Latest news with #MillionDollarSecret
Mint
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Netflix explores music shows and celebrity interviews as part of live TV push
Netflix ascended by offering prestige TV and movies on demand for a monthly fee. Now, it is planning to introduce more of the fare that was core to the cable bundle. The streamer has held conversations with Spotify about partnering on a number of projects such as a music awards show or a live concert series, people close to the conversations said. It has also discussed doing big celebrity interviews and shorter-turnaround documentaries to capture the news of the moment, some of the people said. Netflix is also rebooting the classic talent contest 'Star Search." It is particularly focused on music, with a new show, 'Building the Band," set to debut next week and another music competition in the works that it hopes to release in coming months, the people said. Millions of households that cut the cord or never had a cable bundle now rely on Netflix as their go-to home entertainment hub. Netflix is working to ensure that it has something for everyone, from scripted shows and movies to reality TV, comedy and live programming. Finding family-friendly programming that appeals to global audiences is key to Netflix's work building its advertising-supported subscription tier. It found success with 'Love is Blind," a unique spin on a dating show, and 'Million Dollar Secret," its version of 'Survivor," said Brandon Riegg, vice president of nonfiction series and sports. AJ McLean and Nicole Scherzinger in an episode of Netflix's 'Building the Band.' Jeff Gaspin, who greenlighted 'The Voice" at NBCUniversal, is spearheading Netflix's effort to find the next great music competition show and expand unscripted content. The self-proclaimed pop-culture nut joined the company last year. 'Building the Band," hosted by Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean, will feature musicians auditioning to be in bands. The twist: They don't see one another until they start rehearsing together, according to people familiar with the situation. Think 'Love Is Blind" meets 'The Voice." Netflix also recently announced a trivia-based game show hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, called 'What's in the Box." While Netflix executives have considered big celebrity interviews, they have debated whether people would tune in when snippets would appear on social media nearly instantly, people familiar with the discussions said. Netflix's 'Building the Band' is set to debut next week. The company is working on a pilot with the Daily Beast, focusing on quick-turnaround, buzzy nonpolitical news events. Semafor earlier reported the Daily Beast project. Gaspin said he doesn't expect Netflix to become a full-fledged programmer of news, which the company refers to as 'information" internally. 'You can't cover news and be a news organization occasionally," he said. Executives also must decide when it makes sense to do an unscripted show as a live broadcast. Netflix has seen some live events, such as its Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight last fall, attract huge audiences. But that came with technical glitches, as did a 'Love is Blind" reunion show a few years ago. The company did livestream two NFL games over Christmas without any issues. While 'Building the Band" will be on-demand, Netflix could make the finale live if there is a second season, Riegg said. And the 'Star Search" reboot will allow fans to vote live. 'We don't want to do live for live's sake," Gaspin said. 'If we are going to do live, we should have a reason." Write to Jessica Toonkel at
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Reality check: three gripping shows that reveal the psychology of competition
"Battle Camp" season 1 cast. Image: Instagram. Over the past few weeks, I've swapped my usual line-up for some gripping reality TV competition shows on Netflix Think "Survivor", "The Mole" or "The Circle", but with a more refreshing take on things. And if I'm being honest, there were so many notable insights into human behaviour. First up was "Battle Camp", a mix of "Survivor" and "Wheel of Fortune", where the contestants are well-known stars from other shows such as "Squid Game: The Challenge", "Selling The OC" and "Too Hot to Handle". After being divided into teams, the Wolves, the Bears, and the Eagles, they feature in a mix of hair-raising physical challenges, group votes, and strategic gameplay to avoid elimination. Ultimately, contestants will need to be unbeatable, unbreakable and unhateable to have the chance of winning $250 000 (around R4.5 million). The show is a perfect blend of fun and nail-biting suspense. A scene from "Million Dollar Secret". Image: Instagram. Next up, "Million Dollar Secret". Hosted by British comedian Peter Serafinowicz, the series features twelve contestants, one of whom is secretly awarded a $1 000 000 prize at the start of the game. The contestant who finds it becomes the "Millionaire" and must conceal their identity for the duration of the game. The remaining contestants, known as "Hunters", aim to hunt down who is secretly holding the prize money. At the end of each episode, players vote to "lock out" the person they most suspect. If the Millionaire is eliminated, the money is re-hidden in a new box, and the game continues. Throughout the game, players must participate in trust-based challenges, alliance-building exercises, and "Secret Agendas," which are private missions that can influence power and suspicion in the house. The show incorporates elements of strategy, emotional intelligence and psychological deception. Cast of "The Trust". Image: Instagram. Then, "The Trust: A Game of Greed", heightened my fascination. Eleven strangers are offered $250 000 to split equally among themselves or to eliminate each other and eventually receive more money for themselves. Contestants play games that can add money to the prize pot. These include games that reveal secrets about each other or games that ask them to reveal their voting history. Some contestants are offered access to "The Vault", which allows them to take an offer which could benefit themselves or the group. "The Trust" explores human behaviour and psychology.
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix game show given green light for season two despite string of complaints
Netflix has renewed the gameshow Million Dollar Secret for a second series - but fans are divided Netflix has reportedly greenlit a second series of what some telly enthusiasts are calling 'the most confusing game show' ever, Million Dollar Secret. The show, which launched earlier this year on the streaming giant, sees 12 strangers vying for a whopping $1 million jackpot within the comforts of a posh mansion. Guardians Of The Galaxy's very own Peter Serafinowic plays host, with a unique twist that only one participant knows about the prize money and must keep it under wraps from the rest to secure the bountiful sum. On its release, viewers were quick to draw parallels with BBC's hit series, The Traitors, amid the buzz surrounding Million Dollar Secret. Amidst a slew of feedback and various grievances, Netflix stamped their approval on a second outing for Million Dollar Secret, as confirmed on X, previously known as Twitter, reports Surrey Live. One viewer did not hold back, labelling it "the most confusing game show I have ever watched" while others seemed baffled at how it managed to clinch a renewal. But it wasn't all criticism; some fans are actually keen for more, with accolades pouring in for the debut season. When the first series was unveiled, the likeness to The Traitors didn't go unnoticed. Someone mused: "Who has a hidden million dollars." A fellow fan reacted, proclaiming: "Urg! The Traitors is soooo good! The UK and Canadian one is the best out of all the franchises." While another commented on their viewing experience: "I started watching this one, I believe there is an OG of this show where it is a hotel and I stopped watching midway. I completely forgot about it". A third voiced their opinion, saying: "A Traitors version of Do You Want To Be A Millionaire." Another enthusiast was clearly excited, commenting: "This is basically The Traitors on steroids, I'm here for it...," adding to the buzz.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix renews 'most confusing game show' ever - completely dividing opinion after string of complaints
Netflix has renewed the 'most confusing game show' ever which has completely divided opinion after a string of complaints. Million Dollar Secret hit the streaming platform earlier this year and saw 12 strangers travel to a stunning mansion to battle it out for $1 million. Hosted by Guardians Of The Galaxy star Peter Serafinowic, only one of the contestants is given the cash and they have to keep it a secret from everyone else to go home with the huge prize. Some fans compared the show to BBC hit The Traitors as soon as the original trailer was released. It has now been confirmed that Million Dollar Secret will air a second season, but viewers are split over the decision. Netflix announced the renewal on X, formerly Twitter, and one watcher described it as 'the most confusing game show I have ever watched'. Hosted by Guardians Of The Galaxy star Peter Serafinowic, only one of the contestants is given the cash and they have to keep it a secret from everyone else to go home with the huge prize Others penned: 'The real secret is how this show got renewed.'; 'Dunno if it makes sense.'; 'Didn't work for me. Like they making the rules up as they went along.'; While others were thrilled about the return and seemed to have enjoyed the first season. One fan commented: 'YESSSS!! This show is actually amazing! Netflix, where do I apply for a role??'; 'Thank you. S1 was amazing.'; 'Nice, it was fun, Peter was a great host and the right person won the money!!!' When the first season was announced, fans immediately noticed the similarities to The Traitors. One wrote: 'This is a reality competition series, similar to The Traitors, where contestants try to hide or discover who has a hidden million dollars.' It has now been confirmed that Million Dollar Secret will see a second season but viewers are split Another replied to their comment with: 'Urg! The Traitors is soooo good! The UK and Canadian one is the best out of all the franchises... I started watching this one, I believe there is an OG of this show where it is a hotel and I stopped watching midway. I completely forgot about it.' A third added: 'A Traitors version of Do You Want To Be A Millionaire.' 'This is basically The Traitors on steroids, I'm here for it...,' a fourth chimed in. Million Dollar Secret is available to stream on Netflix.
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix announces 8 show renewals at Upfront 2025 — 'Bridgerton' season 4 teaser, 'The Four Seasons' season 2, and more
Netflix brought plenty of good news for TV fans at its 2025 Upfront presentation, announcing eight show renewals and teasing what's to come for some of its biggest hits. The streaming service used its annual event to spotlight returning favorites and build excitement for the year ahead, with a surprise teaser for 'Bridgerton' season 4 stealing the show. Alongside the Regency-era drama's reveal, Netflix confirmed 'The Four Seasons' will return for a second season, along with shows like 'Forever' and 'Million Dollar Secret.' The renewals reflect Netflix's ongoing commitment to investing in content that keeps audiences coming back, especially at a time when competition in the streaming space is fiercer than ever. That commitment isn't just about entertaining viewers but also about appealing to advertisers. After all, the main goal of an Upfront presentation is to secure ad commitments in advance. Since last year's upfront, the number of monthly active users on Netflix's ad-supported tier has more than doubled, rising from 40 million to 90 million worldwide. According to Amy Reinhard, those subscribers are now watching an average of 41 hours of content each month. Below, we break down every show Netflix renewed and what you can expect from the next chapters of your favorite series. Netflix's 2025 upfront included renewal announcements for a variety of popular shows, including: Netflix also dropped a 1-minute teaser for 'Bridgerton' season 4, which focuses on Benedict (Luke Thompson) seeing his love interest Sophie (Yerin Ha) for the first time as she's stood off to the side admiring a chandelier. It's a short sneak peek but it already offers plenty of yearning as we've come to expect from the show. The next season will arrive sometime in 2026. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Plus, it's nice to see that 'The Four Seasons' and 'Forever' will keep going, considering they held the No. 1 spot on Netflix for quite some time. Netflix also revealed new projects across drama, comedy, reality, and film. 'The Body,' a gritty coming-of-age series from Quinn Shepherd, follows a group of rebellious girls who begin experiencing prophetic visions, sparking chaos in their town. In 'All the Sinners Bleed,' the first Black sheriff of a conservative Southern community leads a chilling manhunt for a serial killer. On the lighter side, Dan Levy returns with a new untitled comedy series, co-starring Laurie Metcalf and Taylor Ortega. The classic talent show 'Star Search' is also making a comeback for a new generation. For fans, it's always a win when a favorite show gets the green light for another season, but for Netflix, these renewals go much deeper than fan service. At a time when competition among streamers is intense and viewer loyalty is harder to maintain, confirming new seasons of beloved series is a smart move. At a time when competition among streamers is intense and viewer loyalty is harder to maintain, confirming new seasons of beloved series is a smart move. Shows like 'Bridgerton' and 'The Diplomat' have strong, built-in audiences. Renewing them sends a clear message: Netflix is doubling down on the stories people are already invested in. By giving a second (or fifth!) life to these shows, Netflix is building not just a content library, but a relationship with its audience that feels thoughtful and long-term. Especially since we're so used to these platforms canceling shows without giving them a chance. Bela Bajaria, Netflix's Chief Content Officer, highlighted what sets the platform apart, explaining that she's 'programming a slate, not slots. That means that my team is thinking about all the titles we release all year — across many countries and languages. And we're making sure we have shows and films for everyone and every mood. 'Our audiences expect us to have the best of everything. And we try to keep them on their toes with some unexpected surprises too. That's why when we have the opportunity to take big, bold swings and get the NFL on Christmas Day, a surprise boxing match, or the WWE every week, we move quickly and we make it happen.' While you wait for these shows to return, see what got added to Netflix in May 2025 or check out our guide on the best Netflix shows to stream now.
