Why Mr. Beast’s TV Show Flopped: Marketing Lessons for Creators

No one thought to compare a $1 yacht with a $1 billion yacht. No one asked to watch someone survive 100 days inside a small red circle for $500,000. Yet, millions keep clicking.

This formula has fueled his success so well that he’s moved into physical products. His “Feastables” brand—chocolates and frozen burgers—is now in stores across the U.S. While other influencers target specific audiences (like keto fans), Mr. Beast appeals to everyone. His chocolate isn’t organic or sugar-free, but it’s “fairly sourced.” Mostly.

That “mostly” sums up his approach. Smooth edges. Broad appeal. Master the algorithm. Reach as many as possible.

“YouTube creates a sense of connection—like you’re part of a community. TV lacks that. It’s passive.”

I’ll admit, I enjoy some of his videos. Seeing someone adopt every dog in a shelter? That’s undeniably heartwarming.

I even use his channel as a case study in my social media course, analyzing his leaked “Best YouTube Practices” script.

But his Amazon Prime show, Beast Games, hasn’t struck gold. With a 17% Rotten Tomatoes rating, it’s a clear miss.

Why do Reddit users joke about preferring to hit themselves with a gummy hammer instead of watching it?

The answer lies in the format. TV isn’t social media. Without comments, likes, or direct engagement, the show struggles to hold attention. Instead, it feels repetitive. Even a $5 million prize feels smaller on tv. On YouTube, his challenges feel monumental. On TV, they’re just another game show.

“Younger audiences, especially those born after 2000, aren’t looking to their parents for cultural validation. If their parents watch Mr. Beast on Prime, the magic fades.”

What Marketers Should Consider

Is this a marketing failure? It might be. This could be the first time TV derails a social media icon.

For decades, appearing on TV meant legitimacy. If you were “on TV,” you mattered. That’s no longer true. Younger audiences don’t borrow their cultural cues from parents. Even if parents dislike the show, the damage is done.

The takeaway isn’t “Avoid streaming platforms.” It’s this: Social video is where your focus should be. Build active, engaged communities. Don’t treat YouTube as a dumping ground for old TV ads. That strategy has never worked.

Here’s a real-life example: A colleague proudly claims, “Known from TV and radio,” in his LinkedIn profile. He even lists obscure stations. Yet he markets himself as a social media coach. It’s a throwback to a time when TV mattered. It’s outdated now.

My personal Take-Away

Jimmy admitted to neglecting his YouTube channel to focus on his tv project. While I doubt it was for a quick payday, the long-term damage could be significant. The visibility boost may not outweigh the harm.

I don’t have access to Mr. Beast’s analytics, but the signs of a marketing gamble gone wrong are hard to miss.