Segments where some of the players take on game roles of "terrorists," with symbols representing them featuring large automatic weapons. Additionally, in one of the games, players are given a symbolic "bullet" to eliminate others. The competitive atmosphere can become emotionally charged, leading to contestants becoming visibly upset, crying, or feeling ganged up on. People also lie to, and sometimes argue with, each other. The host of the show wears a jumpsuit and a creepy electronic face mask, which may be scary to young children.
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Gives a small glimpse into some of the common customs and practices in Korea. For example, one contestant says that not being allowed to have a phone is like doing a temple stay.
Positive Messages
none
The show encourages deceit and dishonesty to win. There aren't any positive messages.
Positive Role Models
none
Everyone is trying to trick one another to win. There aren't any positive role models.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Devil's Plan sets a competitive tone from the beginning, proclaiming, "Anything goes in the name of victory. We only ask that you play to win." Contestants are encouraged to scheme and lie, and the show places a high priority on people's status and accomplishments. In certain games, players take on the roles of "terrorists," symbolized by large automatic weapons, and players are given symbolic "bullets" to eliminate others. The competitive elements can lead to emotional moments, including contestants arguing, becoming upset, crying, or feeling ganged up on when they perform poorly.
I don't think it is trying to be like squid game, it's more like The Genius, since that's what the creator made before. So I don't think it was trying to have a danger premise like that
What's the Story?
In THE DEVIL'S PLAN a group of accomplished Korean mean and women live in the same house and compete against each other to earn "pieces" that can be used to gain a competitive edge in games or as bargaining chips for negotiations between contestants. Players doing the worst in the games are locked in "jail" overnight. The two contestants with the highest number of pieces will advance to the final round and the winner will be crowned the "Victor of the Devil's Plan" and given a cash prize.
This clear attempt to build on the popularity of Squid Game is a reality show setup with a competition area and living area under one roof -- and its own creepy masked host overseeing the proceedings. But while Squid Game had a chilling and ominous tone, The Devil's Plan comes off as a rather benign game, despite the producers' efforts to up the level of "danger." Having contestants with various degrees of celebrity, and a few with interconnected backgrounds, adds depth to the dynamics, but the games they play can be overly complex. This may cause young viewers to be confused and older viewers to lose interest. But for teens and adults who relish intricate, role-playing board games, these challenges could be devilishly entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the show's message promoting lying and cheating. Why do you think the people who made this show thought it would be a good idea? Why do reality shows often encourage people to argue and not get along?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
suggesting a diversity update.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Stephanie Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
