Years after its debut, Netflix’s Squid Game remains unmatched in popularity among the platform’s original series. To this day, it proudly holds the record as the most-watched show on Netflix. The storyline revolves around a group of individuals, each desperate to change their fortunes, who engage in a series of childhood games for a substantial cash reward. However, the stakes are deadly for those who fail.
The first season of Squid Game charmed audiences with captivating performances and unexpected twists, earning both viewer appreciation and critical accolades. Nevertheless, its intricate plot left numerous inquiries unresolved, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated second season, which is set to premiere on December 26, 2024.
With a considerable wait ahead, dedicated fans might want to explore other thrilling shows that promise ample excitement and entertainment during the interim.
Disclaimer: This compilation includes insights from various sources.
Shows Like Squid Game: Five Unpredictable and Addictive Alternatives
1) Liar Game (2014)
For those captivated by the competitive nature of Squid Game, Liar Game is a must-watch. This 12-episode series revolves around a high-stakes game with far-reaching implications for its contestants.
Leading the cast is Kim So-eun as Nam Da-jung, an unsuspecting college student drawn into the reality show Liar Game. Her aim to deceive her opponents backfires, leaving her vulnerable to manipulation. To turn the tides, she enlists the expertise of Ha Woo-jin, played by Lee Sang-yoon, a brilliant ex-convict.
This adaptation shines through its authentic performances, as the actors skillfully portray their intricately developed characters, largely inspired by Shinobu Kaitani’s manga. Much like Squid Game, the plot offers constant unpredictability, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Where to watch: All episodes are available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Viki.
2) Duty After School (2023)
Duty After School as characters confront perilous circumstances that can reveal either their inner strengths or weaknesses.
This series follows a group of seniors at Sungjin High School as they are thrust into combat against mysterious creatures that have emerged worldwide. Although it presents an apocalyptic scenario, it adopts a fresh perspective compared to typical entries in this genre.
Instead of delving into the origins or the broader implications of the creatures, Duty After School explores how the intense situation accelerates the maturity of the young characters, mirroring the depth found in Squid Game through its multifaceted cast.
Where to watch: Stream the 10 episodes of Duty After School on Viki and Apple TV+.
3) Siren: Survive the Island (2023)
Similar to the players in Squid Game, contestants in Siren: Survive the Island must harness their wits and resilience to navigate strenuous challenges designed to test their physical and mental limits.
This captivating reality series features 24 women from diverse backgrounds, such as firefighting and law enforcement, divided into teams of four. They tackle various demanding tasks on a secluded island, with eliminated teams and the final surviving group claiming victory.
The dangerous elements of Squid Game heighten the tension; meanwhile, Siren: Survive the Island fosters an environment of friendly competition and camaraderie that audiences will cherish.
Where to watch: Stream Siren: Survive the Island exclusively on Netflix.
4) The Devil’s Plan (2023)
Both Squid Game and The Devil’s Plan feature seemingly straightforward games that require participants to devise complex strategies to prevail.
In this twelve-episode show, celebrity contestants face an array of challenges testing their analytical skills, memory, and problem-solving capabilities, with the format allowing them to participate either individually or in teams.
The format excels in promoting clever games that encourage viewers at home to engage in critical thinking. There’s no needless drama; instead, the show showcases contestants’ authentic personalities as they strive to outsmart their peers.
Where to watch: The show is available on Netflix.
5) Squid Game: The Challenge (2023)
Squid Game: The Challenge is an exciting reality competition inspired by the original series, featuring 456 contestants competing in diverse games for a prize fund of $4.56 million. The game environments are designed to evoke memories of the original show.
While participants may not face life-or-death stakes, the competition is intense, and should not be taken lightly, leading to swift eliminations and unexpected twists reminiscent of the original series.
This reality format injects elements of drama and tension, providing a fun diversion that still captivates the audience.
Where to watch: Experience all ten episodes of Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix.
6) Night Has Come (2023)
Night Has Come showcases the reality that moral judgement can falter in life-threatening scenarios, similar to Squid Game. It centers on a group of high schoolers who find themselves at a tranquil retreat until it devolves into a deadly game of mafia.
The narrative, spanning 12 episodes, keeps viewers engaged with its relentless pace and shocking plot twists, appealing to fans who have braved the violence of Squid Game.
Where to watch: Night Has Come is available for streaming on Viki.
7) The 8 Show (2024)
Squid Game profoundly impacted viewers by exposing the extremes to which human desperation can drive individuals. Netflix’s The 8 Show presents a scenario where strangers must tolerate each other’s quirks to secure larger financial rewards.
Similar to Squid Game, this show illustrates characters, trapped within a building, accumulating money based on their ability to stay inside. As tensions escalate, the dynamics shift when players earn differently based on their location within the structure.
The show cleverly develops its eight central characters, making them distinct and relatable despite their flaws. Viewers will be captivated by their responses to the increasingly formidable challenges they face.
Where to watch: This eight-episode dark comedy thriller is ready for viewing on Netflix.
Fans of Squid Game are sure to appreciate these well-crafted alternatives, highlighting unexpected plot developments and unforgettable characters.
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