If you’re invested in Reality TV or spend a decent amount of time on social media, there is no doubt that you’ve heard of Netflix’s new smash hit Physical: 100. This South Korean reality show has become a global sensation in only the span of 9 episodes. Yours truly was hanging on to every last second and anticipating each week, even as someone who doesn’t typically consume sport-focused content.
Physical: 100 is very bingeable television and will have you craving more from the start. The show brings together 100 individuals in Korea to see who has the “perfect” build through a series of rigorous challenges. Not only is there a wide range of competitors – from models and YouTubers to wrestlers to crossfitters and bodybuilders – there are some well-known faces, ranging from popular MMA fighters to national team members and Olympic athletes. Former UFC fighter Cho Sung-hoon (aka Yoshihiro Akiyama, or Sexyama) is one of the most popular athletes on the series and is revered by the other contestants.
Every challenge focuses on a different kind of strength, which evens the playing field. There are head-to-head challenges to narrow down the pack, eventually leading to team challenges focused on lugging bags of sand, pulling a ship that weighs nearly two tons, or climbing, running, and lifting – all combined into one difficult round of tasks. All of the athletes compete with one another, removing other factors like their specialization, body-type, or gender.
The contestants are generally kind and playful to one another at the start, and it’s exciting to see how everyone cheers the others on. The series is swamped with twists, as each episode will leave your jaw on the floor. Every match becomes the main event because of how unpredictable the outcomes are. And the finale is filled with competitors who you may not guess. To add to the intensity, the “losers” always have to smash a statue of their bust when they’re eliminated, confirming that they do not have the “perfect” physique.
This show will have you rooting for the underdog each time. One of the most monumental moments in the season is when Jang Eun-sil was chosen to lead one of the teams (making her the only female out of ten leaders). Her team may be considered the underdogs, but they’re definitely what will make you want to keep watching this show. Eun-sil undoubtedly became a fan favorite and an athlete to watch.
While Physical: 100 is a fun, fresh reality show that will have you flying through the episodes, there are definitely important discussions this series brings up, specifically about stereotypes. With a predominantly Asian cast, many online have said this series shatters typical stereotypes that Western media perpetuates. However, there are also some sexist remarks made during Physical: 100, which have sparked further conversation about sexism within cultures and sports in general.
Physical: 100 is a reality show whose formula is incredibly successful and entertaining, which will definitely spark future seasons or variations of the series going forward. This writer was hooked from episode one. That being said, it also raises an interesting conversation about who and what we’re watching, which can’t be ignored.
Please Note: After we watched the series and this review was written it has been reported that a cast member has accused of assault outside of the show, which is an ongoing and developing story. We bring this up as these allegations are serious and could change your opinion on whether you want to the series or not.
