It’s easy to forget that celebrities and public figures also like to sit down and binge-watch shows on Netflix just like all of us, which is why the internet can’t believe that Jeff Bezos shared his thoughts on the streaming service’s latest TV sensation Squid Game.
The Korean dystopian drama series follows 450 people who are all struggling with their debts are invited to take part in a deadly game of survival which includes challenges revolving around an old Korean children’s game - all in the hopes of winning the life-changing cash prize of â©45.6 billion (£28m).
The theme running throughout the nine episodes has caused comparisons to The Hunger Games due to its commentary on late-stage capitalism, highlighting how the system enables exploitation and class inequality.
So it’s fair to say people were surprised when billionaire Bezos took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the show (even though he is yet to watch it) and praised Netflix.
He tweeted: “@ReedHastings and Ted Sarandos and the team at @Netflix get it right so often. Their internationalization strategy isn’t easy, and they’re making it work. Impressive and inspiring. (And I can’t wait to watch the show.)”
.@ReedHastings and Ted Sarandos and the team at @Netflix get it right so often. Their internationalization strategy isn’t easy, and they’re making it work. Impressive and inspiring. (And I can’t wait to watch the show.) https://t.co/yFw7TGyc1U
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) October 2, 2021
As the founder and former CEO of online retail giant Amazon, Bezos has been criticised over the years due to the treatment of Amazon workers - namely, the long hours and lack of bathroom breaks in order to keep up with delivery demands, The Guardian reported.
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There were also concerns over a lack of protection during the pandemic caused over 19,000 workers to test positive for Covid and even leading to the New York Attorney General Letitia James to sue the company over this, according to NPR.
Obviously, Bezos is unaware of the show’s criticism of capitalism, so it’s pretty ironic that the face of capitalism is praising the profitability of the series as many people pointed out.
Some have also joked that the show might give Bezos ideas.
Spoiler: #SquidGame’s ultimate villains are super-rich white dudes who treat human beings as numbered disposable pawns and manipulate them to create streaming global video entertainment https://t.co/ZqKzCqBgn6
— Jeff Yang (@originalspin) October 3, 2021
Jeff Bezos would absolutely be a Squid Game VIP. https://t.co/E7opf2SZWH
— Kevín (@KevOnStage) October 3, 2021
I think this tweet just broke my brain. https://t.co/EK4m4VwacX
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) October 3, 2021
jeff buddy . . . who’s gonna tell him https://t.co/TLS4nwreiF
— clara (taylor’s version) (@clara_jane_22) October 5, 2021
Jeff Bezos watching #SquidGame with his squad. https://t.co/GDWQ3vf8Ol pic.twitter.com/FHP2cciryE
— Jennifer Toledo (@DragonGirlZeee) October 4, 2021
bruh you're the player 001, the show is about you https://t.co/Gek6zvF0jG
— d¡e, cry, hate (@cloutcloutbag_) October 4, 2021
“Can’t wait to watch the show!” https://t.co/UcVPnnGYKd pic.twitter.com/W53TsRzGqa
— Rishiraj against the dying of the light (@_irishjars) October 3, 2021
Jeff Bezos is deciding which gold animal mask to wear as we speak. https://t.co/2qVMeHP7yn
— Beth Carter (@bethcarter1998) October 4, 2021
Jeff Bezos about to host Squid Game in space https://t.co/0xrX882zXt
— Dylan x 5 (@dylantopfive) October 4, 2021
Does he even see the irony in his tweet? https://t.co/Q9Toven1Oo
— Francie Hunt (@fhdeshon) October 4, 2021
Jeff Bezos watching Squid Game https://t.co/zNposZA1vB pic.twitter.com/NZeGijssvg
— Jack O'Pumpkin (@JackOakLeaf) October 3, 2021
Exhibit A of the point of the show completely flying over ppls heads https://t.co/Mc4VWWfaJ0
— Victoria 孙 (@sunnybruin) October 4, 2021
this tweet scares me https://t.co/wwUBCbYfxE
— becx (@rvvwilliams) October 3, 2021
i have a feeling jeff bezos is gonna take away the wrong message from this show https://t.co/SPjI3sh1mp
— Franky (@frankyxalvarado) October 5, 2021
Elsewhere, the show itself is in controversy after it was reported by CNBC that South Korean internet servicer provider SK Broadband has filed a lawsuit against Netflix after Squid Game caused a huge surge in traffic - is there such a thing as being too popular?
