Netflix just debuted a new reality show called “Million Dollar Secret” — and some viewers think it’s too similar to Peacock’s “The Traitors.”
On “Million Dollar Secret,” one contestant secretly has $1 million stashed away in their bedroom. The other 11 players must sniff out the millionaire in the hopes of getting the money for themselves. It’s a game of deceit, suspicion, and group tasks set in a luxurious mansion. In other words, it has a lot in common with “The Traitors.”
The Guardian’s review called the new show “a shameless rip-off,” claiming that it copies the Peacock series “transparently, baldly, [and] shamelessly.”
The Telegraph argued that “Million Dollar Secret” is “entertaining enough” but “gets zero marks for originality,” with even the “soundtrack [being] uncannily like the music in ‘The Traitors.‘”
Although “Million Dollar Secret” scratches the same itch as “The Traitors,” some viewers have pointed out that it’s more similar to reality shows like “The Mole” and “The Fortune Hotel.”
Missions on “The Traitors” have no real purpose beyond giving contestants a chance to earn money for the prize pot, whereas “Million Dollar Secret” players get a clue about the millionaire’s identity if they win an activity. Contestants on “The Mole” are also able to gather intel during challenges, as it’s the Mole’s job to sabotage their fellow players’ moneymaking efforts.
“Million Dollar Secret seems to share a lot in common with the motives and gameplay of the Mole. Looks even more similar than Traitors,” one viewer argued in a Reddit thread.
Peter Serafinowicz hosts “Million Dollar Secret.”Netflix
“It’s very similar to The Fortune Hotel as well,” another person commented, referring to the British ITV series where contestants much guess which player has a suitcase full of money.
There’s no doubt that “Million Dollar Secret” is following in the footsteps of similar reality TV shows that came before it, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.
Whether set in Scotland (“The Traitors”) or Canada (“Million Dollar Secret”), and whether players are concealing money or cosplaying murder, it’s fun to watch people lie through their teeth and throw around baseless accusations.
If you’re a fan of “The Traitors” or “The Mole,” you’ll probably enjoy “Million Dollar Secret.”
“Million Dollar Secret” premiered on Netflix on Wednesday, March 26. New episodes will be released every Wednesday.
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