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Netflix seeks recruits for real-life Squid Game

The original fictional series was seen as a biting satire on modern capitalism.

Netflix seeks recruits for real-life Squid Game

Want to play Squid Game for real? Netflix is looking for recruits to compete for millions of dollars -- and even promises not to have you violently murdered if you lose.

"With the largest cast in reality TV history, 456 real players will enter the game in pursuit of a life-changing cash prize of $4.56 million," the streaming platform said on a site set up to look for candidates.


Squid Game: The Challenge is looking for English speakers from around the globe, aged at least 21 and free to travel for up to a month in early 2023.

Unlike the original, ultra-violent fictional show from South Korea, which became one of the biggest-ever hits on Netflix last year, losing contestants will not be killed.

"The stakes are high, but in this game, the worst fate is going home empty-handed," the platform promises.

Describing the new reality show as its "biggest-ever social experiment", Netflix says players will compete "in a series of heart-stopping games.”

The original fictional series was seen as a biting satire on modern capitalism, with contestants drawn from the fringes of society to play children's games for the chance to win big sums of money -- with the threat of being killed if they lose.

The new announcement comes shortly after Netflix confirmed a second season of the "Squid Game" was on the way.

In April, its creator Hwang Dong-hyuk said the follow-up would not be ready until 2024.

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Golden Globes 2026

Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall unveil full 2026 Golden Globes shortlist

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Kumail Nanjiani among nominees in 2026 Golden Globes TV categories

Highlights:

  • Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall unveiled the 2026 Golden Globes nominations this morning.
  • The full shortlist went live at 8:15am ET with extra categories shown on CBS Mornings.
  • Film, TV and the new podcast category lead the expanded 28-slot line-up.
  • Fans can catch the full list on CBS News, YouTube, TikTok and the Golden Globes site.
  • Kumail Nanjiani receives a nomination in the TV category.

Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall revealed the 2026 Golden Globes nominations this morning. Kumail Nanjiani is among the actors nominated this year, with film, TV, and the new podcast category leading the 28-slot line-up. Films that had been bubbling under the radar suddenly jumped to the front, a few expected front-runners slipped down, and the Globes’ organisers continued their slow rebuild by adding a new podcast category, the first major awards body to take that leap.

Golden Globes 2026 Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall unveil full 2026 Golden Globes shortlist Getty Images

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