Streaming giant Netflix introduces a spiritual sequel to the wildly popular Korean series that you all devoured
Netflix's latest addition to its physical competition series, "Final Draft", is set to premiere on August 12, 2025. This Japanese show takes a unique approach to the genre, focusing on 25 former elite athletes from various sports, each vying for a 30 million yen prize to fund their career transitions after leaving their original professions[1][2][3].
Unlike the Korean show "Physical: 100", which is known for its high-stakes, raw physical challenges and wide pool of participants[4], "Final Draft" emphasizes the athletes' attempts to prove their ongoing physical prowess and secure future opportunities. The show features diverse athletic backgrounds such as martial arts, American football, kabaddi, and street workout/calistenics[2].
"Physical: 100", which gained popularity on Netflix before 2025, involves 100 participants undergoing intense physical challenges to identify the strongest competitors[4]. The focus is on finding the strongest physical competitor through diverse tests of strength, endurance, and strategy.
While both shows share a physical competition format, "Final Draft" adds a narrative of personal comeback and career transition for former professional athletes. On the other hand, "Physical: 100" is more about raw physical performance across a larger, broader field of competitors[5].
"Final Draft" is a more focused, athlete-centered competition with a unique cultural angle on career reinvention, contrasting with the broad, survival-of-the-fittest ethos of "Physical: 100". The challenges in "Final Draft" include gym-based tasks, pushing a giant ball, and long hikes in snowy conditions.
In contrast, a third season of "Physical: 100", titled "Physical - Asia", will broaden the scope to include competitors from across Asia. A European version of "Physical: 100" is also in development, expected to follow the original's format of competitive trials for a large cash prize.
As for "Final Draft", it does not follow the weekly release format of "Physical: 100". Instead, all episodes will be available to stream simultaneously. The series will not be filmed in a studio like "Squid Game", offering a more realistic and rugged backdrop for the challenges.
"Final Draft" is a fresh and personal take on the physical competition genre, providing a unique perspective on the journeys of former athletes seeking to reclaim their past careers[1][2][3].
[1] https://www.netflix.com/title/81249168 [2] https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/final-draft-netflix-athletes-battle-royale-show-premiere-date-trailer/ [3] https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-final-draft-netflix-athletes-battle-royale-show-premiere-date-trailer [4] https://www.cnn.com/entertainment/article/physical-100-netflix-korean-show-review/index.html [5] https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/jul/01/physical-100-netflix-review-korean-reality-show-squid-game-inspired
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