Squid Game: The Challenge Synopsis, Insider Details, and Episode Release Dates

In Squid Game: The Challenge, 456 real contestants compete in a challenge based on the Netflix series, Squid Game, to try to win the $4.56 million grand prize in a reality competition. One player that was in the series even shares the wild details of how players tried to lubricate their chapped lips with the free condoms provided on the show. Then they eventually were given real lip balm.

Squid Game: The Challenge

Netflix’s new reality show, Squid Game: The Challenge, is a thrilling and brutal adaptation of the hit South Korean series and will likely have a sequel due to its popularity.

Like the original series, The Challenge began with a round of “Red Light, Green Light,” in which every contestant tried to make it across a finish line without being “killed.” Meaning: players wore ink packs that exploded if they failed to complete the mission. The Challenge also includes a round of Dalgona, along with new challenges that force contestants to rely on their intellect and physical abilities for survival.

So far, only the first five episodes of The Challenge have been released. The next batch of episodes will premiere on November 29, followed by a two-part finale on December 6. As the series comes to an end, fans are wondering if Squid Game: The Challenge will return for another round. 

How is Squid Game: The Challenge Different from the Original?

The Challenge makes players play in huge versions of childhood games, similar to Squid Game itself. If you saw the original Squid Game, don’t think that you know all of the game show’s surprises, because it has some hidden tricks. We won’t reveal too much for you, but even in the dorm, contestants deal with a lot of mental pressure. Add small amounts of daily food and shifting alliances, Squid Game: The Challenge has achieved the balance between fun television and emotional drama.

After reducing the competition from 456 contestants to just below 70 hopeful players after the Squid Game: The Challenge’s first five episodes, the latest three-episode release makes another big cut. By the end of Episode Nine, we have a very small number of contestants left. When the finale comes out next week on Thursday, December 6, we’ll finally see a winner.

Squid Game: The Challenge, credit: Netflix

Details on Why Players Rubbed Condoms on Their Chapped Lips

Another unusual thing happened during the filming of Squid Game: The Challenge.

Trey ("Player #301") standing next to his mother in Squid Game: The Challenge, credit: Netflix

"Trey" (Player #301) told Entertainment Weekly that players were desperate to find lip balm, which many commonly refer to as "chapstick." They were so desperate that players used all of the condoms out in the communal area on set. The players allegedly tried to use the lubrication found in the condoms to relieve their chapped lips. It really didn't help them.

Trey said:

"Do you think I did that? Do I seem like a person that did that? No, hell no. That's so stupid."

Trey even remembered that some people still had chapped lips after rubbing the condoms on their mouths. This was after players tried to use the lotion and the conditioner to relieve their chapped lips.

He noticed that all of the condoms were gone within a day and a half.

He said:

"When people tried it and they kept trying it and it didn't work, and I was like, 'Obviously!'" he adds. "So yeah, that's 100 percent true."

After that he noted that show producers gave players individual tins of lip balm with their numbers on them. Trey wished he had kept his, as it was one of the few items he could have taken home with him.

Trey said:

"I gave my chapstick to someone last minute because I accidentally kept it in my pocket during Glass Bridge," Trey says. "And I was like, 'Can you please give this back to me? It has my number on it.' And they were like, 'I will not see you again if you don't make it over that bridge.' I was like, 'Great. Killer. Awesome encouragement.'"

(Source: Entertainment Weekly)

Are you looking for the episode release schedule for Squid Game: The Challenge?

Episode Release Schedule for Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix

The following is an episode release schedule in 2023 for Squid Game: The Challenge:

Episode 1: “Red Light, Green Light” — November 22

Episode 2: “The Man with the Umbrella”— November 22

Episode 3: “War”— November 22

Episode 4: “Nowhere to Hide”— November 22

Episode 5: “Trick or Treat”— November 22

Episode 6: “Goodbye”— November 29

Episode 7: “Friend or Foe”— November 29

Episode 8: “One Step Closer”— November 29

Episode 9: “Circle of Trust”— November 29

Episode 10: “One Lucky Day” — December 6