Monopoly is finally rolling the dice on Netflix, and the board is already crowded with big players. The streamer has confirmed that three production houses, Studio Lambert, Wheelhouse, and Endemol Shine North America, are in the running to bring the classic property trading game to life as a reality competition series.
The project follows a major bake-off that saw dozens of companies pitch creative ideas, but only three survived to advance to the next round.
So, who are the finalists and how did this project land on Netflix's doorstep? Let's dig in.
Passing “Go” in the television marketplace: How Monopoly landed on Netflix’s radar
The journey of Monopoly from Hasbro's game shelf to Netflix's content slate was far from simple. Earlier this year, the streamer secured the official rights from Hasbro Entertainment, setting the stage for one of its biggest unscripted experiments yet.
The decision wasn't random and it came at a time when Netflix is doubling down on turning established intellectual property into reality spectacles. The success of Squid Game: The Challenge proved that audiences will show up for competitions in familiar worlds, and the property trading game offers a concept just as universal.
The selection process itself mirrored a Monopoly round. Nearly fifty production companies threw their hats into the ring with unique pitches. Around thirty were shortlisted, but only three: Studio Lambert, Wheelhouse, and Endemol Shine North America were picked.
This wasn't just about one project either. Ben Silverman and Jeff Gaspin, both involved in the development, told Deadline that the bake-off also opened doors for other collaborations.
As Gaspin explained;
"Even if they don't get picked on this project, we might see something in their pitch that we really like, so we'll keep them in mind the next time something comes along."
Interestingly, Gaspin revealed he didn't even need a formal pitch to greenlight Monopoly for Netflix. He told Deadline that the runaway success of Monopoly Go!, the mobile version of the game launched in 2023, sealed the deal.
With over 150 million downloads and more than $5 billion in revenue, the app showcased how adaptable the Monopoly brand could be. He said;
"There's a gameplay in Monopoly Go! that I think really will resonate with gameplay in an unscripted series..."
The format is still being shaped, but whether it takes place on a life sized board or in actual environments, Netflix seems ready to bank on the game's timeless appeal.
Building hotels on prime real estate: Why the trio of producers matters
While Netflix now holds the deed, who manages the property is still up in the air. Studio Lambert, Wheelhouse, and Endemol Shine North America each bring different expertise to the table, making this a fascinating showdown.
In terms of the property trading game, it’s like choosing whether to invest in Boardwalk, Park Place, or a cluster of railroads. Each is valuable in its own way.
Studio Lambert is known for reality shows like The Traitors, along with Netflix favorites such as Squid Game: The Challenge. Their track record suggests they know how to handle strategy driven formats that are perfect for a game where alliances and rivalries can change overnight.
Wheelhouse, meanwhile, has already made its mark with Million Dollar Secret and Buying Beverly Hills. They pride themselves with their social intrigue and hidden strategies, which could translate seamlessly into a property game filled with surprises and high-stakes trades.
Then there's Endemol Shine North America, the powerhouse behind MasterChef, Lego Masters, and projects like Ripley for Netflix. Sharon Levy, the company's CEO, told Deadline earlier this year that Netflix was their "biggest target for '25." With their creativity and scalability, Endemol Shine has the infrastructure to mount a Monopoly series at an epic level.
All three contenders are heavyweights, and each has a unique claim to the Monopoly prize. Netflix hasn't revealed when it will roll out the series or what the format will ultimately look like, but the lineup of producers alone proves the streamer is treating the project as a premium property.
Netflix's Monopoly adaptation is shaping up like a high-stakes game night, only this time the world gets to watch. With Studio Lambert, Wheelhouse, and Endemol Shine North America contending for control, the project is already attracting the kind of noise that is usually reserved for blockbusters.
While details of gameplay and production design currently remain under wraps, the nostalgia, competition, and strategy gives the property game all the right ingredients to become Netflix's next big unscripted hit. The dice are in motion, and now it's only a matter of time.
Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more.