Final Draft Review: An Engaging Show Despite Its Flaws

Final Draft is a Japanese game show in which 25 retired athletes compete in various physical challenges for a prize of 30 million yen. It includes athletes from rugby, football, boxing, water polo, and even kabaddi. Last year, I watched the South Korean show Physical 100 and absolutely loved it. So, when Netflix recommended this show, I knew I had to watch it.

The show starts slowly, especially in the first episode, where the initial task is hiking a snow-covered mountain. Honestly, it was such a dull task that I wanted to give up a couple of times, but I was too lazy to change the channel, so I kept watching. And I’m glad I did, because after the first task, the show became really engaging. It wasn’t as good as Physical 100, but it was captivating enough to make me binge-watch it.

It’s a short game show with eight episodes, each running for just under an hour. Overall, my viewing experience was enjoyable, and here are my thoughts on it.

 

Final Draft (2025)

25 retired Japanese athletes compete in a series of challenging physical tasks for a grand prize that can help them start a new career or business after their sports careers. With intense competitions, strategic challenges, and surprising twists, the show tests strength, endurance, and determination across eight fast-paced episodes.

 

I Enjoyed Watching ‘Final Draft’ Because…

…it offered a mix of physical, strategic, and endurance-based tasks that kept me hooked throughout its run. However, what really connected me to the contestants was their backstories and the fact that they were competing for a huge prize that could give them a fresh start in their careers. The participants had all retired from their respective sports, and the show gave glimpses into what they were doing after retirement. Watching those video clips, I could relate to their struggles and even found myself rooting for several of them.

The contestants weren’t all the same age, either. They ranged from athletes in their 20s to elite champions in their early 40s. It was incredible to see them tackle some of the toughest tasks as if it were no big deal. I even expected some of the older participants to drop out early, but they outlasted many of the younger contestants. I couldn’t help but admire these elite athletes for their incredible fitness. Seeing them push beyond their limits inspired me to work on my own endurance and stamina.

What made the show even more engaging was that some tasks were not just about strength; they required smart strategies, careful planning, and quick thinking. Watching contestants use both their brains and their brawn to win added a whole new layer of excitement and made every episode unpredictable and thrilling.

 

I Disliked ‘Final Draft’ Because…

…for several reasons. First, the tasks could have been more challenging. Compared to Physical 100, I felt the challenges in Final Draft lacked creativity. The sets were visually appealing, but the tasks themselves were not particularly unique or memorable. I watched the show last week, and I can only recall two or three of the challenges, which gives you an idea of how forgettable many of the games were.

Another aspect I did not like was the way the leading contestants were given advantages outside the actual competition. The top scorers were assigned to sleep in luxurious tents, while lower-ranking participants were given more humble accommodations. Even their food was more lavish compared to the bottom performers. Watching all of them push themselves to the limit, it felt unfair to see such unequal treatment at the end of the day. I would have preferred if the advantages were within the game itself, rather than luxurious tents, because the lavish stay did not feel like a meaningful incentive to fight for the top spot.

Finally, a major issue I noticed, common to many physical game shows, was the clear gender bias. Women contestants often struggled to compete head-to-head with men due to obvious differences in physical strength. While some women did outperform men in certain challenges, most tasks seemed designed with male participants in mind, making it difficult for women to match up. I wish the team designing these shows would consider ways to create a more balanced and fair playing field for both genders. I know it will be difficult, but it is certainly worth considering.  

Final Draft has its flaws, but that does not mean it is not worth watching. After the first episode, I couldn’t stop watching because the show quickly became engaging. All the contestants were sincere and hardworking, and even when the tasks were not particularly impressive, their dedication and determined approach made the competition fascinating to follow.

I give Final Draft a 3.5 out of 5 rating, primarily for the incredible effort and spirit of the contestants. If you enjoyed Physical 100 or like game shows featuring tough physical challenges, this Japanese series is definitely worth giving a try.

 

Feature Image Courtesy: Netflix

 

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