Netflix Announces ‘Clue’ Competition Series, Bringing Iconic Whodunit Game to Life

Netflix is set to launch an unscripted competition series inspired by the iconic board game Clue, known outside the U.S. as Cluedo, the streaming giant announced on October 7, 2025. The show will see contestants embody classic characters such as Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, and Professor Plum as they navigate a mix of physical and mental challenges to gather clues and deduce “whodunit”—staying true to the spirit of the original game, which has captivated players since the 1940s. Netflix’s unscripted programming head, Jeff Gaspin, emphasized the series’ nostalgic appeal, calling Clue “a source of nostalgia that everyone shares” and promising a “fresh, imaginative whodunit competition” for contemporary audiences.

Clue, first released in 1949 in the United Kingdom as Cluedo, quickly became a global phenomenon, with over 150 million copies sold and numerous international editions and spin-offs. Its enduring popularity has led to multiple adaptations, most notably the 1985 cult film Clue, directed by Jonathan Lynn and written by John Landis, which starred Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and Madeline Kahn, among others. The film was notable for its multiple endings, with different theaters showing different conclusions—a gimmick later included in full on home video releases. Despite modest box office returns, the movie gained a devoted following and remains a touchstone of 1980s comedy.

The board game has also inspired video games, including a 1998 PC title and a 2023 release for modern consoles and PC. Netflix’s new series represents the first major live-action television adaptation in decades, signaling a renewed interest in interactive mystery entertainment.

Details about the format remain scarce, but Netflix has confirmed that the competition will be unscripted, with contestants taking on the roles of the game’s classic suspects. The series is expected to blend elements of reality competition—physical tasks, puzzle-solving, and alliance-building—with the deductive reasoning central to Clue. This approach aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy of adapting well-known intellectual properties into interactive, binge-worthy content.

No casting announcements have been made, and it is unclear whether the series will feature celebrity contestants, everyday players, or a mix of both. The production team and showrunner have also not been named, leaving open questions about the creative direction and tone. However, the involvement of Jeff Gaspin, a veteran of unscripted television, suggests Netflix is aiming for broad appeal and high production values.

Clue’s transition to a streaming competition series highlights the enduring appeal of interactive mystery narratives. The game’s structure—collecting clues, eliminating suspects, and deducing the culprit—has influenced countless detective stories, party games, and even educational tools. Netflix’s adaptation taps into a collective nostalgia for family game nights and parlor mysteries, while also seeking to engage a generation raised on true crime podcasts and interactive streaming content.

Jeff Gaspin’s statement underscores this intent: “Like so many families and friends over the years, we've gathered around the table trying to figure out who did it—making Clue a source of nostalgia that everyone shares. We're delivering a fresh, imaginative whodunit competition that will invite today's audiences into that iconic world”.

While a release date has not been announced, industry observers expect Netflix to move quickly into production, given the heightened interest in interactive and nostalgic content. Fans of the board game, the 1985 film, and mystery enthusiasts in general will be watching closely for further details on casting, format, and premiere timing.

Netflix’s Clue competition series is poised to join a growing list of game adaptations finding new life in the streaming era. Whether it can capture the magic of the original—while appealing to a modern, diverse audience—remains to be seen, but the announcement has already generated significant buzz within entertainment circles