Arts·Group Chat

Why Squid Game: The Challenge is must-watch TV

Culture writers Alison Herman and Nicholas Quah explain why many critics say this adaptation of the Netflix K-drama is surprisingly compelling.

Alison Herman and Nicholas Quah explain why the series appeals to fans of reality TV, and of the original show

A still from Episode 101 of Squid Game: The Challenge.
A still from Episode 101 of Squid Game: The Challenge. (PETE DADDS/NETFLIX)

The new competition show, Squid Game: The Challenge, is getting a lot of heat for glossing over the anti-capitalist message of the dark Netflix Korean drama it's inspired from.

But despite that, many critics say this adaptation is surprisingly compelling.

Culture writers Alison Herman and Nicholas Quah break down what makes this show a must-watch for fans of the original series, and fans of reality TV alike.

LISTEN | Today's episode on YouTube:

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Panel produced by Jean Kim and Nikky Manfredi.