Netflix is intensifying its commitment to the high-stakes teen drama Bet, a polished psychological thriller from Warrior Nun creator Simon Barry.
The series, centered around a talented teenage gambler, has officially received a second season renewal — even as it appears audiences are still mulling over their opinions on it. However, in contrast to the fervor for online petitions and fan campaigns that arose when Warrior Nun was canceled, Bet doesn’t yet appear to have garnered that same degree of dedicated support. A glance at YouTube trailer comments, for instance, showcases a considerable amount of harsh skepticism, with critiques ranging from the tone to the performances.
So, evidently, Netflix concluded: Sounds like a contender for renewal to us!
What is Netflix’s Bet about?
Barry, noted for cultivating a devoted fan base with the cult classic Warrior Nun (whose cancellation incited significant backlash, a topic I covered in detail), returns with a distinctly different project this time. Bet is a live-action adaptation of the well-known manga Kakegurui, reinterpreted through the lens of underground gambling at an elite high school. It’s stylized, quick-paced, and slightly outrageous.
Situated at the fictional St. Dominic’s Academy, Bet features Yumeko, portrayed by Miku Martineau. She’s a gambler harboring a traumatic background and an emotionless poker face. Trained by her mother to view betting as a blood sport, Yumeko enrolls at a highly competitive school where gambling is essentially a foundational activity. At St. Dominic’s, Yumeko swiftly demonstrates her ability to hold her own, capturing the interest of the merciless student council. With assistance from her new ally Ryan (Ayo Solanke), she begins eliminating challengers, edging closer to a long-hidden secret she aims to reveal.
Another notable point is that although Bet derives its central premise from Kakegurui, Barry clarified from the outset that it would not serve as a verbatim remake. “There was no purpose in attempting to replicate the original,” he stated to Netflix’s Tudum. “Instead, we opted to be guided by the essence that Kakegurui embodies in terms of tone, audacity, and enjoyment.”
So… why was Bet renewed?
This creative choice may shed light on the lukewarm reception. Among some of the recent YouTube comments linked to the series’ trailer:
