Why Isn’t Beast Games Performing Well?

There’s been a buzz surrounding Beast Games—but not for the reasons you’d expect. Despite a stellar debut on Amazon Prime Video, the show has stumbled in maintaining momentum, leaving many wondering why it hasn’t met expectations.

As a content creator, I’ve been reflecting on where things might have gone wrong.

The Problem With Pacing

Let’s talk about audience retention. On YouTube, creators like MrBeast have mastered the art of holding attention from one second to the next. But translating that formula into long-form streaming content? That’s a different beast (pun intended).

Take my experience: by the 12th minute of Beast Games, I felt overwhelmed. The tension never let up, and there wasn’t a moment to breathe. For YouTube, constant action works—it’s bite-sized and high-energy. But on a streaming platform, viewers crave pacing, storytelling, and moments to pause and process. Without that balance, the content becomes exhausting rather than engaging.

What the Numbers Say

To its credit, Beast Games hit some impressive milestones:

• It ranked #1 on Amazon Prime Video in over 50 countries, including the US, India, and Australia.
• It generated massive initial viewership thanks to MrBeast’s devoted fanbase.

But critically, the reception hasn’t been kind:

• Metacritic gave it a 38/100, describing it as “generally unfavorable.”
• IGN scored it a dismal 2/10, citing a lack of depth and focus on contestants.
• The Guardian didn’t hold back, calling it “one of the most unwatchable spectacles ever aired on television.”

Even with its initial success, the show struggled to sustain momentum. And with the festive action-comedy Red One now taking the #1 spot, it seems viewers are moving on.

Viewer Drop-off and Behind-the-Scenes Drama

Audience drop-off is one of Beast Games’ most glaring issues. The relentless tension left many viewers exhausted early in the episodes. But the show’s problems didn’t stop there.

Reports of poor filming conditions added fuel to the fire:

• Contestants alleged lack of access to food, hygiene products, and medical care.
• These claims led to lawsuits and a tarnished reputation for the production.

When you combine overwhelming content with behind-the-scenes controversy, it’s no surprise retention took a hit.

Lessons for Content Creators

What can we learn from Beast Games? Simply put, creating engaging content isn’t just about throwing everything at your audience at once. It’s about balance. On platforms like YouTube, constant action is a winning formula. But on streaming platforms, viewers expect a journey—tension needs to ebb and flow, allowing space for emotional connection.

Moreover, production matters. Audiences today aren’t just watching your content; they’re also tuned into how it’s made. Ethical concerns can have a direct impact on how your brand is perceived.

The Takeaway

Beast Games is a fascinating case study of what happens when a digital-first creator attempts to leap into long-form storytelling without adapting their approach. While the numbers may look good on paper, retention and audience experience tell the real story.

If you’re a content creator considering new formats or platforms, take this as a reminder: know your audience, respect their expectations, and never underestimate the power of pacing and production quality.

And hey, if you need a break from all the tension, go watch Red One. It’s fun—and sometimes, fun is exactly what we need.