Morbid dystopia-inspired game has violence, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
The game is adapted from a violent series; some challenges simulate and normalize murder. References are occasionally made to being "killed," and eliminated players drop as if dead. Challengers talk about being nervous or scared, and sometimes break down in tears after winning, losing, or when forced to compete against someone they like.
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It's a game show inspired by the Korean series Squid Game. Some challenges are variations of kids' games featured on the original TV show; others look like Western-themed children's games, like Battleship.
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
very little
A reference is made to "acid trips."
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.
The game show sends the message that people will put themselves through anything to win a cash prize. The series is based on a concept that wasn't intended to be fun.
Positive Role Models
none
Alliances are made and broken, and folks will do whatever's necessary to get to the next round. Some take being a team leader very seriously.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Squid Game: The Challenge is a game show inspired by Squid Game, and recreates a dystopian and cut-throat universe for which the popular Korean TV series is known. No one gets hurt, but there's some simulated violence and sometimes references are made to getting "killed." There's lots of competitive scheming, frequent cursing, and a very occasional drug reference. Challenges are adaptations of children's games similar to those in the original series, including tug o' war and Battleship. It's meant for older viewers, and younger or more sensitive viewers may find some of what's featured here creepy.
It's a reality game show, not a violent action drama
A reality competition game show based on a violent show that I have not seen. As someone who has a low tolerance for gore and suspense, this keeps the suspense and interpersonal drama but does not include gore. The participants are clearly under enormous psychological stresses frequently crying, one character actively heaves while trying not to throw up which was intense. The participants have clearly watched the inspiration drama, so sometimes reference this which could encourage you to watch the original squid game drama (I am very tempted!). The cast is diverse in race, balanced in gender and includes some notable examples of disability representation but all participants are presented as able bodied. There are nice moments of leadership and teamwork and also painful moments of betrayal.
Some of the challenges are ridiculous and others are no challenges at all. Too many crybabies! Just play the game and move on! Not worth watching. I will wait for the 2nd season for the REAL Squid Games!
What's the Story?
Inspired by the popular Korean dystopian TV series Squid Game, SQUID GAME: THE CHALLENGE is a competition where folks compete in children's games in hopes of winning $4.56 million. The game begins when 456 challengers of all walks of life play "Red Light, Green Light" and try to cross the finish line without being "shot" (disguised individuals watching them from behind computer screens activate paint-filled squibs on the eliminated contestants). Those who survive start building alliances, scheming, and doing what they can to make it through each round. For every person eliminated from the game, $10K is added to a giant piggy bank that descends from the ceiling, which serves as a physical reminder of what the last person standing will win. Throughout each episode, contestants also sit alone in monitored and guarded interview rooms talking about themselves. The stakes are high, but each player has a reason for wanting the money, and will do what they can to get it.
The macabre game show features contestants performing in a strange sort of cosplay, but with much higher stakes. The overall production attempts to recreate the ominous Squid Game universe by using similar music, sounds, set designs, and costumes while requiring players to compete in children's games where losing means immediate elimination. Not surprisingly, trying to be the only survivor in a simulated life-or-death game creates a lot of tension. But despite taking the loss of fellow contestants very hard, each player remains committed to sacrificing their friends, family members, and allies if it brings them one step closer to winning. Some folks may find watching players navigate Squid Game: The Challenge's weird and cut-throat reality dystopia entertaining, but the fact that it's a live-action game inspired by the morbidity and violence portrayed in a fictional series is disturbing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the game's first challenge. What went into to (re)creating it? Did it have to be so violent?
The contestants on Squid Game: The Challenge range from students and video game experts to parole officers and physicians. Was it the cash prize or the fact that they're Squid Game fans that compelled them to be a part of the show?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
