Netflix has released its newest series, The 8 Show, on Friday, May 17, 2024. With the immediate release of eight episodes, this series tells the story of people in a mysterious place trying to collect money through time. This concept of a mysterious game with money as a prize was previously seen in the hit series Squid Game, released in 2021. Here are five similarities between The 8 Show and Squid Game.
The Prize: Money with Fantastic Value
similarities between The 8 Show and Squid Game (doc. Netflix/The 8 Showdoc. Netflix/Squid Game)One striking similarity between The 8 Show and Squid Game is the prize: a significant amount of money. In Squid Game, each player’s death adds 100 million won to a large piggy bank, with the last player standing to win a total of 45.6 billion won (about IDR 555 billion).
Similarly, The 8 Show makes money the main prize. However, the amount each player can earn varies depending on the floor they choose. The money earned increases every minute and is displayed on the screen in each player’s room.
Mysterious Game Maker
similarities between The 8 Show and Squid Game (doc. Netflix/The 8 Showdoc. Netflix/Squid Game)Another common element is the mysterious game maker. In Squid Game, the audience remains curious about the mastermind behind the game until it is revealed that Hwang In Ho, played by Lee Byung Hyun, is the Front Man. His origins remain unclear even after his identity is revealed.
In contrast, The 8 Show does not reveal the game maker’s identity at all. Players receive instructions via letters and are monitored by cameras installed throughout the game area.
Players Given Choices from the Start
similarities between The 8 Show and Squid Game (doc. Netflix/The 8 Showdoc. Netflix/Squid Game)Both series involve players being given choices right from the beginning. In Squid Game, a salesman, played by Gong Yoo, invites potential players and offers them the chance to play ddakji while giving them money.
Similarly, The 8 Show uses money to attract players. Additionally, players choose a card that determines the floor they will stay on while playing. Both series target individuals who are desperate in their lives.
Unique and Mysterious Game Locations
similarities between The 8 Show and Squid Game (doc. Netflix/The 8 Showdoc. Netflix/Squid Game)The game locations in both Squid Game and The 8 Show are unique and mysterious. The decorations are interesting, and the scale of the rooms is significant.
In both series, players are gathered in these unique areas and are not allowed to leave at will. They must follow existing rules and wear uniforms that signify their identity.
Survival and Spectacle
similarities between The 8 Show and Squid Game (doc. Netflix/The 8 Showdoc. Netflix/Squid Game)The final similarity is how players try to survive. In Squid Game, the last player standing wins the prize, even if it means killing other players.
In The 8 Show, there is a rule that if a player dies, the game ends. This leads players to look out for each other to ensure time continues and their money increases.
Both series depict players under mental and physical pressure, becoming spectacles for those in power. Despite the eventual monetary reward, characters like Seong Gi Hun in Squid Game and the players on the 3rd Floor in The 8 Show do not find happiness in their wealth.
From these similarities, do you see any other parallels between The 8 Show and Squid Game?
