Netflix introduces us to a new, crazy, obstacle course-style game show.
Hello everybody! Today, we are going to discuss Netflix’s newest game show Floor Is Lava. I have to say, the name of the show alone gives me nostalgia for my childhood. I don’t know about you, but as a child, I was confident that there was something under my bed that would get me. Of course, it only came out at night and would probably attack me if I left my bed. So, if I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I had to leap from my bed, to the light shining on the floor from the bathroom. The dark part of the floor may as well have been lava. Keeping that anecdote in mind, allow me to tell you the premise of the show.
Let The Bodies NOT Hit The Floor
In each episode, there are three teams of three. Each team has to traverse a room where the floor is “lava”. My best theory is that it is a giant bubbling swimming pool with flotation devices made to look like furniture. In each episode, the room is different. It could be an Egyptian tomb, a bedroom, etc. The team has to jump from one object to another, trying not to fall into the “lava”. The team that gets the most team members across the room wins ten grand and a lava lamp. If there is a tie, then the team with the best time wins.
Now that you know the basics, here’s my thoughts on the show.
You’re Smarter Than The Contestants
There’s nothing like pouring yourself a nice cocktail and screaming at the players “jump this way!” or “swing your legs!”. You see, watching it on television makes the objects much closer than they probably are in reality. So two objects that may only look a few feet away from each other, in actuality may be several feet apart. You watch these contestants leap for their lives in the most dramatic fashion, and you find it hilarious.
At the same time you are critiquing their every decision, you find yourself rooting for the players. Even though you laugh when they fall, something deep down in you wants them all to make it.
A Bit Corny
When they do the team interviews, some of the things that these people say sounds extremely cheesy. You can tell some producer said something like “use this pun” or “tell this joke”. It felt a bit silly in a show that really doesn’t need it.
Overall
This show is a fun distraction. There’s so much garbage going on in the world. Flood Is Lava reminds me of Nickelodeon’s classic Double Dare or Legend of the Hidden Temple. It’s just a good time with a simple concept.
Netflix is really giving us outstanding reality shows. This show, The Circle, and even Too Hot to Handle all feel different than what you find on network television. It brings a burst of energy to a dull game show landscape.
Wrapping It Up
Well, there you have it! What do you think of Floor Is Lava? Let me know! Later this week on Couch and Chill, we’ll get ready for summer 2020 anime. Here on Couch Cruisin’, I’ll discuss Gangster Capitalism. I will see you later!
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