Recent data from “FlixPatrol”, a site that tracks OTT platform viewership statistics globally, indicates that the newly released Netflix K-series “The 8 Show” has quickly ascended into the top tiers of global viewership. As of May 20th, the series claimed the fifth spot in the Netflix TV show rankings worldwide and proudly stood at the pinnacle of the domestic rankings, showing no signs of competition.
“The 8 Show” unravels a gripping narrative where eight individuals find themselves ensnared within a clandestine structure subdivided into eight levels. They partake in a perilous yet alluring contest, accumulating wealth as time progresses. Inspired by the webtoons “Money Game” and “Pie Game” crafted by Bae Jin-soo, this dark comedy thriller features a stellar ensemble cast including Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min, Lee Yul-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Joo-young, Moon Jeong-hee, and Bae Seong-woo, with all eight episodes now available for binge-watching.
Anticipation for the series, touted as the potential “second Squid Game,” was already high prior to its release. It drew additional scrutiny upon the return of Ryu Jun-yeol following a “private life scandal” and Bae Seong-woo post his “convicted drunk driver” incident. Following the premiere, real-time commentary flooded platforms like Naver Open Talk, signaling its soaring popularity. Despite varying opinions, especially concerning the direction in later episodes and the conclusive part of the series, the initial reviews highlighted commendable performances from Ryu Jun-yeol and Chun Woo-hee.
Ambivalent sentiments swirl around Bae Seong-woo’s performance, with some extolling him as the “Korean Joker,” while others express disdain, questioning the ethics of his return to the screen. As the debate rages on, “The 8 Show” continues its ascent, having jumped from the third rank to first domestically in merely a span of two days. While not clinching the top international position, the show has sparked extraordinary interest in Hong Kong, where it has secured the second spot, and maintained third place across nine countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
On the global cinema database IMDB, the rating for “The 8 Show” saw a slight decline, from an initial 7.7 to 7.3.
FAQ
Q: What is the plot of “The 8 Show”?
A: “The 8 Show” follows eight people trapped in eight different levels of a secret facility where they engage in a risky game to earn money as time progresses.
Q: Who is in the cast of “The 8 Show”?
A: The cast includes Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min, Lee Yul-eum, Park Hae-joon, Lee Joo-young, Moon Jeong-hee, and Bae Seong-woo.
Q: Has “The 8 Show” been popular on Netflix?
A: Yes, “The 8 Show” has ranked 5th in Netflix’s global rankings and reached 1st in its home country’s Netflix TV show rankings.
Q: What has been the critical response to “The 8 Show”?
A: The critical response has been divided, with early praise for the acting and more criticism towards the direction and ending in later episodes.
Q: Are all episodes of “The 8 Show” available?
A: Yes, all eight episodes of the series are currently available for viewing.
Conclusion
“The 8 Show” has made a notable impact on viewers both domestically and internationally, positioning itself as a formidable presence in the realm of OTT platforms. Despite its polarizing reviews and the controversy surrounding some of its cast, the series has managed to carve its place in the competitive landscape of streaming content. With its ranking on FlixPatrol and its subsequent fluctuation on IMDB, “The 8 Show” exemplifies the dynamic and subjective nature of contemporary television consumption.