I Watched The Netflix Game Show What’s In The Box?, And Now I Want The Streaming Service To Do More Like This

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Netflix is well-known for its reality shows, particularly dating competitions, and consistently creates popular content. Having become a leader in most television genres, it’s no surprise they’re now focusing on game shows. What’s in the Box? is a recent example of their effort to succeed in this area.

Neil Patrick Harris is the host of What’s in the Box, a fun game show with word puzzles, guessing games, trivia, and amazing prizes. I haven’t watched a lot of game shows on Netflix, but I’m already hooked on this one – it has the potential to be a big success!

Warning: What’s in the Box spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

What’s In The Box Is Different Than Expected, Especially With The Format

I wasn’t sure what to expect from What’s in the Box?, as I only knew the general idea. But, having watched a lot of game shows, I still had a sense of how it might go.

The show will typically feature a new group of contestants each episode, which is common for most game shows. But What’s in the Box? is different – it needs the same contestants to return week after week. This is because a big part of the show’s excitement comes from watching how the contestants interact with each other and how those relationships develop – or fall apart. That ongoing dynamic is central to the show’s appeal.

I was surprised to find out that a car theft could make for such good TV! It was also unexpected to see someone and their mother become the ‘bad guys’ simply because they wanted to win a car. Despite that, I found myself completely hooked by this storyline. What made it work was that viewers actually connected with the contestants – something that doesn’t usually happen on game shows, where you quickly forget most people and their stories. That level of connection usually only happens when contestants have a really stand-out moment, or if they’re on a show like Jeopardy! or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and appear multiple times.

This small, unexpected element really transforms What’s in the Box? and gives it more character.

It Reminded Me How Much Money Netflix Has And Can Give Away

Netflix offers a variety of interactive games, and I’ve recently gotten into one called Best Guess Live. It’s similar to the old Trivia HQ game, but focuses more on guessing than specific knowledge. Players try to identify items based on clues for a chance to win between $5,000 and $10,000 – and sometimes even larger prizes. It makes me wonder how long Netflix can keep it up, though, considering they’re giving away at least $75,000 each week.

I recently watched What’s in the Box? and it really highlighted how much revenue Netflix brings in – $75,000 a week is small change for them. I anticipated impressive prizes, but I was still shocked by how luxurious some of them were! People won things like expensive cars and watches, all-expenses-paid trips, $25,000 shopping sprees, and even meals prepared by professional chefs. I’m honestly amazed and a little jealous of how much money Netflix invests in this show.

Look, as a movie and TV fanatic, I’m totally okay with Netflix splashing out a little. It’s awesome to see those contestants win big, and honestly, it’s cool they aren’t nickel and diming everything. They get it – a few lucky winners could actually help create the next huge show everyone’s talking about, even if it temporarily overloads the servers! I’m all for it. Netflix, keep those prizes coming – spread the wealth around!

Netflix Has A Small Collection Of Game Shows But I Need More

I’ve tried a few of Netflix’s game shows, and I’m excited about the ones coming soon. While I enjoyed them, I didn’t get deeply hooked enough to want to watch multiple seasons—and most of them only had one season anyway, which suggests they aren’t hugely popular. Still, I’d like to see Netflix develop more game shows, and I’m hoping What’s in the Box? gets renewed. It has the potential to make Neil Patrick Harris a top-tier game show host.

Game shows are often a light and enjoyable way to unwind, whether it’s on a weekend or after a long day. They definitely fill a niche for casual entertainment, and can even be a fun activity for families to share. It’s understandable why Netflix doesn’t feature them prominently, though. People tend to stumble upon game shows while channel surfing, but they’re less likely to actively search for them when there are so many other shows and movies to choose from on a streaming platform.

I get why Netflix has other priorities, but I really hope they make more game shows. I didn’t expect What’s in the Box? to stand out, but now I’m curious to see how Netflix continues to update and improve the game show format with fresh ideas.

The Appeal Of What’s In The Box? Was As Much About The Contestants As The Game

At first, I wasn’t sure about a game show with the same players each week – it sounded repetitive. I didn’t really connect with any of the contestants initially, either. But after watching the first season of What’s in the Box?, I found myself with clear favorites, and I was genuinely invested in who would win – and who wouldn’t.

I wasn’t initially excited about the idea of guessing phrases. Plus, most of them are pretty easy to figure out, so the real appeal of What’s in the Box? comes from other elements. The contestants are key – they add a layer of strategy to what is essentially a simple guessing game. It’s not a fiercely competitive show like Big Brother or Survivor, but it definitely gets intense. The show’s casting directors did a great job; the contestants are engaging without being annoying. Even the ‘villains’ are likable because you end up rooting for the other players.

I generally still enjoy game shows that feature different players each week, but I appreciate that What’s in the Box? tries something new with its format, and it works well.

This Netflix Show Could Start A Trend That Also Gets Viewers More Involved

To make What’s in the Box? even better, I suggest adding a way for viewers to participate. Perhaps offer prizes – like boxes – that people can win while they watch. While they wouldn’t need to be as extravagant as the ones in the show, making them desirable prizes could attract more viewers.

The game show Best Guess Live is gaining fans, likely due to both its competitive element and the strong community it’s fostering. I believe shows like Netflix’s What’s in the Box? could attract even more viewers by adding more ways for the audience to participate. It would be great to see this become a common feature in game shows, including future seasons of What’s in the Box?, and to reward viewers for their continued support.

Stream What’s in The Box? on Netflix.

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2026-01-20 00:12