Amazon Prime Video is currently streaming a new game show that has set records and sparked controversy, leaving viewers in disbelief.
The show, hosted by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, features 1,000 contestants vying for a staggering $5 million (£3.9 million) - the largest cash prize ever offered on television, surpassing Squid Game: The Challenge's previous record of $4.56 million (£3.6 million).
The competition kicked off with MrBeast's tryout video "2,000 People Fight For $5,000,000", which saw twice the number of eventual competitors battling it out in a series of intense challenges.
In the first episode, over half the contestants were eliminated after a gruelling gauntlet of tasks, including stacking blocks to dizzying heights and a game involving tempting bribes.
The second episode saw the remaining 493 participants take part in a frantic game called "Hope You Can Catch", where they had to prevent balls from hitting the ground to save their entire team from elimination.
By the end of the episode, the players were divided into four teams, each facing an escalating cash prize and the possibility of not only eliminating their team but also taking home the money.
The tension escalated to fever pitch when the counter neared an eye-watering $1 million (£796,000) on Beast Games just as contestant Dino seemed poised to hit the button, but then the screen went black, plunging fans into a frenzy, eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
A Reddit user couldn't hide their anticipation: "Cliffhanger of ep 2 got me tilted," adding in frustration, "I don't even know when the next episode is", reports the Mirror.
Another enthusiast exclaimed for extra content, desperate to see how it's all put together: "WE NEED BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE WTF!!!! This production level is insane, I can't even fathom the first room they were all in with the seemingly infinite blocks with trap doors let alone the whole Beast town/city."
Yet another admitted how the show surpassed expectations and kept them riveted: "So much better than I thought it was going to be," saying, "Had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Cannot wait for the next episode."
Over on X (formerly Twitter), viewers didn't hold back, with one exclaiming: "Holy s*** MrBeast BEASTGAMES show was insane!!!!
"I have to admit it, BeastGames is probably more entertaining than Squid Games. The craziest game show I've ever seen!"
A devoted fan expressed their amazement on social media: "Just watched the latest #BeastGames and wow, this is hands down the craziest thing Mr. Beast has ever created!" and added a hint of admiration towards the creator, "The challenges, the creativity, and the insane level of competition-pure genius. Big love from India, keep up the amazing work, Jimmy!"
Despite having garnered massive attention and rave reactions, Beast Games rolls out in the wake of a significant controversy, marked by a class-action lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court just this past September.
Allegations of mistreatment, sexual harassment, injuries, and unpaid overtime have emerged from some contestants on the series. They further claim that they were deprived of basic necessities like water, food, medication, and even beds while on set.
In a conversation with an X user, Donaldson replied: "We have tons of behind the scenes dropping when the show does to show how blown out of proportion these claims were. Just can't release it now because it would spoil the games."
Nevertheless, there has been no official word from Donaldson or the production companies regarding the accusations. The class action lawsuit currently involves five claimants, which represents a half percent of the 1,000 contestant cast.
Prime Video has been contacted by Screen Time for comment.
Beast Games continues Thursdays on Prime Video.
