On Wednesday, Netflix officially announced the development of Physical: 100 USA (working title), an American version of the hit Korean reality series Physical: 100. The new adaptation signals a significant push to bring more K-survival content to global audiences, particularly in the U.S. market.
Physical: 100 contestants with exceptional physical abilities compete against each other in an intense, high-stakes competition. Both the first and second seasons have been massive hits, landing in Netflix’s Global Top 10 (Non-English TV) across more than 80 countries. The show’s success has been nothing short of remarkable.
Season 1 made history as the first-ever Korean variety show to top the global charts in its category, underscoring the rising power of K-content worldwide.
The American adaptation, Physical: 100 USA, will retain the original’s heart-pounding intensity and massive scale. Contestants will include elite athletes from diverse backgrounds, including sports, fitness, and the military, who will compete to prove who has the ultimate physique. This marks a significant milestone in the success of Korean variety shows, as they break into the U.S., the world’s largest entertainment market.
Korean Format Goes Global: From Asia to America
Yoo Ki Hwan, Netflix’s Director of Unscripted Content, commented, “Physical: 100 has taken the world by storm, proving that Korean variety shows have broad global appeal. We’re excited to bring Physical: 100 USA to audiences, adding a fresh American twist to the beloved format.”
In addition to the U.S. version, Netflix is also working on a European adaptation, signaling a rapid international expansion for the series. This marks the continued rise of K-content on the global stage.
In the latter part of this year, Netflix will launch Physical: Asia, a supersized competition that will bring together top physical competitors from across the continent. This will be the first time the series introduces a national competition format, where contestants from different countries will face off to determine who represents their nation’s peak physical standard.
Among the standout competitors will be Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who is expected to represent the Philippines. This development has already sparked massive excitement among global fans, adding an international dimension to the series.
This fierce, cross-border contest transcends nationality, gender, weight class, and profession, representing the next evolution in Korean variety shows. As Physical: Asia gears up for its release, anticipation for these high-octane competitions continues to build.
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