Why The Beast Games Made Gave Me An Icky Feeling

He is the most popular celebrity in the world right now but......

As I was watching his new TV show, "The Beast Games", with my 8-year-old daughter, it left me feeling uncomfortable in ways I couldn’t ignore.

While the show promises life-changing prizes and shocking moments, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it also plays with people's emotions in ways that expose the worst of human nature and they do it with a smile.

My spouse decided to not watch it after 15 minutes in, she found it too upsetting.

The show’s premise is undeniably entertaining, people competing for big-time rewards and 5 million dollars while tackling difficult challenges.

But here’s what made it unsettling:

?? Exploiting Vulnerability--Contestants often come from emotionally or financially vulnerable backgrounds.

Seeing their struggles turned into spectacle felt exploitative rather than empowering.

People quit their jobs to be there, one woman's house had burnt down and others were doing it to break out of generational poverty.

This was more than a fun game show to them.

It was more like the crazy utopian world with Jimmy aka Mr.Beast and his crew as supervillains.

Smiling and laughing as people were eliminated. Yuck.

?? Emotional Manipulation--The format seemed designed to amplify contestants’ fears, desperation, and even breakdowns for dramatic effect.

It’s hard to celebrate success when the cost is someone else’s pain.

The crying, the screams and shouts when eliminated from the show were heartbreaking.

?? Showcasing the Worst of Us--Instead of fostering community or collaboration, the show often pits people against one another, bringing out jealousy and greed.

For example, being offered a bribe yourself but if you take it, you eliminate the whole group and they receive nothing.

?? Turning Real Struggles into Entertainment--Watching someone’s genuine hardship transformed into a narrative for views feels ethically questionable.

Should personal emotional pain ever be a form of entertainment?

I get this is why we watch reality TV but this time it really hit home.

I know I am 100 per cent coming off as a grumpy old man.

Many might be like this dude aka me, just does not get it....maybe that is fair but I just think we can do better.

Here’s how we can do better:

?? Make Entertainment Meaningful

Views and likes shouldn’t come at the cost of someone else’s dignity. Focus on creating content that inspires, uplifts, and empowers.

Maybe ask yourself what would Ted Lasso do? (awesome show but also not for kids)

?? Stay Grounded in Your Why

Align every project with your core values and purpose.

Consistency builds trust and respect.

The content on Linkedin blows away other social media networks.

I love LinkedIn for how many people post positive messages, useful information and great business tips.

?? Challenge the Status Quo

Creators and audiences, let’s demand better.

We have the power to redefine what “entertainment” looks like.

MrBeast’s new TV show made me reflect on the kind of entertainment we consume, and the values we project as a society.

While I still think Jimmy is pretty cool and I admire what he has built.

I also admire his creativity and ambition, I hope this serves as a moment for him (and all of us) to rethink how we balance spectacle with ethics.

If you watched it, what did you think?

?? #MrBeast #EthicsInEntertainment #ContentCreation #Leadership #SocialImpact #EntertainmentIndustry #DigitalMarketing #AudienceEngagement #InfluenceWithIntegrity #Entrepreneurship #CreativityMatters