Highlights
- Beast Games was filmed primarily in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Episode 1 took place at Downsview Hangars with 1,000 platforms for contestants.
- Episode 2 featured the expansive Beast City at Downsview Airport.
- Beast City included housing, athletic areas, and massive garages for challenges.
- The production’s scale showcases record-breaking creativity and effort.
‘In December 2024, YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, made a grand debut on Amazon Prime Video with his much-awaited reality competition series, Beast Games.
The show, boasting an unprecedented budget of over $100 million, features 1,000 contestants competing for a record-breaking $5 million prize.
This new venture represents a significant leap for the online creator, merging the high stakes of traditional game shows with his signature flair for outrageous stunts and philanthropic twists.
Beyond the action-packed challenges, the show’s production captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, with its breathtaking filming locations and massive scale.
Here’s an in-depth look at the remarkable venues that set the stage for this monumental series and the behind-the-scenes challenges that came with it.
The Grand Opening at Allegiant Stadium
The Beast Games journey began at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known for hosting NFL games and major entertainment events, this 65,000-seat venue became the battleground for the series’ initial qualifying rounds.
Between July 18 and 21, 2024, 2,000 contestants participated in intense, large-scale challenges designed to test their physical stamina and mental resilience.
The massive stadium was an ideal location to host the opening round. It allowed the production team to craft visually stunning challenges while accommodating a large crowd of participants and crew.
Its versatility also enabled the transformation of the space into an electrifying arena that matched the show’s grand ambitions.
The Action Continues in Toronto: Downsview Park Studios
After the qualifiers in Las Vegas, the production moved to Toronto, Canada. Downsview Park Studios, located in the North York district, became the primary filming location for much of the competition.
This site, renowned for its vast hangars and column-free design, allowed the team to build intricate sets tailored to the show’s unique challenges.
The hangars, each spanning 77,000 square feet, offered ample room for the sprawling setups required for the second stage of the competition.
By August 2024, the remaining 1,000 contestants were put through a series of demanding trials that pushed them to their limits.
Whether contestants were climbing towering structures, solving elaborate puzzles, or navigating physically taxing obstacle courses, the custom-built environments at Downsview Park Studios provided an unforgettable backdrop.
The Creation of Beast City
One of the standout features of the series was the custom-built “Beast City,” located within Downsview Park Studios.
Reportedly costing over $14 million to construct, this fully operational “city” was designed as a living and competition space for the 500 contestants who advanced to this stage of the show.
Beast City featured housing accommodations for all participants, along with state-of-the-art facilities to keep them engaged and comfortable during the competition.
From lounge areas and a basketball court to athletic training spaces, the city had everything contestants needed to prepare for their next challenges.
Two massive garages, specifically designed for large-scale stunts and games, served as central locations for some of the most dramatic moments in the series.
The scale and detail of Beast City were nothing short of extraordinary, highlighting the production team’s dedication to creating a fully immersive experience for both contestants and viewers.
Island Challenges in Panama
To add even more variety to the series, parts of Beast Games were filmed on a secluded island in Panama.
This tropical paradise provided a stark contrast to the urban environments of Las Vegas and Toronto, immersing contestants in challenges inspired by the island’s natural landscape.
Participants faced survival-style games that required ingenuity, teamwork, and physical endurance. The exotic setting added a sense of adventure to the competition while showcasing the show’s global production ambitions.
These episodes not only tested contestants in new ways but also provided breathtaking visuals that captivated the audience.
Production Challenges and Controversies
While Beast Games dazzled with its impressive scale and creativity, the production was not without its challenges.
Reports emerged of contestants facing issues during filming, including inadequate provisions such as limited food, water, and medical care. Additionally, allegations of unsafe working conditions led to a class-action lawsuit in September 2024.
The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, cited a lack of overtime compensation and insufficient attention to participant well-being.
These controversies raised important questions about the treatment of contestants and crew in reality television, sparking broader discussions within the entertainment industry.
Despite these setbacks, MrBeast and his team expressed their commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring a positive experience for all involved.
MrBeast’s Leap Into Traditional Media
Beast Games represents a pivotal moment in MrBeast’s career, marking his transition from YouTube stardom to mainstream television.
Known for his philanthropic challenges and over-the-top stunts on digital platforms, this move to Amazon Prime Video signals a new chapter for the content creator.
This venture bridges the gap between digital and traditional media, showcasing how creators can expand their influence beyond online platforms.
MrBeast’s ability to adapt his larger-than-life style to a television format has set a new standard for what’s possible in the entertainment industry.
Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
Since its debut, Beast Games has captured the imagination of viewers around the world. The combination of high production value, record-breaking stakes, and innovative challenges has made it one of the most talked-about reality shows of 2024.
However, the controversies surrounding its production have sparked important conversations about ethical practices in reality television.
Beyond the controversies, the show has cemented its place as a cultural phenomenon. Its massive scale and diverse filming locations have set a benchmark for what reality television can achieve, blending spectacle and storytelling in ways never seen before.
