Netflix Executive Reacts to Amazon’s Bid for MrBeast’s Beast Games

A Netflix executive has weighed in on Amazon’s decision to outbid the competition for Beast Games, a high-stakes reality TV show hosted by YouTube superstar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson). The show, which sees over 1,000 contestants competing for a massive $5 million prize, has been making waves, both for its thrilling premise and its association with MrBeast, one of the most recognizable figures on YouTube.

In an interview with Puck, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, offered her perspective on Amazon’s decision to pay a substantial amount for the show, suggesting that while Beast Games was certainly an attractive proposition, Amazon’s bid may have been excessive. Bajaria’s comments came up during a broader conversation about Netflix’s strategies for working with major online influencers like YouTubers and podcasters. While acknowledging Netflix’s own bid for the show, Bajaria hinted that Amazon’s financial commitment to Beast Games might have been a bit too high.

“But you did go after the MrBeast game show. Amazon ultimately, in my opinion, overpaid for it,”

Bajaria remarked, before adding with a laugh,

“You said it, I didn’t. (Laughs.) We did! Look, MrBeast is a great talent on YouTube and was making a big unscripted show very much like Squid Game. But he, you know, that was the show that he made. We met with him, as did lots of other people.”

For Bajaria, Beast Games had significant potential, considering MrBeast’s massive YouTube following. However, the show’s appeal and gameplay format, which draws comparisons to Netflix’s own Squid Game, seemed to fit with the competition-focused content that MrBeast is known for. Despite Netflix’s interest, Bajaria made it clear that the company wasn’t willing to pay what Amazon ultimately did to secure the show.

What Beast Games Meant for Prime Video

Even if Amazon’s acquisition cost for Beast Games was high, the series quickly proved to be a major success on Prime Video. Drawing in a loyal fan base from MrBeast’s YouTube following, along with a significant number of new viewers, the show broke Prime Video’s records for unscripted series viewership. In its first 25 days, Beast Games garnered over 50 million views, establishing itself as one of the streamer’s most popular and talked-about releases.

Despite the hefty investment, it’s clear that Amazon’s bet on Beast Games paid off. The show’s success not only brought in a large number of viewers but also showcased MrBeast’s ability to make the leap from YouTube to a global streaming platform, cementing his place in the world of unscripted TV.

While Prime Video may have paid a premium for Beast Games, it likely recouped the cost with the audience it attracted, especially considering how much attention MrBeast commands online. This success is a win for both Amazon and MrBeast, demonstrating that the YouTuber’s immense popularity can be leveraged effectively for mainstream television content.

Netflix’s Strategy and the Future of Unscripted Content

While Netflix may not have secured Beast Games, the company’s broader strategy seems focused on expanding its reach into new types of content. In recent years, Netflix has invested heavily in unscripted content, including high-profile partnerships with WWE and a notable expansion into K-drama series. Bajaria’s comments about working with YouTubers in the future indicate that the streaming giant is open to diversifying its content even further.

Though she didn’t specifically confirm plans to work with YouTubers on new projects, Bajaria left the door open to future collaborations, recognizing that YouTubers like MrBeast have an undeniable influence in the entertainment world. With the ever-growing prominence of YouTube stars and influencers, partnering with such individuals could offer Netflix an opportunity to attract younger audiences and further solidify its position in the competitive streaming landscape.

Bajaria also pointed to Netflix’s own unscripted success with Squid Game, which premiered its second season during the same period that Beast Games made its debut. Although Beast Games shares similarities with Squid Game in terms of its competition-style gameplay, Netflix’s flagship show didn’t face direct competition from MrBeast’s series, given that both shows appeal to different segments of viewers.

Netflix’s Future Plans

The real question for Netflix moving forward is whether or not it will pursue more unscripted formats, particularly those involving YouTubers and online personalities. With MrBeast's global reach and ability to attract millions of viewers, it’s clear that the boundaries between YouTube and traditional television are increasingly blurred. While Netflix didn’t land Beast Games, it seems ready to adapt to the changing landscape by exploring collaborations that can bring in new and wider audiences.

In the end, even if Netflix missed out on Beast Games, the company continues to be at the forefront of the unscripted genre with its high-budget, high-concept projects like Squid Game and new shows on the horizon. If Netflix does eventually partner with a major YouTuber or influencer, it could help the streamer reach even greater heights, ensuring that the competition remains fierce in the ever-expanding world of streaming content.

As for Amazon, the success of Beast Games might have proven that its significant investment was worthwhile, but as Bajaria's comments suggest, only time will tell whether the price paid was truly justified.