Netflix's K-Variety Show Tops Charts from Episode 1 — Now It’s Taking Global Buzz by Storm!

From the very first episode, Netflix’s brain survival game show The Devil’s Plan: Deathroom (a.k.a. The Devil’s Plan 2) has captured viewers with its high-stakes twists and addictive gameplay—so much so that it has quickly climbed to the top of global rankings.

According to Netflix’s official Top 10 site on May 14, the show recorded 1.7 million views in just one week (calculated by total watch hours divided by the show’s runtime), landing at No. 9 on the Global Top 10 Non-English Series list.

Domestically, the response has been even stronger. The Devil’s Plan 2 shot to No. 1 in Netflix Korea’s Top 10 series and entered the Top 10 lists in six countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Morocco.

The buzz extended beyond Netflix rankings. According to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex (Week 2 of May), the show ranked No. 1 in non-drama TV/OTT content buzz, surpassing popular titles like SNL Korea Season 7 on Coupang Play. Notably, The Devil’s Plan 2 earned more than double the buzz score compared to Season 1.

Directed by Jung Jong-yeon, the mastermind behind The Genius and Great Escape, this latest season brings together participants from various professional backgrounds in an intense, week-long brain survival camp. Each contestant competes for the title of the ultimate strategist.

Among the most talked-about cast members is legendary Go player Lee Sedol, whose strategic prowess and no-nonsense gameplay have impressed viewers. While his performance in the first main match, "Corrupt Cops," was met with mixed reactions, he bounced back with a strong showing in the next round, “Unknown,” making bold decisions even when others hesitated. His aggressive tactics signaled that he’s not just playing to survive—he’s playing to win. Lee also ranked 6th in non-drama celebrity buzz.

The show’s high-tension matches and sharp eliminations have fueled strong reactions online. Comments from viewers include: “The cast balance is perfect,” “Way better than Season 1,” “Lee Sedol is a natural-born competitor,” “I started watching and stayed up all night,” “Love that they reveal eliminations all at once,” “It’s nonstop excitement,” and “Even the cast has great variety-show instincts!”

The final three episodes (10–12) of The Devil’s Plan: Deathroom are set to premiere on May 20 on Netflix.

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