Kim Sook
Self
Overview
Five siblings face endless missions in this pure entertainment variety show. With a few screws loose, they embrace chaos in their search for sanity.
Seasons
- Status
- Returning Series
- Seasons
- 5 seasons
- Episodes
- 66 episodes
- First aired
- Feb 23, 2025
Cast
Reviews
5 min readThe Screwball Alchemy: How Five Misfits Turned Chaos Into Comfort
I’ve always had a soft spot for the kind of television that doesn’t just entertain but breathes—the kind where the chemistry between its players feels so lived-in that you half-expect to find them sharing a meal in the next room. Screwballs, the South Korean variety series that landed on Netflix in early 2025, is that rare beast: a show that thrives on its own imperfections, where the seams aren’t just visible but celebrated. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is—a group of five entertainers, each with a few screws loose, barreling through a series of increasingly absurd missions while pretending (badly) to be siblings. And yet, in its refusal to take itself seriously, it ends up saying something quietly profound about the way we perform family, friendship, and even sanity.
The show’s origins are almost as chaotic as its on-screen antics. Born from the ashes of Beat Coin, a KBS variety program that was canceled in 2023 despite a cult following, Screwballs represents a kind of resurrection—not just for its cast, but for the very idea of what a Korean variety show can be when freed from the constraints of broadcast television. Director Park In-seok and his team, who also helmed Beat Coin, seem to have taken the show’s cancellation as a challenge: What if we strip away the rules entirely? The result is a series that feels less like a polished production and more like a group of friends improvising their way through a game night that’s spiraled wildly out of control.
That sense of improvisation is key to Screwballs’ charm. The show’s format is deliberately loose, eschewing the kind of overarching narrative or theme that might anchor a more traditional variety program. Instead, it thrives on spontaneity, with the cast often thrown into missions that range from the mildly embarrassing (dressing up as characters from other Netflix hits, like a Squid Game parody that somehow devolves into a debate about the ethics of marbles) to the outright bizarre (a scavenger hunt where the clues are delivered by a man in a full-body inflatable dinosaur costume).
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.3/10
"A chaotic yet entertaining reality-comedy hybrid that thrives on its cast's chemistry but struggles with repetitive missions."
Viewers appreciate the energetic and unscripted dynamic between the five cast members, who bring humor and spontaneity to their endless missions. The show’s lighthearted, screwball approach to challenges keeps it engaging, though some find the format repetitive over time. latestnetflix.com's take is that the blend of reality and comedy elements works well for fans of variety programming, but the lack of deeper narrative or character development limits its appeal for those seeking more substance.
What viewers praise
- Strong cast chemistry The interactions between Kim Sook, Hong Jin-kyung, Jo Se-ho, Jang Woo-young, and Joo Woo-jae feel natural and entertaining, driving much of the show’s humor.
- Lighthearted fun The chaotic, unscripted energy makes it an easy watch for fans of variety shows, with plenty of laughs and unpredictable moments.
- Unique concept The premise of siblings tackling endless missions with a few screws loose offers a fresh twist on reality-comedy hybrids.
Common complaints
- Repetitive missions Some viewers feel the challenges become formulaic, lacking variety or progression as the series goes on.
- Thin narrative depth The show prioritizes entertainment over storytelling, leaving little room for character development or deeper themes.
- Uneven pacing A few episodes drag due to the lack of clear stakes or escalation in the missions, making it feel aimless at times.
Recommended for
Variety show enthusiasts Fans of unscripted comedy Reality TV lovers Korean entertainment buffs Lighthearted escapism seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsJo Se-ho’s Controversial Return: Inside Screwballs (2025) and the Show’s Uncertain Future
The Korean variety landscape is buzzing with Screwballs (2025), a Netflix-backed comedy series that’s as chaotic behind the scenes as its on-screen antics. latestnetflix.com's take is that the show, which follows five "siblings" navigating absurd missions, has become a lightning rod for both laughter and controversy—especially after one of its stars, Jo Se-ho, returned to the spotlight amid serious allegations.
A Comeback Shrouded in Scandal
Jo Se-ho’s involvement in Screwballs Season 4 was confirmed in December 2025, marking his first public project since a temporary suspension tied to organized crime allegations 
. The comedian’s return was met with mixed reactions, given the unresolved nature of the controversy. While Screwballs has always thrived on its cast’s chemistry—Kim Sook’s sharp wit, Hong Jin-kyung’s deadpan humor, and Jang Woo-young’s unpredictable energy—Se-ho’s presence now adds a layer of tension. The show’s producers have yet to address whether his role will be adjusted or if the allegations will be acknowledged on-screen.
For now, Screwballs remains a high-stakes gamble for Netflix. The platform has leaned into Korean variety content as a global draw, but Se-ho’s return risks alienating viewers who expect accountability. Whether the show can maintain its carefree tone amid the drama remains to be seen.
**What We Know About Screwballs (2025)**
The series, titled Doraibo: Finding the Lost Screw in Korean, is a rare blend of scripted and improv comedy, where the cast—Kim Sook, Hong Jin-kyung, Jo Se-ho, Jang Woo-young, and Joo Woo-jae—play exaggerated versions of themselves as a dysfunctional "family" . The premise revolves around their attempts to complete bizarre challenges, from scavenger hunts to surreal public stunts, all while clashing over their shared (and fictional) sibling rivalry.
Key details from the evidence:
- Format & Release: Aired Sundays on Netflix from February 23 to June 8, 2025, with 17 episodes running 30 minutes each .
- Tone: Marketed as a "pure comedy" variety show, though the content rating (13+) suggests mild adult humor .
- Cast Dynamics: The ensemble’s real-life friendships—particularly between Kim Sook and Hong Jin-kyung—have been credited for the show’s organic chemistry . Jo Se-ho’s return, however, adds an unpredictable variable.
The Show’s Survival Strategy
With Se-ho’s controversy overshadowing the premiere, Screwballs faces an uphill battle. Variety shows in Korea often rely on cast likability, and the allegations against Se-ho could deter advertisers or sponsors. However, the show’s format—lighthearted, fast-paced, and episodic—might help it weather the storm. If the other cast members can steer the focus back to comedy, Screwballs could still carve out a niche.
That said, the lack of transparency from Netflix or the production team is notable. No statements have been released about Se-ho’s role in Season 4, leaving fans to speculate whether his character will be sidelined or if the show will address the elephant in the room . For now, the series is banking on its pre-controversy momentum, but the clock is ticking.
What’s Next?
The biggest question looming over Screwballs is whether it can outlast the scandal. If Season 4 performs well, Netflix may greenlight future installments—but with Se-ho’s legal situation unresolved, the show’s long-term viability is uncertain. Rumors suggest the cast has been tight-lipped about the controversy during filming, but off-screen, the tension is palpable .
For viewers, Screwballs offers a familiar escape: chaotic energy, rapid-fire jokes, and a cast that feels like old friends. But behind the scenes, it’s a reminder of how quickly a show’s fate can hinge on its stars’ personal lives. Whether Screwballs becomes a footnote or a comeback story remains to be seen.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
Series
Similar Series
Related series ranked by rating and popularity.
