Squid Game The Challenge Vs. The Original: How Close Does Netflix’s Reality Show Get to Lee Jung-Jae’s Hit?

Netflix is bringing back the Squid Game reality spin-off, and yes, it is still very much the show where 456 people chase $4.56 million across giant candy-colored death-trap-adjacent playgrounds (minus the death). The Season 2 teaser for 'Squid Game: The Challenge' confirms a November 4, 2025 premiere and a three-week rollout. File this under: if it ain’t broke, make the sets bigger.

What’s in the teaser

The new footage keeps the vibe from Season 1: pink-jumpsuited guards, a looming piggy bank overhead, and those oversized sets that look both fun and lightly terrifying. You can spot returning bits like the rainbow racetracks and a game called Flying Stones, plus a new addition that sounds like a multi-stage gauntlet: Gong-gi of the Six-Legged Pentathlon. The whole thing is cut to DJ Khaled’s 'All I Do Is Win,' because subtlety is not the brand here.

The format (and how it riffs on the original)

'Squid Game: The Challenge' borrows a lot from the scripted phenomenon: Red Light, Green Light, Tug of War, and the honeycomb challenge all made the jump to reality TV, alongside the masked guards and that big glass piggy bank reminding everyone exactly why they’re there. The difference is obvious but important: this show is about strategy and endurance, not life-or-death stakes.

For context, the original 'Squid Game' — led by Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun — is a dark, very pointed thriller about economic desperation and how systems chew people up. The reality version keeps the critique off-camera and focuses on alliances, mind games, and who cracks under pressure.

Netflix’s synopsis: 'In Season 2 of the gripping game show inspired by the original scripted series, 456 brand-new contestants will enter the ultimate test of strategy, alliances, and endurance as they compete for a life-changing $4.56 million prize. The new season raises the stakes higher than ever with shocking twists and never-before-played games. As players face elimination at every turn, only one can emerge victorious.'

Quick rewind on Season 1

Season 1 ended with Mai Whelan outlasting 455 other players and taking home the full $4.56 million. Netflix has been promising bigger twists and tougher challenges ever since, and now they’re putting that in writing. The Season 2 return was first teased right after the Season 1 finale, which means this follow-up has been nearly two years in the oven (confirmed via Netflix’s Tudum).

What’s next for the franchise

Netflix already has Season 3 in its sights. Casting is open now through the official site if you think you have the nerves (and a high tolerance for dorm bunks and confetti). The company is also running 'Squid Game: The Experience' in New York, London, and Sydney — part fan event, part soft scouting for future contestants.

Meanwhile, over in the scripted universe, Cate Blanchett popped up for a cameo in Season 3 of the original series, which has people whispering about a potential 'Squid Game America' project. Nothing official there, but the tea leaves are not subtle.

• Premiere: November 4, 2025 on Netflix (US), rolling out over three weeks
• Players and prize: 456 contestants competing for $4.56 million
• Teaser highlights: rainbow racetracks, Flying Stones, pink guards, Gong-gi of the Six-Legged Pentathlon
• Music: DJ Khaled’s 'All I Do Is Win'
• Carryover from the original: Red Light, Green Light, Tug of War, honeycomb challenge, giant piggy bank, masked guards
• Season 1 winner: Mai Whelan
• Season 3: applications open now; 'Squid Game: The Experience' running in New York, London, and Sydney

Bottom line: Season 2 is back to the same irresistible formula — massive scale, maximal stress, and one person walking away with a ridiculous check. See you in the dorm.