The 8 Show Review: A Complete Failure on All Fronts in a Squid Game Wannabe

If you're not sure whether to watch or skip the new Netflix series "The 8 Show," it seems a lot like Squid Game in the teasers. This review can help you make up your mind.

The main character of The 8 Show, played by Ryu Jeon Yeol, is pursued by debt collectors day and night at the beginning of the show. He gets a notification on his phone that reads, "1,000,000 Won deposited the time that you have given up," just before he jumps from a bridge. After that, he is driven in a white automobile to an unidentified place. Upon arriving, he discovers that he has been granted the opportunity to take part in the game "The 8 Show" and win millions of Won. But little did he know that this choice would set off a series of wild rides in his life.

A Storyline That May Have Been Better Employed

8F from The 8 Show — Credit for image: IMDb

The 8 Show was an interesting Netflix original series at first, but as the tale progressed, I began to believe that the writers had not used their resources well, especially with such a compelling plot. The show's pace is a little strange since, while being billed from the beginning as a dark comedy, it doesn't seem that way until the sixth episode and doesn't really wow viewers with its subtle humor.To be honest, I don't think a person with little patience could watch this Korean drama for very long. Things don't really get going until Episode 6, and the program lacks substance. Even if the last act shows signs of brutality, it still doesn't make up for the previous five episodes' lack of interest I had. To be honest, I don't think a program about survival games like this should be that lighthearted. The ideal survival game shows are Alice in Borderland and Squid Game. Furthermore, The 8 Show is really different—or rather, boring—even though it seems to follow the same format as Squid Game.A few of the violent sequences are nonsensical. For example, 6F pulled out the revolver to shoot 1F after learning that he was the one who had assaulted 4F and 6F at night in order to prolong the time. But 8F lashes out at him with the taser gun. That scenario, in reality, was completely unnecessary, and the foolish girl did it just for the excitement.The relatable characters are the main factor that draws viewers to a lengthy TV show. But since The 8 Show lacked emotional depth, we were unable to relate to any of the characters. To be honest, 1F's motive for being greedy at the end made logical, but his narrative didn't really resonate with us since we didn't get to know him from the start.

The Safest Characters in The Eighth Show

Characters from The 8 Show — Picture Source: IMDb

Chun Woo-Hee, a stunning Korean celebrity, is among the most well-known characters in the Netflix darkedy eight-episode series. But the public finds these celebrities' portrayals of fictitious people much too simple-minded. Because of his poor demeanor throughout the series, 3F doesn't appear like the protagonist, and 8F (Chun Woo-Hee) never misses an occasion to anger us. Aside from them, 6F reacts to things without pausing for contemplation, and 5F is easily swayed by anybody in a matter of seconds.To be fair, however, the outstanding performers did a fantastic job portraying each role. There were moments when, considering the suffering the residents in the lower rooms were enduring, I really felt sorry for them. The gamers on the top levels, however, resembled actual demons who belong in hell. Thus, I wouldn't claim that there is anything in my acting that needs improvement.

Is The 8 Show Worth Watching?

You should definitely give The 8 Show a try if you're someone who enjoys watching survival game shows like Squid Game or Alice in Borderland without giving it much thought. That being said, I would advise not watching this one if you're the kind of person who prefers to spend their little spare time on a fantastic program. Watch other programs on the streaming platform that are worthy of your time instead of wasting your valuable time.