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

The Kim Kardashian David Letterman Interview Video

 

YouTube video clip title: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman

The Kim Kardashian David Letterman Netflix Interview

Interview Transcript from the video clip:

David Letterman: The robbers are dressed as policemen. Is that what I infer here?

Kim Kardashian West: Yeah, policemen with masks on. 

David Letterman: How many were in the room with you?

Kim Kardashian West: Two.

David Letterman: Just the two.

Kim Kardashian West: But they brought in the concierge from downstairs, handcuffed. With a gun up to him. So they were speaking, yelling at me in French. And I just sat up and...and I -- they kept on saying, "the ring...the ring..." and I was just so startled, I was like, you know, "What?" It didn't compute to me for a minute. And then the guy goes, "the ring..." [pointing at her ring finger]. And I had put it up by the side of my bed. So, I handed him my ring, and then he grabs me, and I was wearing a robe, and I wasn't wearing anything under it. [whispers] I don't wanna cry.

David Letterman: Oh, no, no, no, no. We all right?

Kim Kardashian West: I don't want to ruin my makeup. 

David Letterman: It's fine. The makeup is fine.

Kim Kardashian West: Okay. And um, he grabbed me and pulled me towards him. But I wasn't wearing anything underneath, and I was like, "Okay, this is like the time I'm gonna get raped. Like, just deal, like, it's--this is--it's gonna happen--you know? like--just, prepare yourself. So I did, and then...I don't know why I'm crying. I've talked about this before...Um...but then he tied me up with handcuffs, and then zip ties, and then duct tape. And then duct-taped my mouth and my eyes. And before he had my eyes, he had--I saw--I mean, before he duct-taped my eyes, 'cause that was the last thing, he umm...I saw he found my whole jewelry box, and like, held it up, like "Aha!" like "We got it!" but I kept on looking at the concierge, 'cause I didn't know who he was, and I'm like, "What is happening?", "Are we gonna die?", "Just tell them I have children.", "I have babies. I have a husband. I have a family.", "Like, I have to get home. Tell them, 'Take anything.' I'll never say, like, I saw them." "Like, take everything." And then, um...And then, I saw him have a  gun out to me, and I was like, "Okay, this is it." and I just kept on thinking about Kourtney. I kept on thinking she's gonna come home, and I'm gonna be dead in the room, and she's never gonna--she's gonna be traumatized for the rest of her life if she sees me. We're sharing a room, Like, on her bed. But I thought that was my fate. And then, the guy pick--He kept on whispering to me, like "You okay? You okay?" You know, like this one guy, the guy that didn't have the gun. Just like, "Shh, if you shh, you okay." And he could hardly speak English, but I was like, "Okay, he's like--Is he giving me a signal?"--like so much goes through your head. And I've watched every single CSI show on the planet. And so, for one split second, I'm like, "Look into his eyes. What color eyes do you have, and what color hair..." Like you're trying to do what you're supposed to do, and it all goes out the door. Like, it all goes out the door, and...he picked me up, and he put me in a bathtub. And then he picked me up again, and just put me on the floor and ran.

Kanye West gives Hologram for Kim Kardashian's 40th Birthday private island vacation

For Kim Kardashian's 40th birthday, her family went on a getaway vacation to a private island. While on this 40th birthday island vacation, she was presented with a special gift from her husband, Kanye West. Kanye West led Kim, Kris, Kourtney, Khloe, and Rob into a dark room on the island, where he presented to the family a hologram video of Robert Kardashian Sr. saying very nice things to Kim for her 40th birthday vacation.

Some kind things late Robert Kardashian Sr. hologram said to Kim included: "You are beautiful," "I am proud of you," and "I am always with you." He says, "I am so proud of the woman that you've become, and all that you've accomplished. All of your hard work, and all of the businesses that you have built are incredible, and most impressive is your commitment to become a lawyer and carry on my legacy. It's a long and a hard road, but it's worth it...and I'm with you every step of the way. The way that you're connecting with your roots and supporting Armenia means so much to me. You are a proud Armenian, and I'm a proud Armenian father. The most beautiful thing that I have witnessed, is watching you grow your family. I love you Kim. And tell Kourtney, Khloe, and Rob I love them, and I miss you all. And don't forget to say your prayers."

You can watch the video below.

Kim Kardashian's Touching Message to Kanye on Instagram

Kim Kardashian was very touched by this birthday gift from Kanye. She posted on Instagram the following message: "Hologram from Heaven - For my birthday, Kanye got me the most thoughtful gift of a lifetime. A special surprise from Heaven. A hologram of my dad. It is so lifelike and we watched it over and over, filled with lots of tears and emotion. I can't even describe what this meant to me and my sisters, my brother, my mom and closest friends to experience together. Thank you so much Kanye for this memory that will last a lifetime."

Keywords: Kim Kardashian, David Letterman, Netflix, interview, Kanye West, birthday

Watch the Kim Kardashian David Letterman Netflix Interview free

'The Killing' Gets Six Final Episodes on Netflix

'The Killing' poster

The former AMC show, 'The Killing' will have a formal ending now that Netflix has picked it up for six final episodes of season 4. AMC cancelled the show twice, but 'The Killing' will still get its final six episodes on Netflix.

AMC originally cancelled the show after season 2, but decided to bring it back for a third season. It was cancelled after season 3, until Netflix decided to pick it up.

Netflix Offers New Seasons of Established Shows

Netflix, which surged in popularity for its convenient movies by mail service, also moved into the digital streaming world, offering many movies as well as television shows. Netflix as of late has now moved into creating its own shows as well as picking up or renewing shows that have ended.

A prime example being the show 'Arrested Development'. Netflix renewed 15 more episodes of season 4 of Arrested Development exclusively for their brand.

Other original shows exclusive to Netflix include 'Orange is the New Black' and 'House of Cards'.

What is 'The Killing' About?

'The Killing' is about two homicide detectives, Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder. The first two seasons of the show focused on the Rosie Larsen case, and the third season is about a new set of murders after detective Sarah Linden is no longer with Seattle Police as a homicide detective.

The show, 'The Killing' is filmed in Vancouver and is produced by Fox Television Studios.

'The Killing' is Perfect for Netflix

The Vice President of original content for Netflix, Cindy Holland, believes a season 4  of 'The Killing' is perfect for Netflix. She says, "We are looking forward to offering fans - both existing and new - a series that we know is perfectly suited for on demand viewing."

In response, the President at Fox TV studios, David Madden, said: "We're gratified that our partners at Neflix recognized this."

Is BBC Sherlock on Netflix or Hulu or Youtube?

Fan art of Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes

If you ask yourself the following questions:

• Where can I watch the BBC Sherlock Season 1 episodes online?
• Where can I watch the BBC Sherlock Season 2 episodes online?

I have the answers to your questions.

Is Sherlock (BBC) on Netflix?

Yes. Sherlock (BBC) Seasons 1 and 2 are on Netflix instant streaming.

Is Sherlock (BBC) on Hulu?

No. Sherlock (BBC) is not on Hulu.

Is Sherlock (BBC) on Youtube?

Youtube currently does not own the syndication rights to Sherlock (BBC), but user Jojo fever on Youtube has uploaded episode 2 from Season 1 titled: "The Blind Banker." User Jojo fever appears to be a person from the country of India, and does not own the syndication rights to Sherlock. This user appears to be violating copyright laws. Episodes like this do not stay up on Youtube for very long. They are removed when the video is reported for violating copyright laws.

Hulu only has clips related to a cartoon Sherlock Holmes and clips related to the Sherlock (BBC) movie starring Robert Downey Jr.

Of the three, Netflix is your best bet for catching up on Seasons 1 and 2 of Sherlock (BBC). Of course, this requires a paid subscription to Netflix instant streaming.

Sherlock (BBC) is a modern-day version of Sherlock Holmes, based on the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman plays his sidekick, Dr. John Watson. Actor Andrew Scott plays Moriarty in the BBC series. I think Andrew Scott plays an excellent Moriarty. His character is very believable to be a sociopath.

The show was created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss as they were on their train commute to work on the show, Doctor Who. (Read my recent post on Doctor Who).

In the BBC television version, each Sherlock episodes run about 1 hr. 30 min. each in length, and airs on local PBS television stations in the U.S. as a part of Masterpiece Mystery!

If you have seen Sherlock Seasons 1 and 2, then you might be wondering how Sherlock faked his own death. You can watch Sherlock: "How he faked his death" here.

Trivia fact: 

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman also have acting roles in The Hobbit. Benedict Cumberbatch is the voice of Smaug the dragon, and Martin Freeman plays young Bilbo Baggins.

Image credit: Fanpop; by EnjoyYourlife

Jeff Macke and Dr. Jon Najarian Discuss Amazon and Netflix Stock Prices Affected by Original Content

Jeff Macke and Dr. Jon Najarian on Breakout

Jeff Macke Has Dr. Jon Najarian on Breakout

Jeff Macke of Breakout (Yahoo! Finance) says: “It’s very hard to make original programming.”

He’s speaking in particular about the upcoming challenge that Netflix is facing. They have some success with the Kevin Spacey original series House of Cards. Macke points out that HBO is a subsidiary of Time Warner for that very reason.

Jeff Macke makes the point that Netflix is trying to make it on their own without a deal with Viacom to stream their content. Guest analyst Jon Najarian on Breakout thinks that it is tougher on Netflix to produce original programming than it would be on Amazon, because Amazon is more diversified.

Dr. Jon Najarian says that it is harder on Netflix stock prices because they deal exclusively in content, but Amazon is more diversified, and gets paid up-front with Amazon Prime. Netflix does not get paid up front for their content. Netflix stock prices have gone above $200 at the end of May 2013, while Amazon’s stock prices are above $260 per share.

Dr. Jon Najarian thinks that Reed Hastings did very well with the Kevin Spacey original series House of Cards. However the jury is still out on Arrested Development.

Dr. Jon Najarian thinks that since the Netflix stock price is above $200, there may be a stock split coming in the near future.

Amazon has Announced to launch 5 New Original Shows

Is Amazon making a smart move by producing 5 original series?

Good question.

Dr. Jon Najarian thinks they are trying to “confuse the investor,” but thinks that because Amazon is so diversified, it is less volatile (than Netflix) in the event that the new original programming is a flop. 

Essentially, the stock price of Netflix is more likely to be directly affected, than it is for Amazon.

He thinks that the original content plan for Amazon “may or may not work.”

Dr. Jon Najarian points out that Amazon doesn’t want to be compared to Disney and Time Warner, because it affects the stock prices.

Amazon plans to release a full season of the comedy shows Betas and Alpha House, along with kids shows Annebots, Creative Galaxy, and Tumbleleaf, exclusively on Amazon Prime.

Amazon is confident in launching these shows because the success of their pilots looked promising.

Judge Judy and Arrested Development on Netflix

Judge Judy Sheindlin giving the classic double point (above)

Is Judge Judy on Netflix?

Yes but not the seasons of it like a typical TV show. You can only check out Judge Judy: Justice Served on Netflix.

Is Judge Judy on Hulu Plus?

No.

If you are wondering why Judge Judy cannot be found on Hulu Plus, it is because Hulu Plus is not written into her multi-million dollar syndication deal.  A DVD "best of" compilation of unforgettable moments in her courtroom can be queued up in Netflix.  Here's your one good reason to go with Netflix over Hulu Plus. 

Is Judge Judy on Youtube?

Of course you can find clips of Judge Judy on Youtube, but don't count on finding full episodes on Youtube for long-term. These are users posting their favorite clips, but they do not own the syndication rights to the television show. Their clips eventually get flagged and removed for copyright infringement.

Streamageddon Purge?

Netflix has made restrictions to its public API as it is taking certain titles off of its streaming catalogue. Netflix has made it harder for websites like Instantwatcher.com to accurately update which television and movie titles are available to stream. This debacle has been called Streamageddon and "the great Netflix Instant vanishing of 2013." Deadline reports that 1,000 titles will be vanishing from Netflix in 2013.

Streamageddon solved? Netflix representative has said that members of the service will be able to find streaming content expiration dates on the movie or TV show web page.

Which is better: Hulu Plus or Netflix?

This post is not to convince you to pick one online-streaming content provider over another, because I like them both.  But there's another show - in which people are judged by their presentation - and then either given funding and a partnership with a billionaire, or the boot out the front door. This show may be more to your liking if you like seeing new ideas and businesses succeed or fail.  The show I am describing, is cleverly titled Shark Tank on ABC.

Cast of Shark Tank, Season 1

Now if you like watching an entrepreneur being thrown to the wolves, then this show is right up your alley.  But don't plan on watching it on Netflix, 'cause it ain't there.  You will have to go to Hulu Premium to watch Season 1 episodes, and you can watch up to 3 of the most recently aired episodes (as they air this year) on Hulu Free.  This is your one reason to go with Hulu over Netflix.

Some people just go to Youtube and watch clips of Judge Judy.

But, let me share with you the connection between these two shows.  One of the billionaire sharks on the show, Shark Tank, is Kevin O'Leary.  Another man by the same name of Kevin O'Leary - found here on Twitter - blogged about Judge Judy on his website.  His blog entry (from July 17th 2010) claims that Judge Judy has surpassed Oprah with 6.6 million viewers a day, and that her 15th year of syndication was for $45 million dollars a year.  On top of that, her work year is only 52 days long.  He also states that she is ranked on Forbes as the 72nd richest celebrity.

I personally rank these two shows as my favorite to watch, and therefore would have to subscribe to Hulu Premium and Netflix to watch my favorites shows.  No, I don't buy TV shows on DVD. Have you checked Youtube?


Judge Judy (seen above) dividing the truth from lies with her bare hand.

One last thing I must say about Judge Judy: she will not take any lip in her courtroom.  If you are lying through your teeth, she knows and will tell you in front of her audience.  If you get embarrassed easily, I don't recommend taking your small claims case to her show, especially if you have something to hide.

Judge Judy in the News

In March 2013, Judge Judy was in the news because Patric Jones was suing her over china she bought at a discount. Judge Judy bought the china for $50,000. Patric Jones claims that the china is worth $514,421.

Judge Judy said: "[She has] not seen any complaint by the former Mrs. Douthit, however, I don't owe this lady a cent. And if this 50-year old woman would spend her time more productively at trying to find a job, instead of abusing the judicial system with frivolous lawsuits, we would all be a lot better off."

Last comment: In the game, Apples to Apples, the Judge Judy card wins every time with me.

More Content! Read Judge Judy's best one-liners in the courtroom in my article here.

Arrested Development Returns to Netflix

Arrested Development returns to Netflix on Sunday May 26, 2013. Netflix will have fifteen new episodes of Arrested Development Season 4 to stream at your own convenience.

Arrested Development is a show about a wealthy, dysfunctional family in Newport Beach, CA, but received low ratings, and FOX responded accordingly. Despite the low ratings, the show has a cult-like following of fans after only three seasons, receiving six Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Arrested Development first debuted on FOX in 2003, and was cancelled in 2006.

The cast of Arrested Development includes: Michael Cera, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi and Jason Bateman.