Final Draft (2025)

Koreans have been dominating the drama series scene as well as reality TV shows. Titles such as Culinary Wars, Physical 100, and Singles Inferno have been dominating Netflix series charts month after month.
While I was scrolling after being on a high from watching Physical 100, I wanted that adrenaline rush again and I happen to stumble upon Final Draft (2025). Japan’s answer to Korea’s blockbuster series Physical 100. Unfortunately, Final Draft lacked execution and technicality in the games being done.

Plot

“Twenty-five athletes, most retired, compete to win 30M yen to launch their second career; can they overcome tough physical and psychological challenges?”

Participant Selection

The introduction per participant is essentially the same as that of P100 (Physical 100). Those that have already gained fame in their discipline have a back story, and some are introduced in a flash.
Their selection of participants were diverse but all of them were qualified for the games ahead.

The Games

The only thing that’s a disadvantage in Physical 100 was weight class. Unfortunately on Final Draft, some of the games have a technical flaw that’s just annoying for the participants. One example I could give was the unlimited sit-ups challenge. They had to push the button using their foreheads for every sit-up they do. My problem with this (I’m sure as well as some of the competitors) was that the button needs to be pressed at a certain pressure for it to be counted. There was one competitor who was very fit and a viable candidate for a champion, unfortunately they weren’t able to push the button as far back and ended up being eliminated. The eliminated participants themselves were dumbfounded as to what happened.

Adrenaline Pumped Music

The music was a banger and really fueled me, even as a viewer at home, I could feel the rush!

Abrupt Ending

Going on into the finals, everything was great. Most of the games were fair and the competitors had equal chance at winning the rounds. Everything was going well, the finals games were exhilirating, even my body would sometimes jerk a little when I get a little too carried away.

Then came the crowing of the champion. It felt rushed. It was done right after the games, no added celebratory effects, no change of venue, no spectators. Just the past participants invited back to celebrate the champion. The champ received the cash prize and it felt really awkward for those that lost. Specially those who were in the final game. They literally lost a few minutes back, and now they’re forced to act and celebrate the champ.

Final Thoughts

Final Draft will never surpass Physical 100 in terms of production and viewership. Having said that, Final Draft is still an enjoyable, adrenaline induced reality TV show with a proper line up of athletes that would keep you guessing who would survive the challenge.