There’s quality television, and then there’s content that captivates audiences to the extent that they collectively stream over 13,000,000 hours within a single week. Netflix’s latest series falls into the latter category.
Featuring Miku Martineau, Ayo Solanke, and Eve Edwards, this psychological thriller chronicles the journey of a Japanese exchange student who disrupts a boarding school’s established hierarchy through her exceptional gambling abilities and strategic wagering skills.
The production, adapted from the manga “Kakegurui,” incorporates elements of mystery, competitive challenges, and vengeance, with audiences responding by calling it “absolutely stunning.”
Released on Netflix May 15 under the title “Bet,” the series rapidly ascended to the platform’s top 10 rankings, offering viewers 10 episodes of compelling content.
While audiences could pace themselves over several weeks, the fact that numerous fans have already completed the entire season and begun anticipating a second installment demonstrates its exceptional binge-watching appeal.
Director and showrunner Simon Barry adapted the series from the original manga, explaining to Tudum that there was “no point trying to reproduce the original.”
Acknowledging that the manga “stands on its own and works perfectly,” Barry and his production team instead “chose to be directed by the spirit Kakegurui inhabits in tone, audaciousness, and fun.”
“To that end, we made something ‘birthed’ from the source material that inspired a new take—one that pays homage to it and doesn’t try to replace it,” he elaborated.
Viewers have enthusiastically endorsed the series, with one Rotten Tomatoes critic calling it a “great show” and a “must watch.”
Another reviewer concurred, stating: “This drama is absolutely stunning! If you’re a fan of the anime, you’ll definitely love this adaptation. Miku Martineau shines in her portrayal of Yumeko, bringing the character to life in such a compelling way. Clara Alexandrova nails the aggressive and intense vibe of Kira, making her performance unforgettable.
“The entire cast is incredible, and I can’t give too much away—this show is a must-watch! I’m already counting down the days until Season 2 arrives.”
While Netflix has not yet announced plans for a second season of “Bet,” audience enthusiasm clearly indicates strong demand for additional episodes.