Where was Squid Game: The Challenge filmed?

Based on the South Korean drama series Squid Game, Squid Game: The Challenge is a reality competition television show filmed in the UK. Competing for the highest single cash prize in reality TV history, US$4.56 million, are 456 players—the largest cast in gameshow history.

The Netflix original was produced by two separate television production companies, The Garden and Studio Lambert, with Studio Lambert managing physical production in the United Kingdom. The first five episodes of the series were released globally on Netflix on November 22, 2023. On November 29, episodes 6 through 9 became accessible. On December 6, episode 10, the last one, became accessible. On December 6, 2023, Netflix announced a second season before the first season's finale aired.

Squid Game: The Challenge filming location and challenges

In January 2023, filming got underway on six enormous sound stages in Barking, London, and at Cardington Studios in Bedford, both in the UK.

There were rumors that ambulances had been called to treat actual injuries that occurred during the show's filming. In fact, "Red Light, Green Light" required participants to hold poses for up to 30 minutes, and other players stated in an interview that the game had lasted seven hours.

Netflix said that the injuries were minor medical conditions and that they care about the actors' and crew's health and safety, denying the seriousness of the reports. Additionally, the local ambulance service reported that it had not been dispatched to the studios. Following these concerns, the production was examined by the UK's Health and Safety Executive, which found no serious problems. After claiming to have suffered from hypothermia while filming, two unknown cast members vowed to sue Netflix.

How well received was Squid Game: The Challenge?

At 85.7 million hours, Squid Game: The Challenge was the most-watched Netflix series worldwide during its first week (20–26 November 2023). That same week, it was in the top 74 countries, including the US and the UK, and in the top 10 in another 19 countries.

On Netflix, the series maintained its top spot for a second week (November 27–December 3, 2023), with 11.4 million views and 85 million hours of viewing. In 91 different nations that week, it was in the Top 10 on TV. The original drama series Squid Game received 1.5 million views that week, propelling it to number seven on the Non-English TV list thanks to the reality competition series.

Three weeks after its release, Squid Game: The Challenge ranked third worldwide. A total of 54.1 million hours and 6.6 million views were added.