MrBeast Secures $100 Million Amazon Deal for Largest Competition Series in TV History

MrBeast, the popular American YouTuber, has struck a deal with Amazon MGM Studios worth possibly $100 million for his first streaming series, according to The Washington Post.

The recently secured project deal, which came about following a competitive bidding battle for the renowned content creator, is titled “Beast Games” and based on his YouTube show. It will showcase 1,000 contestants competing for a $5 million cash prize, which is the largest single payout in the history of television and streaming.

According to sources, Amazon outbid at least one prominent streaming competitor to strike this agreement with MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the YouTube star additionally negotiated to maintain creative authority over the production.

MrBeast has gained widespread recognition for his unconventional stunts, such as burying himself alive and reconstructing the hit Netflix series “Squid Game,” a reality TV-style contest. Donaldson is also well-known for linking his online shows with charitable efforts, such as rescuing 1,000 abandoned dogs and constructing 100 wells in Africa. However, until now, his content has remained within the confines of the internet.

Donaldson will host and produce the upcoming “Beast Games,” which will be accessible in 240 countries and territories.

In a statement, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon MGM Studios, said, “MrBeast has captured the attention and imagination of fans of all ages, from all walks of life, and all over the world. We are excited to work with Jimmy and his talented team to bring his brilliant, high production, and stakes-raising concepts to Beast Games for our global customers to experience.”

According to a source familiar with his business operations, Donaldson has established his own content creation studio in Greenville, North Carolina. Additionally, he intends to continue his social media business alongside the production of the Amazon show.

Recently, Donaldson told Time that his channel makes between $600 and $700 million every year. Most of this income is reinvested into his videos. “Each video does a couple million in ad revenue, a couple million in brand deals,” Donaldson said. “I’ve reinvested everything to the point of — you could claim — stupidity, just believing that we would succeed. And it’s worked out.”

Vernon Sanders, head of television for Amazon MGM Studios, said, “When MrBeast first told us about his concept for the show, we were blown away by his ambition to make Beast Games the biggest reality competition series ever.” Sanders added, “We’d like to thank Aaron DeBevoise, Nic Paul, and the Spotter team for the introduction and kick-starting this journey for us.”