“They Didn’t Even Watch The Show”: MrBeast Has Seen The Massive Difference In Beast Games’ RT Scores, And He’s Not Happy
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is speaking out about the controversy over his reality TV show, Beast Games. With over 350 million subscribers, MrBeast is one of the most popular YouTubers, amassing massive wealth and acclaim before creating his new reality show. After creating a similar version on his channel following the release of Squid Game season 1, the YouTuber was allowed to expand on the concept with Prime Video. His show features 1,000 candidates fighting to earn a coveted $5 million prize, and it has earned regular comparisons to Netflix's Squid Game.
After facing severe criticism on Rotten Tomatoes, MrBeast took to X to argue in favor of his show. Check out his posts below:
In his first post, Donaldson compared the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter and Tomatometer scores and found the disparity alarming. He identified a 77% difference in ratings between critics and audiences. Since his post, the disparity has decreased by just one point, as the audience score fell to 89%. The scores are likely to continue to change as more viewer ratings come in.
The second post is far more biting, as MrBeast accused critics of not watching the show at all.
What MrBeast's Criticism Means For Beast Games
The Disparity Could Be Truly Legitimate
The criticism of Beast Games is likely not because of a widespread refusal to watch the series. It drew 50 million viewers in its first 25 days, which is an impressive accomplishment. By all rights, it should draw critics who are interested in Squid Game and high-stakes reality shows. Instead, critics may simply disagree with the show's presentation style. The eight reviewers generally argued that the games themselves, the cast members, and the hosting style were all disappointing. The depressing nature of the narrative also did not help to bring praise.
MrBeast's reality show has also had real-world consequences. There is an ongoing lawsuit against the production, as players argue that they were severely mistreated. They allege a lack of food, payment, medical care, and protection from sexual harassment. The lawsuit was filed by anonymous players on September 16, 2024, and the case remains a looming albatross over the show. It's possible that could have played a role in influencing the reviews.
Our Take On Beast Games' Critical Disappointment
The Critics Are Being Somewhat Harsh
If Donaldson is correct, it would be a massive mistake by the reviewers to not watch the show first. Beast Games has earned widespread intrigue for translating Squid Games' massive stakes into its own version in real life. Still, it is important to note that this is not the first time a show with this premise has aired. The Squid Games reality show has earned similar levels of renown without the same critical backlash. Squid Game: The Challenge season 1 earned a 48% Tomatometer score, which is negative, but it is still far better than Beast Games' near-universal critical failure.
As much as MrBeast wants to defend his show, the critics also have the right to an opinion.
Considering Squid Game's reality TV adaptation did not achieve this response, it is a strong indication that the critics did watch the show. They are not simply arguing against Beast Games for argument's sake since critics and audiences regularly have extreme disparities. It simply means that, while audiences are willing to look past a show's flaws, critics have no obligation or incentive to do so. MrBeast's massive fan base also could artificially boost the Popcornmeter score. As much as MrBeast wants to defend his show, the critics also have the right to an opinion.
Source: MrBeast/X
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