Cancelled KBS2 Variety Show Beat Coin (Hong Kim Dong Jeon) Makes a Spectacular Comeback on Netflix as Screwballs.

Despite dismal 1% viewership ratings, KBS2's variety show Beat Coin (Hong Kim Dong Jeon) has made a spectacular comeback on Netflix.

KBS2's variety show Beat Coin (Hong Kim Dong Jeon), which was previously canceled due to dismal 1% viewership ratings, has made a spectacular comeback on Netflix with the newly released variety show Screwballs.

As of 3:00 PM on the 26th, Screwballs claimed the top spot in Netflix Korea's Top 10 Series ranking. It was followed by The Witch at number 2, Melo Movie at number 3, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call at number 4, The Blank Menu For You at number 5, Dr. John at number 6, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill at number 7, Failure Frame at number 8, Sakamoto Days at number 9, and Zero Day at number 10.

Just a few months ago, the original program that had vanished from TV re-emerged as Screwballs and shot straight to the top, an outcome no one had anticipated.

Screwballs is a new variety show presented on Netflix by the production team and cast members of the now-defunct Beat Coin (Hong Kim Dong Jeon). The original show featured Hong Jin-kyung, Kim Sook, Jo Se-ho, Joo Woo-jae, and 2PM's Jang Woo-young in a concept where fate was decided by a coin toss.

When it first aired in July 2022, the show received attention for its unique format and fresh humor. However, after a year and a half, the program was canceled due to low ratings, consistently remaining in the 1% range.

Despite its TV failure, the show's distinctive concept and the strong chemistry among its cast had garnered a loyal fanbase who banded together to demand a Season 2. However, with restructuring at KBS and departures within the production team, any follow-up was quickly dashed.

Now, with Netflix confirming its release, the original members have reunited and the program has been reborn as Screwballs. However, it's no longer a traditional broadcast variety program but has been optimized as a format ideal for streaming.

In Screwballs, the character-driven humor and variety elements have been ramped up even further than in Beat Coin. The cast members also sport bolder makeup and more exaggerated character settings.

Throughout the show, they engage in relentless, playful banter and throw unbridled jabs at each other, which many viewers believe contributes to the heightened hilarity.

This humor is also attributed to the creative freedom afforded by the Netflix platform.

The biggest change, however, is in the runtime. While Beat Coin ran over an hour per episode, Screwballs has been trimmed to about 30 minutes per episode.

Borrowing the format of web-based variety shows and aligning with the current trend of short-form content, this adjustment has resulted in a faster pace and greater viewer engagement.

Viewers have noticed that the shorter runtime has actually amplified the humor, making for an even more enjoyable viewing experience.

The comedians from Screwballs TV Show have also made guest appearances on G-Dragon's "Good Day" segment, adding to the unique fusion of music and comedy.

Their offbeat humor and energetic presence complement G-Dragon's innovative style, creating a dynamic blend that resonates with fans.

This collaboration showcases the comedians' versatility and reinforces G-Dragon's status as a trendsetter who bridges diverse entertainment genres.

A program that was once shunned on TV has now turned the tables by clinching the number one spot on Netflix. The shift in format and the inherent differences between traditional broadcast and streaming have given viewers a completely fresh experience, prompting them to reevaluate the original show.

It remains to be seen whether Screwballs, returning in an evolved form rather than merely resurrected, will sustain its long-term popularity. However, its initial success is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted comedy and the power of adaptation in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.