Speaking withPuck, Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria reacts to Amazon’s bid forBeast Games. The topic came up as part of a conversation Bajaria has with the source about whether Netflix would plan to partner with a major YouTuber or podcaster as part of their new strategy. When disscussingBeast Games, Bajaria notes thatNetflix did bid for the YouTuber-created competition show, but implies that she agrees that Amazon overbid for the series. Check out the full quote below:
But you did go after the MrBeast game show. Amazon ultimately, in my opinion, overpaid for it.
You said it, I didn’t. (Laughs.) We did [bid for it]! Look, MrBeast is a great talent on YouTube and was making a big unscripted show very much likeSquid Game. But he, you know, that was the show that he made. We met with him, as did lots of other people.
What This Meant For Beast Games
Beast Games Was A Prime Video Success
Even if Prime Video did overbid to getBeast Games, things ultimately worked out well for the competition series. Drawing in fans from MrBeast’s YouTube content and undoubtedly new viewers as well,Beast Gamesset a Prime Video record for being the streamer’s most-watched unscripted series in its first 25 days. During this period, the show racked up over 50 million views. Even though Prime Video may have bid highly for the series, they likely made their money back.
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Meanwhile, in this time, Netflix focused their energy on promotingSquid Gameseason 2. Though a scripted narrative series, Bajaria seems to seeSquid Gameas having a similar setup toBeast Gamesdue to the similar premises of the gameplay in the competitions. If MrBeast had gone with Netflix when pitching his series, the streamer would likely have made sure it did not compete withSquid Game. But still, Netflix did not experience too big of a loss this winter givenSquid Game’s popularity.
Our Take On Netflix’s Beast Games Bid
Netflix Has Been Making Some Changes
While Bajaria did not concretely confirm that Netflix would be working with a YouTuber in her interview, the executive does not seem closed off to the possibility.These last couple of years have seen Netflix expand to several new horizons in terms of their content creation, which includes developing unscripted works in partnership with WWE and expanding their K-drama reach. Partnering with a YouTuber would be another way for the streamer to bring in a wider audience, so if Netflix is open to the idea, it may be a good way for the streamer to expandeven after missingBeast Games.
Beast Games
Cast
Beast Games is a competitive reality series where 1,000 contestants compete for a multi-million dollar cash prize, including extravagant rewards such as a private island and luxury vehicles. The show focuses on high-stakes challenges and the determination of participants vying for unprecedented winnings.
