TV
Netflix's 'Death Game' and More: Exciting New Shows to Watch in February
Production company TEO announced a diverse lineup of content spanning various genres and formats, including 'Death Game: Bet 10 Million Won', 'Manito Club', 'Food Enthusiast', 'Crazy Tour', 'Mystery Investigation Team 2', and 'My Child's Love 2', to be released between January and February.
▲ Netflix 'Death Game: Bet 10 Million Won' Premieres Today (28th)
Premiering today (28th) at 5 PM on Netflix, the daily variety show 'Death Game' (directed by Kwon Dae-hyun) is a 1-on-1 brain battle where the winner takes all. It's a new concept survival show that excludes politics and alliances, focusing solely on brainpower. The winner receives a prize of 10 million won and advances to the next round, accumulating winnings, while the loser is immediately eliminated, adding tension to the competition.
The lineup is impressive, featuring stars like Lee Sedol, Hong Jin-ho, Pani Bottle, Yurisa, Seven High, Park Sung-woong, Napoli Mafia (Chef Kwon Sung-joon), Pengsoo, and lawyer Yang Na-rae, drawing anticipation from survival show enthusiasts. Notably, esports caster Park Sang-hyun and 'God Dong-min' Jang Dong-min, known for winning multiple survival shows, join as commentators, promising unique entertainment.
Set to premiere on February 1st (Sunday) at 6:10 PM, 'Manito Club' (directed by Kim Tae-ho) is an undercover real variety show themed around people who know how to share. Cast members are randomly assigned 'Manito' relationships and must secretly deliver gifts without revealing their identities. The initial cast includes Jennie, Dex, Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, and Lee Soo-ji.
Receiving mysterious invitations, the five cast members participate in a reinterpretation of the classic 'Manito' game. The process of secretly preparing and delivering gifts amidst a fierce mind game promises unexpected excitement and tension. The 'Secret Manito' segment that follows is also a must-watch, as the team embarks on an undercover mission to gift a special day to more people, delivering laughter and warmth.
▲ 'Food Enthusiast', 4 Episodes to Release on TEO YouTube in February
'Food Enthusiast' (directed by Chae Song-yi) will release four episodes on TEO's YouTube channel in February. First aired on the 12th, 'Food Enthusiast' follows Choi Kang-rok as he explores Japanese ingredients with a passionate 'enthusiast' perspective. Starting in Kagoshima, Japan, he delves into ingredients like katsuobushi, sweet potato shochu, and sardines, capturing attention with his quirky and enthusiastic approach.
Notably, this is the only web variety show where Choi Kang-rok, who won 300 million won on 'Black and White Chef: Culinary Class War Season 2', is a regular cast member. The show's slow tempo and harmless charm captivate viewers, earning reactions like 'Choi Kang-rok is a genre'. The first episode, titled 'Katsuobushi is My Friend', has surpassed 2.7 million views, heightening anticipation for the fourth episode.
▲ 'Crazy Tour', a Spin-off of 'Earth Marble World Tour', Premieres on ENA in February
A spin-off variety show based on the 'Earth Marble World Tour' universe is set to premiere. 'Crazy Tour', airing on ENA in February, is a travel variety show focused on seeking out 'crazy' experiences. The cast, including Bi (Rain), Kim Moo-yeol, Pani Bottle, and Lee Seung-hoon (WINNER), will take on activities and missions at 'crazy' locations worldwide, delivering intense thrills.
Pani Bottle, known for his dedication to activities and challenges, will serve as a link between the spin-offs. The chemistry between Bi, who never shies away from challenges, and Kim Moo-yeol, making his variety show debut, along with the candid and bold youngest member Lee Seung-hoon, raises expectations. The bromance and teamwork among the four promise to deliver new dopamine-filled experiences.
▲ Netflix 'Mystery Investigation Team Season 2' to Feature Gabi, Premiering in February
The adventure mystery variety show 'Mystery Investigation Team' (directed by Jung Jong-yeon), which tracks and solves scientifically inexplicable cases, returns for Season 2. Premiering on Netflix in February, 'Mystery Investigation Team 2' adds new member Gabi to the existing team of Lee Yong-jin, John Park, Hyeri, Kim Do-hoon, and Karina, increasing anticipation.
Season 2 promises to immerse viewers with a solid world-building, upgraded design and devices, and unpredictable missions. With outdoor location shoots, the scale is expanded, offering more thrilling investigations. The diverse characters and chemistry among the investigation team members solving bizarre cases are highly anticipated.
▲ 'My Child's Love' Season 2 Premieres February 25th (Wednesday)
Returning for Season 2, 'My Child's Love' is also part of TEO's February variety show lineup. Airing on tvN STORY & E Channel, 'My Child's Love 2' is a reality show that observes parents watching their children's romantic relationships and the children's growth through love.
The show previously established a new formula of 'Romance Variety' that combines parents' realistic reactions with youthful romance, creating a generational empathy. Season 2 teases the appearance of 'national nephew' Yoon Hoo, raising expectations.
Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr
