers with its outrageous premise and dramatic twists.
Upon its release, Beast Games became the most-watched unscripted series on Amazon Prime Video, pulling in viewers with its blend of humor and high-stakes competition. What sets this show apart, though, is the stark divide between audience and critic reviews. According to CBC News, after weeks of airing, the show secured a remarkable 90 percent audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasting sharply with the abysmal 13 percent rating from professional critics.
“Why the large gap?” tweeted MrBeast alongside a teary-eyed emoji, sparking viral discussions online. One user cleverly remarked, “because critics aren’t 11 years old.” Ironically, this highlights the considerable demographic difference between casual viewers who indulge in MrBeast’s brand of entertainment and the seasoned critics analyzing it.
Since its debut, which required 1,000 contestants vying for the original $5 million prize, Beast Games has pushed contestants to the limits with wild challenges. Episode 9 aired on February 7, 2025, and kept viewers on the edge of their seats with MrBeast doubling the grand prize to $10 million—a move intended to heighten the tension as it approached its final episode.
Contestants were tasked with guessing the result of a coin toss—guess correctly and double the prize; guess incorrectly, and they risk immediate elimination. Contestant 974, exuding confidence, exclaimed, “I think this is my time to be able to take a chance. I’m feeling tails — let’s do it.” The dramatic cliffhanger left fans eager for the outcome, set for the finale on February 13, 2025.
Throughout the series, viewers have witnessed not just outrageous spectacle, but underlying themes of wealth, desperation, and competition. MrBeast's efforts to draw participants isn't merely focused on cash prizes; he aims to explore how money influences human relationships and ethical decision-making—themes he openly discussed with The New York Times, stating, “It feels so disgusting... get a prosthetic leg.”
Controversies have marred the show's bright façade. Allegations of poor treatment of contestants, including accusations of harassment, have surfaced, as production priorities overshadow the well-being of those involved. The sponsorship from MoneyLion, known for cash advances and payday loans, puts forth another layer of complexity—supporting hopes of financial freedom, yet simultaneously profiting from participants’ often desperate situations.
Critics have noted the unsettling reality behind the glitzy challenges. Similar to the aesthetic of shows like Squid Game, Beast Games strips away societal nuances, presenting the grim desperation of contestants through the lens of entertainment. The juxtaposition of thrilling game design against the backdrop of fierce competition raises questions about humanity's boundaries.
While Squid Game critiques determining factors, MrBeast's show opts for capturing the audience's attention without delving deeply enough to evoke introspection. It appears to glorify the same systemic inequalities it exploits. Each episode whirls through absurd challenges where contestants aim for monetary prizes, showcasing their vulnerability to economic pressure.
For all its flaws, Beast Games draws viewers through its primal storytelling. Many contestants are influencers, thrill-seekers, or financially struggling individuals hoping for their shot at notoriety and cash. The narrative no longer focuses strictly on winning money but also on constructing one’s own viral existence, where failure can sometimes lead to greater online success than victory.
Unlike traditional competition shows, Beast Games is engineered for maximum consumption, focusing on monetization as the core motivation. This format encourages sharing and co-streaming, aligning the show’s reach with social media mechanics—guaranteeing more eyes on the content than traditional programming.
At the end of the day, Beast Games stands as both spectacle and mirror, reflecting contemporary society's obsession with wealth and fame. Audiences are both entertained and engaged, grappling with their own reactions to the ethics of commodifying struggle and celebration of monetary success.
The grand finale awaits the outcomes of daring decisions as viewers prepare for the final showdown. With its dual character as entertainment and provocation, MrBeast’s show will surely spark even more conversation long after the final coin flip.