Summary

Fans ofSquid Gamewho are itching for more stories exploring the horrors of societal inequality, ruthless competition, and morally ambiguous survival should look no further than one of the most underrated series now streaming on Hulu. While it’s not a one-to-one comparison between the show andSquid Game, some similarities will quickly pop up for fans of the genre.

WhileThe Purgemovies gained widespread recognition, the TV adaptation has often flown under the radar despite delivering a deeper dive into the twisted premise of its cinematic counterparts. LikeSquid Game,The PurgeTV series presents an ultraviolent world where ordinary people are thrust into nightmarish situations and forced to make life-or-death decisions. At its core, both show critiques of societal structures that exploit the powerless while the wealthy reap the benefits. If you lovedSquid Game’s suspense and grim themes, this overlooked gem may be your next binge-worthy obsession.

a close up of player 100 in the squid game series

What The Purge Show Is About

The PurgeTV series expandson the dystopian concept introduced in the films: an annual 12-hour period where all crime, including murder, is legal. While the movies largely focus on isolated events during Purge Night, the series delves deeper into the psychological and societal aftermath of this brutal event. Across its two seasons, the show explores how individualsprepare for Purge Night, cope with its consequences, and navigate a world where survival often means sacrificing morality.

Season one follows a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and struggles, as their stories intertwine on Purge Night. From a couple attending asinister Purge-themed partyhosted by the wealthy elite to a former Marine searching for his missing sister, the series weaves together suspense, drama, and action. Season two shifts its focus to the aftermath of Purge Night, exploring the psychological toll it takes on survivors and how the Purge influences society year-round.

a red hair men speaking on the phone outside the airport

This broader scope allowsThe PurgeTV series to examine themes like systemic oppression, the commodification of violence, and the stark divide between the rich and poor. These elements make it a compelling companion piece toSquid Game, as both narratives highlight the lengths people will go to for survival in an unforgiving world.

A Conspiracy Is At The Center Of Squid Game And The Purge

One of the most striking similarities betweenSquid GameandThe PurgeTV series is their shared focus on conspiracy and manipulation.InSquid Game, desperate individuals are lured into a deadly competition by a shadowy organization, only to realize that their suffering is a form of entertainment for the ultra-rich. Similarly,The PurgeTV series exposes the sinister underpinnings of Purge Night, revealing how it serves as a tool for maintaining societal control.

Both shows highlight the role of the wealthy elite in orchestrating these nightmarish scenarios.InThe Purge, the affluenttreat the annual event as an opportunity for sport, hosting lavish parties where participants are encouraged to indulge in violent acts against the less fortunate. Meanwhile, inSquid Game, the rich place bets on the lives of players, turning their struggles into a macabre spectacle. These conspiracies underscore the dehumanizing effects of unchecked power and wealth, adding a layer of social commentary that elevates both stories beyond mere thrillers.

These conspiracies underscore the dehumanizing effects of unchecked power and wealth, adding a layer of social commentary that elevates both stories beyond mere thrillers.

The mistrust and paranoia permeating both series keeps viewers on edge, as characters grapple with the realization that the odds are stacked against them. This exploration of conspiracy and systemic exploitation resonates with audiences,making bothSquid GameandThe Purgeessential viewing for fans of thought-provoking horror.

The Game Is The Same, Just A Different Presentation

At their core,Squid GameandThe PurgeTV series share a common premise: ordinary citizens are thrust into a violent, high-stakes game where their choices determine their survival. However, each show distinctly presents this concept, catering to different narrative styles and viewer preferences.

Squid Gameuses its competition formatto explore themes of desperation, loyalty, and betrayal, with each game serving as a metaphor for societal inequalities. The colorful, childlike aesthetics of the games starkly contrast with their deadly outcomes, creating a surreal and unsettling atmosphere. The personal stories of the contestants, combined with the emotional weight of their decisions, make for a deeply affecting narrative.

In contrast,The PurgeTV series leans into its dystopian setting to create a tense and brutal world where the lines between right and wrong blur. The show’s focus on multiple characters and storylines provides a broader perspective on the impact of violence and systemic corruption. WhileSquid Gameconcentrates on individual struggles within a confined environment,The Purgeexplores the ripple effects of its premise on society as a whole.

While Squid Game concentrates on individual struggles within a confined environment, The Purge explores the ripple effects of its premise on society as a whole.

Despite their differences in tone and presentation, both shows tap into universal fears about survival, morality, and the cost of human life. For fans ofSquid Game,The Purgeoffers a darker, more grounded take on these themes, making it a must-watch for those who crave stories that challenge their perceptions of humanity.