TL;DR: If your kid is asking to watch "Running Man," you need to pause and ask one very important question: The goofy Korean guys with the name tags, or the guy running for his life in a dystopian death match?
The Running Man show is a legendary, family-friendly Korean variety show that’s been a staple of "wholesome-ish" screen time for over 15 years. However, the 2025 R-rated movie remake of The Running Man (starring Glen Powell) is a completely different beast—think high-octane violence, social commentary, and definitely not something you want your 10-year-old stumbling into.
Ask our chatbot for a quick age-rating breakdown of both versions
If you haven't fallen down the K-variety rabbit hole yet, the Running Man show is essentially the gold standard of reality competition TV. It’s been airing since 2010 and has a massive global following.
The premise is simple: a recurring cast of comedians, actors, and K-pop idols complete "missions" at various landmarks to win a race. The hallmark of the show is the Name Tag Ripping game. Everyone wears a large velcro name tag on their back; if someone rips yours off, you’re out. It’s high-stakes hide-and-seek mixed with slapstick comedy.
It’s the kind of show that feels like "brain rot" to an outsider because of the bright captions and sound effects, but it’s actually incredibly clever. It emphasizes teamwork, quick thinking, and "betrayal" that is played entirely for laughs.
Kids, especially those in the 8-14 age range, are obsessed with this show for a few reasons:
- The "Ohio" Energy: It’s weird, it’s loud, and the physical comedy is top-tier. It matches the chaotic energy of modern internet culture without being as mindless as a Skibidi Toilet marathon.
- Relatable Personalities: The cast members have defined "characters"—the "Weakling," the "Tiger," the "Traitor." Kids love picking a favorite and following their storylines over hundreds of episodes.
- The Games: Many of the games are things kids can (and do) replicate on the playground. If you see kids at school trying to rip paper off each other's backs, they’re playing Running Man.
- Entrepreneurship Vibes: Much like how Roblox lets kids play at being developers, Running Man shows them how to "game the system" using social engineering and alliances.
Here is where it gets tricky. In late 2025, a remake of the classic Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) novel The Running Man hit theaters.
This movie is not a variety show. It’s a gritty, R-rated dystopian thriller about a man participating in a government-sanctioned execution game to save his family. It’s violent, it’s dark, and it’s meant for adults.
If your teen is searching for "Running Man" on Netflix or YouTube, they are going to see trailers for both. The algorithm doesn't always distinguish between "goofy guys in Seoul" and "Glen Powell fighting for his life."
Check out our guide on how to talk to your kids about movie ratings
If your family loves the vibe of the Running Man show, there are several other options that hit that same "competitive but fun" sweet spot.
Think of this as the more athletic, intense cousin of Running Man. It’s 100 contestants in peak physical condition competing in challenges. It’s less about comedy and more about "wow, humans can do that?" It’s great for older kids (12+) who are into sports or fitness.
Available on Netflix, this features some of the same cast as Running Man but in a "murder mystery" format. It’s scripted but with unscripted reactions to puzzles. It’s like a giant escape room on TV.
If your kids like the "betrayal" and "secret mission" aspect of Running Man, the reboot of The Mole is a fantastic family watch. It encourages critical thinking and observation.
For the pure obstacle course fans. It’s the ultimate "safe" family viewing that still provides the thrill of competition.
Ages 5-8: Proceed with Caution
While the Running Man show is generally clean, some of the physical humor can be a bit rough, and the subtitles might be too fast for younger readers. Also, there’s a lot of yelling—if your household is "low-stim," this show is the opposite.
Ages 9-12: The Sweet Spot
This is the prime age for the variety show. They’ll get the jokes, they’ll want to play the games, and it’s a great way to introduce them to another culture’s media. Just make sure they aren't accidentally clicking on the 2025 movie trailers.
Ages 13-17: The Movie Demographic
Teens are the target for the new The Running Man movie. It’s a "smart" thriller, but you’ll want to check the WISE score for violence levels before giving the green light.
There are two things that often catch parents off guard with the Running Man show:
- Cultural Differences in Humor: Korean variety shows often feature "playful" hitting or teasing about physical appearance. By Western 2026 standards, it can sometimes feel a bit "mean," but in context, it’s clearly understood as a bit between close friends.
- The "Addiction" Factor: There are over 700 episodes. If your kid gets hooked, they have a lot of content to burn through. It’s not "brain rot" in the sense that it’s educational, but it is highly addictive.
If you see your kid watching the show, sit down for ten minutes. You don't have to watch the whole thing, but ask:
- "Who is the 'traitor' in this episode?"
- "What’s the prize they’re playing for?"
- "Do you think you could win that name-tag game?"
It shows you're interested in their world without being the "screen time police." If they mention the movie, that’s your opening to talk about the difference between entertainment for laughs and entertainment that explores dark themes.
The Running Man show is a fantastic, high-energy alternative to the usual Western sitcoms or YouTube vloggers. It’s creative, funny, and promotes a specific kind of playful competitiveness.
However, the "Running Man" brand is currently split between "family fun" and "R-rated dystopia." Check the thumbnail before they hit play. If you see Glen Powell looking stressed in a futuristic jumpsuit, you’re looking at the movie. If you see a group of people in matching tracksuits laughing hysterically while trying to rip stickers off each other, you’re in the clear.
- Check your streaming settings: Ensure that Netflix or Viki profiles are set to the correct age maturity so the movie doesn't auto-play after the show.
- Try a "Family Game Night": Many Running Man games (like the "Bottle Flip" or "Silent Library") are easy to do at home. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between digital and physical play.
- Ask our bot: If you’re unsure if a specific episode or guest is appropriate, ask our chatbot for a content summary.