Is Physical 100 scripted? Netflix reality series explained

Is Physical 100 Season 2 scripted? The new installment of the Korean reality series takes Netflix by storm – but is it all real?

In 2021, Netflix’s Squid Game took over the world. The show, revolving around a deadly competition where 456 contestants compete to the death for a huge prize pot, became a global sensation.

It’s the most-watched series in the history of Netflix, and its success planted the seeds for Physical 100. The first season was a grand success as the most-watched dynamic competition series from South Korea. It was a series unlike any other and had fans hooked from beginning to end.

Its success led to greenlighting a second season with new contestants and higher stakes. Just like the first season, some may be led to wonder if Physical 100 Season 2 is scripted. Let’s find out.

Is Physical 100 Season 2 scripted?

No, Physical 100 Season 2 is likely not scripted as the first season was believed not to be. It’s a lot of editing to make it seem more dramatic for a larger audience.

The premise of the show is simple: 100 people of varying ages, builds, and genders duke it out in a series of punishing challenges, known as “quests”, in a bid to win 300 million South Korean won ($245,000).

While outright billed as a reality series, some viewers originally suspected the first season may have been scripted after the first few episodes. Specifically, eyebrows were raised over Quest 1, a one-on-one “deathmatch” where two contestants fought for possession of a ball.

Most of the fights were evenly matched, except for a few Hulk-level men taking on others with gymnast physiques. On Reddit, one user wrote: “They probably got a bit scripted to not have a cheerleader fight a strongman too. Or maybe it’s Korean culture to always pick a similar contestant?”

Another commented: “Pretty sure some of the matchups will have to be partially scripted though otherwise most of the men would just pick a woman as an opponent for a better chance.”

“Highly scripted. My general impression of Korean media is that it is heavily orchestrated. Although I believe the match ups to be real, everything else from how much screen time, conversations, and controversy is all planned,” a third wrote.

“Kinda like the pocket MMA guy. The bad guy music and the fact that they chose to show that match told me that there are powers at play trying to manipulate things. It made no sense to show that match in that they had to have had better footage of another match. So why show this boring one? Cause it will generate buzz and get people talking about the show,” they added.

While the first season did go for the dramatics, there’s no concrete evidence that it was scripted. Based on the official trailer for Physical 100 Season 2, it’s also likely not scripted. A first look at the contestants reveals their genuine thoughts and admiration for their competitors.

Physical 100 Season 2 takes various days of filming and edits them to create an impactful and suspenseful season. The editing is only part of the long days the cast spend together on set. What fans see was created to appear more dramatic than what it might be.

Physical 100 Season 2 will be available to stream on Netflix. Have a look at our other content below: All Season 1 winners and eliminations | Is it scripted? | Season 1 full list of contestants | What time does Season 2 air | Who is the narrator