South Korean reality hit Physical: 100, known for its extreme fitness challenges, is the latest Netflix series to spawn multiple international spin-offs.
Joining the likes of dating show Love is Blind and baking competition Nailed It!, the gladiator-style competition has run for two seasons since its debut in 2023.
What is the format of Physical: 100?
The 100 contestants on the show, both women and men, are known for their physical prowess and come from various sporting disciplines. They include Olympians, MMA champions, bodybuilders and CrossFit athletes.
Contestants are put through gruelling contests that test their strength and endurance. In the first competition in season one, the Hanging Challenge, contestants were required to hang from a bar raised above water for as long as they could, with the highest scorers earning special privileges.
In Death Match Challenge, which has appeared in multiple seasons, contestants wrestle one-on-one in an arena to gain possession of a ball within a stipulated time to proceed to the next round.
With participants eliminated after each challenge, the last person walks home with prize money of 300 million Korean won ($210,000).
The first two seasons of Physical: 100 were both won by CrossFit athletes: Woo Jin-yong and Amotti.
Why is it such a hit?
Physical: 100 became a breakout success around the world, soaring to the Top 10 in more than 80 countries. The show has been praised for breaking stereotypes by pitting men and women against each other. Another example of its inclusivity is that participants have varying body types and skills, and are put through challenges where no single athlete is guaranteed victory.
The show's success has already inspired multiple spin-offs, with more being planned.
International spin-offs
Physical: Asia
The first international spin-off of Physical: 100 pits eight countries against each other: South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia and the Philippines. The showdown of nations ups the stakes as well as the prize money in the competition, with the winning team set to walk away with 1 billion Korean won ($700,000).
Star contestants include Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, the only eight-division world champion in history, and Australian UFC middleweight champion Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker. South Korea is represented by several Physical: 100 alumna, including season two winner Amotti, skeleton racer and Olympic gold medallist Yun Sung-bin and wrestler Jang Eun-sil from season one.
Six episodes of Physical: Asia have aired so far, with three episodes coming on November 11 and the final three on November 18.
Physical 100: Italy
The first country spin-off to be announced, the Italian version of Physical: 100 will feature top athletes including rugby player Mirco Bergamasco, diver Tania Cagnotto, motorcycle racer Luis Sal and actress Elisabetta Canalis among others.
The casting process was extensive, Netflix said, with more than 1,000 people contacted, 187 Zoom auditions conducted and 137 in-person callbacks held. Contestants range in age from 22 to 60, and hail from multiple disciplines from wrestling and Hyrox to triathlons.
A release date is yet to be revealed.
Physical 100: USA
Applications are now open for the American version of the show. Contestants have to be over 18 years of age, and either be residents or able to legally travel to and reside in the country for the duration of the production.
“The US version will raise the bar, bringing together America’s most formidable competitors from across sports, fitness and tactical disciplines in a battle to determine who has the most complete physique,” Netflix said.
A Smith & Co Productions, the company behind hit sports competition American Ninja Warrior, is producing the show for Netflix. A filming location is yet to be revealed.
Physical: Europe
Although Italy already has its own spin-off, a European version similar to Physical: Asia is also in the works, according to Netflix. More details are yet to be revealed.
