Floor is Lava

"Floor is Lava" is an American television game show that debuted on Netflix in June 2020. The show flawlessly manages to encompass our beloved childhood game of avoiding stepping on the "lava-filled" floor in a room into a gigantic adult obstacle course, thereby appealing to the inner child in all of us. It's like an immersive silly-but-serious relived moment of nostalgia in the form of an exciting game.

The show's premise revolves around the principle of the classic game, where participants must navigate their way around a room without touching the floor, which, in this case, is presented as a bubbling pool of lava. According to the show's delightful gimmick, any contestant who comes into contact with this 'lava' disappears, never to be seen again in the competition. In reality, they're just getting engulfed in theatrical smoke and climbing out of the camera frame.

The series is hosted by Rutledge Wood, an American auto racing analyst and television personality. Despite rarely interacting with the players, Wood narrates the game with his witty commentary, breaking down action-packed moments and providing viewers with an analysis of each team’s performance. His eccentric charm and playful narration style contribute immensely to the overall entertainment factor of the show.

Each episode consists of a different set of teams competing against each other, ensuring a fresh new group of faces for every installment. The game is set in a pseudo-room filled with creative obstacles like Egyptian tombstones, pirate ship, or planetarium, rendered dangerous by a 'lava' moat. Players must perform leaps of faith, swing from chandeliers, scale slippery walls, and master other adventurous moves if they wish to survive. The goal of the game is to get as many team members as possible from the game's starting point to the exit without falling into the 'lava.'

Even though the idea of the show is reasonably simple, the execution is anything but. The set, designed to look like a classic room setting, albeit with oversized furniture, is incredibly complex and full of mysteries. Each episode transforms this common-room set into uniquely themed courses. A living room evolves into an ancient Egyptian tomb; a kitchen becomes a spaceship; a bedroom turns into a haunted mansion. The exceptional design of these courses is one of the unique aspects of the show, often grabbing more attention than the contestants themselves.

The competitors are composed of teams of three, with each team given unique and often quirky introductions by the show’s host. The diversity of contestants, who range from families and friends to cheerleaders, flight attendants, and athletes, all contribute to an unpredictable experience, as each team tends to approach the course differently. The show’s humor comes from the contestants' frantic attempts to avoid touching the floor, combined with Wood's often hilarious commentary.

Despite the inherent humor behind the game’s concept, every episode is filled with heart-stopping moments where participants make daring leaps, falling into the bubbling 'lava,' or triumphantly reaching the exit. The editing of the show is beautifully done, heightening moments

One might assume that a show like "Floor is Lava" could become repetitive or boring, but the combination of creative course designs, the range of contestants, the elements of risk and surprise in the game, and the entertaining commentary provided by Wood ensure that the show remains engaging episode after episode. The $10,000 reward for the winning team is a cherry on top, drawing contestants into the game and viewers at home into the suspense of who will win.

More than just a competition, "Floor is Lava" celebrates teamwork, courage, strategy, physical ability, and most importantly, the willingness to revisit childhood wonder and absurd imaginary games as an adult. It's a fun, light-hearted show that refreshingly doesn't take itself too seriously, offering viewers a much-needed break from heavier, more intense television series.

In conclusion, the "Floor is Lava" is the dose of nostalgia, excitement, and pure entertainment that many viewers didn't realize they were missing until they started watching. It's a great blend of reality T.V., and game show with lighthearted humor and surprising suspense, suitable for a broad audience. Whether you're watching with family or friends, it's a fun, interactive treat.