Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is bringing a high-stakes competition show, Beast Games, to Amazon’s Prime Video.
Inspired by Netflix’s Squid Game, the 10-episode series promises thrilling challenges, including monster trucks, pirate ships, and even helicopter stunts. With a $5 million grand prize, it’s billed as “the world’s largest live gameshow.”
The series debuts on Dec. 19, and MrBeast shared a teaser on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “I spent over a year creating this…breaking 40 world records, building the craziest sets…featuring 1,000 players.”
Contestants will face elimination rounds while wearing blue tracksuits reminiscent of Squid Game, and assistants clad in black suits will oversee the action.
Legal Controversy Clouds the Excitement
Not everyone left the show with fond memories. A lawsuit filed in September alleges poor conditions during the first round of filming at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
Complaints include lack of medical care, insufficient food, and unsafe circumstances. MrBeast, however, denied the allegations, calling them “blown out of proportion” in a recent X post.
To address criticism, MrBeast promised behind-the-scenes footage when the show airs, aiming to clear up misconceptions.
Massive Production Scale
The first round saw over 2,000 contestants compete, with 1,000 advancing to subsequent rounds filmed in Toronto. Amazon touts the project as a groundbreaking competition with the largest single prize in TV and streaming history.
MrBeast remains a colossal figure in digital entertainment, with over 332 million YouTube subscribers and a reputation for extravagant giveaways. His 2021 Squid Game reenactment remains his most-viewed video.
As fans eagerly await Beast Games, its success may hinge not only on its entertainment value but also on how the legal controversies unfold.