Recommended Variety Show (Mystery/Detective/Puzzle/Survival)
Want to wake up your inner survival instinct? Solving puzzle to become the future mad scientist? Chasing bad guys? Survive an apocalypse or zombie outbreak?
No worries. I've prepared my favorite varierty show which you may like!
Note:
- I've watched all show below and it's based on my own preferences.
- Last updated on March 2024.
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1. The Great Escape
Korean TV Show - 2018, 13 episodes
Highly recommended, the show has its own universe! The beginning may seems boring, but trust me it will get so much better. Created by PD Jung Jong Yeon (the OG), that created Devil's Plan, The Genius, Girls' High Mystery Class, and The Society Game.
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2. The Great Escape: Season 2
Korean TV Show - 2019, 13 episodes
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3. The Great Escape: Season 3
Korean TV Show - 2020, 13 episodes
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4. The Great Escape: Season 4
Korean TV Show - 2021, 13 episodes
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5. Busted
Korean TV Show - 2018, 10 episodes
Light version of "The Great Escape". Unscripted, heavily relies on the casts' wittiness. Busted has a great concept and offers a good laugh.
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6. Busted 2
Korean TV Show - 2019, 10 episodes
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7. Busted 3
Korean TV Show - 2021, 8 episodes
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8. Go to New World First
Korean TV Show - 2021, 8 episodes
Simulation kinda varierty show. A light one! I recommend this show to people that seek a casual variety show. Oh, and if you like simulation game, you may find this show interesting!
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9. The Genius: Rules of the Game
Korean TV Show - 2013, 12 episodes
Hands up to the OG variety show. People maybe hyping for Devil's Plan or University Wars/Elite League in 2023/2024, but the real deal is The Genius. The show age like a fine wine haha, trust me this shows is very good. It have 4 seasons, but personally I like the first and third one.
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10. The Genius: Rule Breaker
Korean TV Show - 2013, 12 episodes
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11. The Genius: Black Garnet
Korean TV Show - 2014, 12 episodes
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12. The Genius: Grand Final
Korean TV Show - 2015, 12 episodes
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13. The Zone: You Have to Endure to Live
Korean TV Show - 2022, 8 episodes
Kinda similar with "New World", both having this "game simulation" vibes. I've laughed non-stop watching this show, I mean who doesn't like Yoo Jaesuk-Lee Kwangsoo duo? Add Yuri and...you have a trio vibrating a siblings vibes, bickering here and there.
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14. The Zone: Survival Mission Season 2
Korean TV Show - 2023, 8 episodes
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15. Girls' Highschool Mystery Class
Korean TV Show - 2021, 16 episodes
I've underestimate this show before. Seems boring at the beginning, but it GOT ME HOOKED.Believe me, the plotline get better and the sisterhood is the one that I'm rooting for.
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16. Girls High School Investigation Class 2
Korean TV Show - 2021, 8 episodes
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17. The Devil's Plan
Korean TV Show - 2023, 12 episodes
It's good and people are hyping this for a while. To be honest, this show is good, but I don't hype this so much. I guess the bar has been set high ages ago because I've seen The Genius haha.
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18. Zombiverso
Korean TV Show - 2023, 8 episodes
Surprisingly kinda fun?! We all know South Korea has produced a series of top-tier zombie movie (Train to Busan, Kingdom, etc.), but seeing a zombie-dedicated variety show? It's interesting. They made a good choice casting Dex because he had this "survival" image in him. A new gem, cast called Tsuki from Billie (girl group) is surprisingly has unexpected side!
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19. The Time Hotel
Korean TV Show - 2023, 10 episodes
Basically, "time is money" kinda show. Good one.
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20. Siren: Island of Fire
Korean TV Show - 2023, 10 episodes
Oho, it's like a turf war between profession. Super fun! This is a badass-all-woman show, showing their charm through a battle of pride. I enjoy the show!
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21. Physical: da 100 a 1
Korean TV Show - 2023, 9 episodes
Super fun to watch, but kinda dissapointed with alleged cheating (winner manipulation) scandal :(
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22. Elite League
Korean TV Show - 2023, 8 episodes
2024? We have this super smart student from top tier university in South Korea, fighting for their pride and school name.
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23. Crime Scene Returns
Korean TV Show - 2024, 10 episodes
Personally, I found the "crime scene" show a little bit draggy and boring (don't hate me pls). BUT, this season is kinda different. Each theme have their own charm and interesting. I love the cast choice, they're fun and smart.
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24. Apartment 404
Korean TV Show - 2024, 8 episodes
For a "limited" concept (they revolves on solving mystery in apartment setting) show, this is kinda fun to watch. If I'm being honest, the show heavily supported by the cast (indeed a good cast this time). Yoo Jaesuk, Oh Nara, Cha Taehyun, Yang Sechan is the senior of reality show and offer a real good laugh. Jennie? She's like super smart here and it's fun watching her being able to show her real charm and brain in here. Jungha is.. okay and started to show his interesting side on episode 3. I know he's a beginner, and I'm seeing him improving.
Ongoing. Light. Super good chemistry between cast. Not Bad!!
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25. League of Universities: The Athlete Boys
Korean TV Show - 2024, 10 episodes
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26. Society Game
Korean TV Show - 2016, 12 episodes
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27. Game of Blood
Korean TV Show - 2021, 12 episodes
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28. Bloody Game Season 2
Korean TV Show - 2023, 14 episodes
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29. Prison Life of Fools
Korean TV Show - 2019, 26 episodes
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30. The Soldiers
Korean TV Show - 2021, 10 episodes