The Netflix K-drama The 8 Show has become a significant part of the recent trend of intense survivalist stories that explore the darker sides of human nature. Inspired by the webtoons Money Game and Pie Game by Bae Jin-soo, the series centers on eight individuals who participate in a live-streamed event where they earn money by the minute. Although fortunes can be gained, the contestants must collaborate to continuously entertain a mysterious audience, often resorting to extreme measures. The show escalates rapidly as the competitors face one violent scenario after another, leading to betrayals among them.
What Happens at the End of ‘The 8 Show’ Season 1?
The conclusion of The 8 Show reveals that the participants succeeded in maintaining the show for over two months, with society remaining unaware of their absence. The main character, 3rd Floor (Ryu Jun-yeol), returns to his everyday life significantly wealthier, having earned over 1.5 billion won (approximately $1.1 million), but he struggles to adjust back to normalcy. Eventually, he reunites with some of the participants to conduct a funeral for 1st Floor (Bae Sung-woo). Floors 2 (Lee Joo-young), 4 (Yul-Eum Lee), and 5 (Moon Jeong-Hee) attend the funeral, while Floor 6 (Park Hae-joon) sends flowers and Floor 8 (Chun Woo-hee) faces imprisonment for her heinous acts during the show. After the funeral, the group parts ways, seemingly never reconnecting.
In a mid-credits scene, 7th Floor (Park Jeong-min), who works as a screenwriter, pitches a script based on their ordeal to a financier. The TV executive jokingly pretends he has also undergone the show’s experience, later retracting his statement. 7th Floor assures the financier that the story is fictional, leading to the financier’s approval with an ominous toast, “Who knows? There might even be a season 2.”
Has ‘The 8 Show’ Been Renewed for Season 2?
As of now, Netflix has not confirmed a renewal for The 8 Show, though such decisions can often take months. However, the series’ performance metrics are promising. It became Netflix’s largest non-English TV series during its first full week after release, amassing over 33 million hours viewed within just a week and a half. Additionally, it reached the Top 10 in 68 countries, including a number one spot in South Korea.
What Would ‘The 8 Show’ Season 2 Be About?
Season 1 of The 8 Show leaves many questions unanswered, such as the identity of the show’s creators and the nature of its audience. The background and motivations of the participants remain largely unexplored, leaving ample ground for a potential continuation in season 2. Given the lack of a cliffhanger, the series could feasibly follow an entirely new set of characters or continue the story of 3rd Floor and his journey.
The webtoons’ author, Bae Jin-soo, has released a third installment titled Funny Game. This could offer further inspiration for a new season. The synopsis describes a protagonist who, after experiencing failure in both Money Game and Pie Game, rigorously prepares to win the final Funny Game. If the series chooses to adapt this storyline, viewers might follow 3rd Floor as he joins the game once more, potentially after losing most of his previous winnings, facing new challenges and competitors.
Wrapping Up
The future of The 8 Show remains uncertain, but its popularity and intriguing storyline suggest that there is much more to explore. Whether it returns with a new cast or continues with familiar characters, audiences are eager to see what comes next. Stay tuned for updates on a potential second season and make sure to visit HitPlay for the latest news and streaming guides.