The 8 Show Review – My Honest Experience After Watching the Series
Yesterday, I completed The 8 Show on Netflix, and it’s still fresh in my mind. This Korean drama instantly caught my attention because of its unusual setting and premise. The entire series takes place inside a strange building with eight floors, each floor occupied by a single contestant. The rules are simple yet dangerous—time equals money. For every minute that passes, the prize pool grows. But survival isn’t free—every single thing inside, from food to clothes, comes with an absurdly high price tag.
This isn’t your typical action-heavy survival drama. Instead, The 8 Show is a slower, more psychological game where the biggest battles happen between the contestants’ minds rather than in physical challenges. As I watched, I found myself drawn to the cleverness of the concept, but I also noticed a few storytelling flaws.
The Story – Fresh Idea, Uneven Execution
The concept of The 8 Show is easily its strongest selling point. The rules of the game are so unique that they immediately pull you in. I loved the idea that survival wasn’t just about strength or speed—it was about patience, negotiation, and strategy.
However, the pacing of the story wasn’t always perfect. Some episodes felt like they could have been shorter, and a few scenes dragged without adding much to the plot. At the same time, the slower pace did allow the characters to develop, and it gave me time to really understand their personalities. So, while it wasn’t perfect, it had a certain charm that kept me watching.
The Characters – The True Highlight of The 8 Show
If I had to pick one reason to watch The 8 Show, it would be the characters. Each contestant is known by the floor they live on, from 1F to 8F. There’s no “main hero” in the traditional sense—everyone gets a moment to shine, for better or worse.
Some characters were incredibly likeable, showing kindness and cooperation, while others were manipulative, greedy, or just plain annoying. There were even moments when I hated certain characters so much that I wanted them gone from the game (no spoilers, but let’s just say a couple of floors really tested my patience).
The best part was how unpredictable their relationships became. One moment, two contestants would be allies, working together to survive, and in the next, they’d be plotting against each other for personal gain. This constant shift in alliances kept the series interesting, even when the main story slowed down.
The Games – Fewer Than Expected, But Still Clever
Going in, I expected The 8 Show to be packed with different games, similar to Squid Game. But in reality, the number of actual “games” was smaller than I thought. Instead of constant action, the drama focuses more on the mental pressure of living in this strange building.
The real game here is the psychological warfare—negotiating, forming alliances, deciding when to spend money, and when to sacrifice comfort to save the prize pot. While part of me wished for more variety in challenges, I can’t deny that the unique approach gave the series its own identity.
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My Favorite Moments
Without spoiling anything, here are a few moments that stood out for me:
- The early days when everyone was still polite but secretly watching each other’s moves.
- The sudden shifts in power when a small decision completely changed the group dynamics.
- The heated confrontations that broke out when greed took over.
These moments showed the best side of The 8 Show—tense, unpredictable, and packed with personality.
What I Loved About The 8 Show
- A unique and refreshing concept that stands out from other survival dramas.
- Strong acting performances that make each character memorable.
- Clever social experiments showing how humans react to greed and pressure.
What I Didn’t Like
- Uneven pacing—some episodes felt too slow.
- Limited challenges—I was expecting more game variety.
- Some unanswered questions—not all plot points were fully explained by the end.
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Final Verdict – Should You Watch It?
If you enjoy dramas that mix survival, strategy, and psychology, The 8 Show is worth your time. It’s not for everyone—if you’re looking for non-stop action, you might find it slow. But if you’re curious about how people behave when every second literally has a price, this series delivers something unique.
Watch on Netflix: Watch The 8 Show
For me, The 8 Show is more about people than puzzles. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest game isn’t physical—it’s emotional and mental.
FAQs About The 8 Show
1. Is The 8 Show similar to Squid Game?
Not exactly. While both are Korean survival dramas, The 8 Show is more about mental strategies and social tension than life-or-death physical games.
2. How many episodes does The 8 Show have?
It has 8 episodes, each focusing on the evolving relationships and challenges among the contestants.
3. Is The 8 Show based on a book or comic?
Yes, it’s inspired by the Korean webtoon Money Game and its sequel Pie Game.
4. Is The 8 Show violent?
It has tense moments and some violence, but it’s far less graphic than Squid Game.
5. Should I watch The 8 Show if I prefer fast-paced thrillers?
You might find it slower, but if you enjoy psychological drama and character-driven stories, you’ll likely enjoy it.