Popular YouTuber MrBeast, known for his real name Jimmy Donaldson, has recently addressed the growing controversy surrounding his reality series, Beast Games. With an impressive following of over 350 million subscribers, MrBeast has built a significant empire through his unconventional and high-stakes content. Following the success of a beloved game show format inspired by Netflix’s hit series, Squid Game, he launched Beast Games via Prime Video, featuring a competition where 1, 000 participants vie for a staggering $5 million prize.
Despite its popularity, the show faced a barrage of criticism on Rotten Tomatoes, prompting MrBeast to defend it on the platform X. He highlighted stark discrepancies between audience and critic ratings, indicating a serious divide in perceptions of the show. Here’s what he shared:
Audiences rated Beast Games 90% but 8 critics rated it 13%..why the large gap 😭 pic.twitter.com/Wp6Z9F834z — MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 31, 2025
In this initial post, MrBeast pointed out an alarming 77% gap between the audience’s positive ratings and the critics’ negative assessments. Although the audience’s score has since dipped to 89%, this evidence suggests that feelings toward the show may continue to evolve as more viewers share their reviews.
Yeah, they didn’t even watch the show before leaving the ratings lol — MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 31, 2025
In his follow-up, MrBeast accused critics of potentially not watching the series, delivering a sharper critique of their evaluations.
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Audiences and Critics
Potential Reasons Behind the Negative Reviews
Despite strong initial viewership with 50 million watchers in the first 25 days, the criticism towards Beast Games suggests that the negative reviews are not simply due to a refusal to engage with the content. Instead, critics may be unsatisfied with the show’s format and execution. Reviewers noted shortcomings in factors such as the challenge designs, casting choices, and the overall hosting style, alongside a darker narrative that detracted from its appeal.
Moreover, real-world implications have also impacted the show’s perception—a lawsuit has been filed against the production team by contestants alleging mistreatment, inadequate provisions, and failures in ensuring a safe environment. This legal challenge, initiated by anonymous players on September 16, 2024, casts a significant shadow over MrBeast’s project, potentially influencing critical reactions.
Our Perspective on the Critical Response to Beast Games
Considering the Criticisms
If MrBeast’s assertions hold true, it highlights a significant oversight by critics who may not have fully engaged with the show prior to their reviews. While Beast Games cleverly translates the high stakes of Squid Games into a real-world competition format, recognized predecessors have existed without receiving the same level of negative critique. For instance, Squid Game: The Challenge managed to achieve a Tomatometer score of 48%, a mark that, while still viewed unfavorably, surpasses the strikingly low ratings for Beast Games.
While it’s essential for MrBeast to advocate for his project, it is equally crucial to acknowledge that critics can provide valuable insights. The varying reception of these shows may indicate that the critics indeed observed the content they reviewed. They may be expressing their opinions based on artistic and executional standards rather than mere bias against MrBeast’s platform. Audience ratings, influenced by MrBeast’s extensive fan base, may not reflect the objective criticisms presented.
In conclusion, it’s vital to balance the voices of enthusiastic fans and discerning critics to navigate the complexities surrounding Beast Games. Understanding these dynamics is key to deciphering the show’s reception and future trajectory.
Source: MrBeast/X
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