YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, is set to embark on a groundbreaking venture with Amazon MGM Studios, unveiling plans for a new reality competition show titled “Beast Games.”
This collaboration marks a significant stride in bridging the realms of online entertainment and traditional television.
“Beast Games,” touted as “the biggest reality competition series ever,” is slated to host a staggering 1,000 contestants vying for a remarkable $5 million cash prize.
Donaldson, acclaimed as the most-followed individual creator on YouTube with over 389 million subscribers across his channels, is renowned for his extravagant productions that rival professional television standards. From elaborate sets to jaw-dropping cash prizes, his content has captivated audiences worldwide.
In a recent interview on “The Colin and Samir Show” podcast, Donaldson disclosed that the budget for his YouTube videos can soar up to $5 million each, emphasizing that the forthcoming show will surpass even these extravagant expenses.
Industry analysts estimate the collaboration between Donaldson and Amazon to be valued at approximately $100 million, underlining the magnitude of this groundbreaking partnership.
Cash splash
“It’s like our normal videos, but just 20 times better,” Donaldson remarked during the podcast interview.
“Money’s not a constraint on the show. And so I can also just do anything, which is like a lot more freeing than you would think and so mind-blowing.”
The move to collaborate with a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video allows Donaldson to circumvent the constraints imposed by algorithms prevalent on platforms like YouTube.
While acknowledging the vast reach of Amazon Prime Video, which boasts 80 million active households in the U.S.,
Donaldson remains confident in the immense potential of “Beast Games” to captivate audiences worldwide.
“Beast Games” epitomizes a broader trend in which creators are diversifying their content beyond social media platforms to explore new revenue streams.
Earlier this year, the YouTube group “Sidemen” debuted a documentary on Netflix, while the D’Amelio family aired the third season of their reality show on Hulu, exemplifying the expanding influence of digital creators in the realm of traditional media.
