Secrets of Beast Games Uncovered Following Prime Video’s $5 Million Season Finale
TV’s top game show has emerged as a massive success for Prime Video.
On February 25, millions of fans tuned in to Beast Games to discover who claimed the impressive $5 million cash prize.
Season 2 kicked off with 200 of the most formidable competitors and sharpest minds from around the globe vying for 100 spots in Beast City. Those who advanced had to face off in a series of challenges, all for the chance to win a transformative amount of money.
“One of the best things I hear is that this is the first show families are watching together,” Beast Games showrunner and executive producer Sean Klitzner told Us Weekly on February 22. “We’re having family watch nights and experiencing multi-generational viewership, which is quite rare in today’s media landscape.”
In honor of season 2, Klitzner shared some insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of producing Beast Games.
Read on to learn how Prime Video’s latest hit triumphed in the reality TV arena:
What Makes MrBeast Such an Exceptional Host?
Although MrBeast — whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson — boasts one of the most subscribed YouTube channels, some viewers are encountering the creator for the first time on Beast Games.
“He’s someone who began as a kid with dreams and passions, just like all of us,” Beast Games showrunner Sean Klitzner remarked to Us. “There’s no difference between Jimmy and a professional athlete who starts young and pursues his passion daily. He’s more than just a content creator now; it’s been a pleasure to collaborate with him, and he’s become a close friend. He’s genuinely passionate and a nice person.”
What’s Involved in Casting ‘Beast Games’ Contestants?
In the candidate selection process, Sean Klitzner noted that a person’s popularity and social media following often hold little significance.
“It’s all about the individuals because we’re creating a unique world and environment,” Klitzner explained. “We place contestants in this setting for over a month, contesting for $5 million, so it’s crucial to find people who are right for that experience. With this year’s theme focusing on strength versus intelligence, we emphasized selecting the strongest and smartest.”
When assessing competition show candidates, Klitzner believes that authenticity is key.
“I can instantly tell when someone isn’t being genuine,” he shared. “Jim [Bentayou] is fantastic on screen. His audition wasn’t as grand as his later persona, but he was authentically himself in his audition tape.”
Why Does ‘Beast Games’ Highlight Contestants’ Families?
During season 2, audiences were introduced to several family members of the Beast Games competitors. According to Sean Klitzner, including relatives positively influenced the contestants.
“It was a calculated decision,” he noted. “We acknowledge the impact of reconnecting with a loved one after a period of silence. It’s a pivotal moment right before contestants decide how much of the million-dollar pot they wish to take.”
When faced with the opportunity to secure funds for their families, Klitzner believes it leads to truly captivating television.
How Does a $5 Million Grand Prize Shape ‘Beast Games’?
While some shows like Survivor offer $1 million to the winner, Sean Klitzner insists that $5 million is genuinely life-altering, providing a sense of financial security—if managed wisely.
“One of the core features that makes this show exceptional is that winners receive their prize in one lump sum,” Klitzner stated. “At the end, when you see a substantial amount in your bank account, it truly changes your life.”
With such a high-stakes prize, Klitzner feels that the focus shifts from alliances and friendships to individual gameplay.
Celebrities enjoy Survivor, just like the rest of us — which is why several well-known faces have guest appearances in Survivor 50. “Once we decided to let fans influence the game design, the question became: ‘How far can we take this idea!?’” host Jeff Probst shared with Variety in a recent interview.
Who Will Fans Remember Most From ‘Beast Games’ Season 2?
While Sean Klitzner prefers not to spoil the finale for those who haven’t watched yet, two contestants stood out to him.
“I believe Monika [Ronk] and Jim [Bentayou] were absolutely entertaining to watch. We really experienced their journey alongside them,” Klitzner reflected. “When [Monika] took the money and then lamented, ‘I took none of it,’ I think that moment rivals some of the biggest moves in shows like Survivor. It was truly a legendary moment in competitive reality TV.”
Klitzner, who is working on pioneering new unscripted competition series, added, “I hope audiences will appreciate Jim as much as I did. Watching him was always uplifting; he radiated positive energy and was one of my favorites to follow.”
Beast Games is available for streaming now on Prime Video.
