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Fans Upset Over Netflix's Squid Game: The Challenge Cash Prize Amid Company Layoffs

The new reality competition series will have a $4.56 million cash prize, the largest in TV history.
  • Oh Young-soo in Squid Game (Photo: Noh Juhan/Netflix)
    Oh Young-soo in Squid Game (Photo: Noh Juhan/Netflix)

    Squid Game fans aren't too happy that Netflix has greenlit a Squid Game reality competition series based on the dystopian drama.

    After the news broke Tuesday, many Twitter users pointed out the irony that Netflix can afford to pay contestants $4.56 million, the largest cash prize in reality TV history, but recently laid off 150 employees.

    Others noted that Netflix completely missed the point of the original series in creating the real-life competition. As one user wrote, "Have the people at Netflix watched Squid Game?"

    Squid Game follows 456 desperate contestants competing in a deadly game of survival in hopes of winning $45.6 billion. The drama ultimately suggests that capitalism drives people into desperate situations, where they are forced to pay with their lives for the entertainment of a select few at the top, and a slim chance at a better life.

    Just like the original series, Squid Game: The Challenge will see 456 contestants compete for a chance at the multi-million dollar prize — but this time, they won't be risking their lives along the way.

    Squid Game Season 1 is currently streaming on Netflix. The drama was renewed for a second season last week.

    People are talking about Squid Game in our forums. Join the conversation.

    Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.

    TOPICS: Squid Game: The Challenge, Netflix, Squid Game