Physical: Asia review – some of these super-strong contestants look like barrels wrapped in muscles and hair

<p>Intense rivalry, terrifying feats of strength, challenges that leave some athletes muttering ‘I hate contact sports’ … Netflix’s new competition is a reality TV joy</p><p>If there was one problem with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/feb/02/netflix-squid-game-meets-gladiators-why-physical-100-is-absolutely-unmissable-television">Physical 100</a>, the Korean gameshow featuring top-flight athletes rolling boulders, hauling mine carts and unspooling giant ropes in a bid to find the ultimate physique, it might have been a lack of swagger.</p><p>For some people, the starstruck, aw-shucks bonhomie between the contestants was part of the show’s appeal: a breath of sweat-tinged fresh air amid the faux sincerity and psychic barbs of other reality shows. For others, raised on The Real Housewives and boxing weigh-ins, it just wasn’t dramatic enough.</p><p>Physical: Asia is on Netflix.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/28/physical-asia-review-super-strong-contestants-barrels-wrapped-in-muscles-and-hair">Continue reading...</a>