Netflix is set to redefine K-unscripted entertainment with an ambitious slate of new and returning shows at Korea’s Unscripted Festival 2025, highlighting the genre’s rapid growth and global cultural influence. The streaming giant announced a “non-stop variety show slate,” with at least one major unscripted title premiering monthly from September 2025 through February 2026, blending mystery, competition, travel, romance, and comedy to captivate audiences worldwide.
The festival kicks off on September 23 with Crime Scene Zero, a legendary role-playing mystery game show that promises gripping narratives and high-profile guest stars. The season premiere will feature Park Sung-woong and Joo Hyun-young, setting the stage for a series of thrilling episodes. In October, the acclaimed competition series Physical: 100 evolves into Physical: Asia, uniting elite contestants from eight countries: Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Türkiye, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines. This expansion marks a significant milestone, with additional versions planned for the U.S. and Italy, further cementing the show’s global reach.
November introduces a collaboration with renowned producer Nah Yung-suk, bringing Three Idiots in Kenya to Netflix. The series follows comedians Lee Su-geun, Eun Ji-won, and Kyuhyun as they embark on a humorous and unpredictable adventure across Kenya, promising a blend of laughter and cultural exploration. December sees the return of Culinary Class Wars Season 2, the fierce cooking competition that gained international acclaim in its debut season. Kihwan Yoo, Director of Content (Korea) at Netflix, emphasized the show’s impact, stating that Culinary Class Wars not only captivated audiences but also sparked meaningful conversations within the food industry, showcasing the power of unscripted content to drive cultural dialogue.
The new year begins with Single’s Inferno returning for its fifth season in January 2026, continuing to build its dedicated global fanbase with its signature mix of romance and drama. February brings back Agents of Mystery Season 2, a hybrid adventure-mystery series, while production has already started on The Devil’s Plan Season 3, created by acclaimed producer Jeong Jong-yeon, promising more strategic and suspenseful gameplay.
Netflix is also expanding its popular “guesthouse universe” with Kian’s Bizarre B&B Season 2 and Jae-seok’s B&B Rules!, both highlighted in an exclusive production announcement clip. The overwhelming response to these shows saw over 55,000 teams applying to participate as guests, with approximately 3,500 individuals interviewed, underscoring the enduring appeal of host Yoo Jae-suk. Additionally, Better Late Than Single will return for a second season, delivering more comedic and heartfelt moments.
Netflix’s 2025 unscripted lineup reflects its commitment to innovation and diversity in K-entertainment, collaborating with both established and emerging creators to push creative boundaries. From high-stakes competitions to lighthearted travel adventures, these shows aim to deliver fresh stories and unforgettable moments to a global audience.
Kihwan Yoo attributed the success of Netflix’s unscripted portfolio to the dedication of producers, cast, and crew, who continually strive to elevate the quality and impact of these productions. As Netflix continues to experiment and expand its storytelling universe, Korea’s Unscripted Festival 2025 promises to be a landmark celebration of K-unscripted entertainment’s evolution.
Source: Netflix
