Next month, Netflix is set to launch a new reality competition series that puts a fresh twist on the genre. Titled Million Dollar Secret, the show will award a one-million-dollar prize to one contestant right in the first episode. However, the real challenge lies in what happens next. Contestants must lie, cheat, bluff, and act clueless to conceal the fact that they might be the one holding the box of money. The catch? The winner can only keep the prize if they manage to deceive everyone else for the entire season. The new series is set to premiere on March 26.
The premise of Million Dollar Secret is straightforward yet intriguing. Twelve strangers will move into a lakeside estate, each having their own room. Once the new millionaire is revealed — though only to themselves — the social games begin. Contestants will interact and participate in challenges designed to test honesty and the ability to hide life-changing secrets. For viewers, the excitement lies in trying to figure out who has the money and who excels at detecting deception.
The trailer for Million Dollar Secret introduces “the Stag,” the estate where the contestants will live throughout the season. It quickly becomes clear that when a million dollars are at stake, the competition can get ruthless. Contestants will have opportunities to earn clues that might expose the secret millionaire, making it even harder for the winner to keep their identity hidden. During nightly dinners, contestants and the host can accuse someone of being the secret millionaire. If they guess correctly, the identified contestant is eliminated, and the money is secretly passed to another participant.
The show will be hosted by actor and comedian Peter Serafinowicz, known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, and John Wick: Chapter 4. Serafinowicz’s role will involve both teasing and controlling the escalating tensions among contestants, which the trailer suggests will lead to plenty of drama, tears, and finger-pointing.
In terms of release strategy, Netflix is sticking to its successful batch format, previously used for hits like Love Is Blind and The Circle. This approach allows fans to catch up on episodes before spoilers flood social media. The season will begin with three episodes, followed by another three the next week, and will conclude with the final reveal in the week of April 9. The first three episodes of Million Dollar Secret will be available on Netflix starting March 26.