Escape the Night (TV Series 2016–2019) Poster

(2016–2019)

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6/10
Works well on Youtube, but wouldn't cut it on TV without Proper Supervision and the Necessary Changes
shaertel10 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This series is a mixed bag. It can be fun at times, but it can also be really flat. To begin, all of the characters are invited to a dinner party at the house of Joey Graceffa. In order to attend, they must dress up and act like they're in the 1920s, then travel by some sort of special car that is never really explained, and only really serves to be blown up in order to keep them from escaping. Each one of them is given a different character, for reasons that are never really explained. Timothy DeLaGhetto is the only one who strives to stay in character, with Ou White and Glozell Green making the occasional references to their respective characters. And while we're on the subject of the characters, Joey Graceffa is unbearable in this. I don't watch his videos, so I don't know if this is what he's normally like, but in this series his character is constantly either complaining or whining, and it drives me insane. Most of the other characters are okay, and I enjoyed watching Timother DeLaGhetto and Matt Haag, I personally found them both to be quite entertaining. If you can get past episode one, the rest of the series is better.

The acting does leave a lot to be desired, but keep in mind this is Youtube, albeit Youtube Red. The story can fluctuate between tolerable and childish. For example, the clues are left behind by a group called, "Society against Evil". Really creative name there guys. Although the twist at the end is pretty good, it's kind of frustrating watching the antagonists in the final episode, they're intentionally incompetent for no reason. Just through a cardboard box over yourself whenever they come close and you're good. And having the bad and the good mixed is just a staple of this series. Some of the special effects are nice to look at, especially some of the makeup and costumes. However, some of the CGI just looks really childish, for example the black clouds in the Exorcism episode. And the script is interesting in that parts of it feel scripted, while other parts don't, leaving you unsure about how to feel about the event that just occurred. One of the only major complaints I had with the series, apart from Graceffa's performance, is that it seems to have a couple sexual scenes that don't really need to exist, or could be toned down. This includes Episode Three's "Sex Scene", Episode Four's "Perverse Game", and depending on how you view it, Episode Seven's opening flashback. Personally I thought Seven's scene was fine, but Episodes Three and Four had some content that wasn't really necessary for the series.

Overall, if you think you would be interested in a Survivor/Twilight Zone mashup, and you have a free trial to Youtube Red, I'd check this series out. It's not great, but it can be entertaining at times, and I think with a little more direction and a better story, it could have an extremely strong season 2. Even without changes being made, I thought the series was enjoyable, and I would watch a second season. 6/10, with the Potential to be a solid 8 or 9 out of 10 if problems are examined and fixed.
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5/10
Whodunnit was better. Still enjoyed it.
matlingo20 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is SO much worse than Whodunnit?, structurally. at least it had a GAME compared to... "work together in escape room puzzles, vote each other off" with no link between other than, "Episode puzzle complete, now vote x amount of guest's for elimination challenge." It's just a end of episode switch that turns off and on. with nothing gained for the guest by solving the puzzle other than "you can go on to the vote". Whodunnit? has the spared/scared/best case mechanic, where only the best player can be guaranteed to to move on with the rest fate being dependent on how good they were, with the worst only at the last second to find out if they died. Imagine having to go to sleep knowing that you could be visited by the producer/killer in the middle of the night. that's terrifying. And (SPOILERS FOR THE FINAL EPISODE OF ETN) it's 2016. After a very good aversion, with Giles (every job you take,no matter the location. a killing game happens where you host. Thats Baudelaire unfortunate. You feel sorry for him for the hell he is put through.READ THE BOOKS PEOPLE!.) ETN throws That out of the window with TRICKING ITS GUESTS that one of them is the Evils puppet, that it turns out that it was Arthur the butler the whole time. I'd rather they play it straight that go, "The butler did it." It adds unnecessary tension (and filler) in the group, knowing that none of them was "the killer". (SPOILERS END) And WTF was this society against evil crap? (who names their group society against evil, It's like a bad supernatural fan fiction name.) it's only purpose was to mark clues for the episodes puzzle, and NOTHING ELSE. Ugh....... i don't hate escape the night, (they were about the same, quality wise.). and i loved joeys performance in the 4th door and black box TV. I just wish he would acknowledge the similarities with his interviews. on the bright side ETN season 2 is coming out, so they have a second chance. I'm going to watch it like a hawk. Don't screw it up next time.
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6/10
It has potential
kxhmcmudq4 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I gave it a really fair chance and finished season 4, however my biggest complaint is that it's the same thing every single episode, and every single season. At the end of EVERY episode 2 people get voted to fight to the death so they can escape wherever they are, until the very end of the season where you're left with maybe 3 people who escape, only for Joey to do the whole thing again the next season.

There are some moments that made me actually laugh, and I probably stayed more for some of the characters than for the overall plot. The starting idea of the show was solid, but I wish they could've gotten out of the continuous loop of having a large group of people, voting who's going to fight, and then one of them dying. I know that's the premise, but even the missions and challenges they do seem extremely repetitive by the 4th season. I kind of just want there to be more variety and surprise to the plot, and that there would be more of a twist than just figuring out riddles and unlocking chests and boxes.

I have to shoutout a few youtubers who I haven't watched before (and some I probably won't after this that I liked), but actually really enjoyed their performance: MatPat and Rosanna Pansino (my favorites), Nikita Dragun, Safiya Nygaard, Bretman Rock, DeStorm, Alex Wassabi, and Oli White. The humor wasn't always my cup of tea, but these people gave me a few laughs.

Overall, it's an okay pastime show, but I'm glad it's currently free on YouTube because I wouldn't have paid to watch it.
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1/10
SO MUCH CRINGE!!!
BuddyTheElf1123 June 2018
I like a lot of the Youtubers on this series but I just couldn't get past the terrible acting and bad writing. This was just way too cringey for me. I'll have to take a hard pass on this one.
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9/10
Despite All Its Faults, It's Pretty Freaking Funny
italyantis28 July 2021
I know 9/10 is a strange rating but I have my reasons. A lot of the reviews are calling it out for 'bad acting' except the entire show is unscripted. Minus the side characters and a few planned deaths, they winged everything. Joey didn't choose people based on their ability to act, he chose people who he knew would have great reactions to the things taking place. Also, to y'all saying they're 'breaking character'... they don't have characters. The roles are just meant to sort of enhance the experience. The reason they talk about being YouTubers all the time is because they are and the little character acting they're doing isn't to pretend they aren't.

When I initially watched every season after the first, I was skeptical. The characters in future seasons seem to grow more and more problematic. Despite this, I regretfully say that the show actually made me like some of the people I hate when they're actually on YouTube. It had pretty wicked monster design as well as intense challenges that I would definitely be surprised about if I hadn't been a baby and looked up the deaths beforehand.

The number one example of problematic, 'problematic', or just plain annoying characters is in season 3. I initially hated the inclusion of Nikita Dragun, Roi (a.k.a guavajuice), and Manny MUA, but since watching the season, I've grown a new appreciation for Manny. I like Nikita's character at times, even though she can be a bit much, but I still don't like her IRL. Not to mention the inclusion of some of my favorites. Tyler Oakley in season two and MatPat, Rosanna Pansino, Safiya Nygaard, and Colleen Ballinger in season three.

I'm trying not to include spoilers so that for those of y'all who want to see the reviews before watching can know these pretty simple details. I didn't like a lot of the seasons for the first episode but now I'm absolutely hooked. Especially on season 3 which has some pretty amazing reactions from Colleen who is an absolute queen.

Don't worry about Joey being 'biased' because he helped create the game. He stayed completely out of the puzzle making process and left it up to his awesome producers (shoutout to one of the executive producers Adam Lawson, that dude's the best). He tried to stay as out-of-it as he could so that he could actually be in the show himself. Definitely turned out really great in that aspect. Joey really brings in this element of mystery. Is he evil? Is he not? I don't actually know and it hasn't been revealed.

If you're going into this series completely blind. Keep an open mind and remember that this is an elaborate escape room game with a bunch of influencers who stayed up late to be able to film at midnight.
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7/10
Pretty good
salinkaghannam15 July 2022
It does have some flaws but its a pretty enjoyable show,if ya wanna watch this show just dont have high expectations.

I liked the characters,the design

Also season 3 is the best season.
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3/10
Maybe if the Youtubers stuck to their own work and just not bother making a TV show all about Youtubers...
Irishchatter2 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I honestly do like the Youtubers especially Dawson and Graceffa but, I just think they are so much better with their own thing rather than get involved in something like this. To be honest, all Youtubers seemed like they were confused with the scripts given. I liked the 1920 costumes, they all looked so cute and very snazzy. Joey Graceffa is honestly a wonderful Youtuber but to be honest, his creation of this may not be my cup of tea.

I just think this would be so much better with a very very dark story line or even add less characters in order for the story to run smoothly then making it hard to keep up with the characters themselves.
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10/10
Great Unscripted Show
au-4304625 October 2017
I was reading the reviews and I noticed people going off on actors breaking character and the script being confusing. Now, this show is completely unscripted, and it's also supposed to be about their own YouTuber selves; they're not breaking character. The character assignments thing for each only was only kind of a fun addition to make the reactions funnier; the reactions were all genuine. It's very enjoyable to see these YouTubers react to things genuinely and without rehearsals. It was all done very well and I'd definitely recommend it.
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A brilliant concept
gfoote9112 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This show is one where you have to like a certain genre to love this show like Mystery/Horror/Fantasy but it's a great concept that is delivered to us by YouTube Red and overall it's one of the best YouTube Originals
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7/10
SPOILER FREE: As The Seasons Progress, The Seasons Get Worse
joshtill-981008 December 2020
Escape The Night is a fun time, if you have the right season. At this time we only have four seasons, which may I add, are very distinct and different from one another. In this review I will go in depth into each season, in its highlights and falls.

Season One- The first season is the most dark of them all. The season follows more unknown youtubers (Shane Dawson being the most well-known) as they try to navigate a haunted house stuck in the 1920's. The cast consists of Shane Dawson, Sierra Furtado, Matt Haag, Oli White, Andreaschoice, IJustine, Glozell Green, Eva Gutowski, Joey Graceffa, Lele Pons, and Timothy Delaghetto. The deaths, while dramatized, are actually quite frightening and dark. The experience is great and you find yourself really invested in the plot, rooting and disagreeing with different characters. Overall= 9/10

Season Two- The second season is much less dark but a lot more vibrant, less focusing on the natural terror, opposed to the supernatural. This season had much bigger names (Liza Koshy being the largest). The season takes a similar approach to the first, as to being locked in a house, but now they are stuck in the Victorian Era. The cast includes Alex Wassabi, Andrea Russet, Destorm Power, Liza Koshy, Gabbie Hanna, Tyler Oakley, Tana Mongeau, LaurDIY, Jesse Wellens, and Joey Graceffa. The deaths and challenges are much less frightening, but do not underestimate it. The season was full of twists and turns and so far fetched from its predecessor. Overall= 9/10

Season Three- The third season deviates from the shows original roots. Rather than having no idea or objective, the show tells the Youtubers what is going on right from the get go. The cast is subjectively the same popularity as Season 2 (Colleen Ballinger being the largest), but it more includes beauty influencers rather than mainstream. The cast consists of Safiya Nygaard, Manny MUA, Joey Graceffa, JC Caylen, Rosanna Pansino, Guava Juice, MatPat, Nikita Dragun, Colleen Ballinger and Teala Dunn. The show tries to return to its dark roots, but the monsters are so surreal that it makes the season more/less unbearable. Overall= 5/10

Season Four- The fourth season brings back the all star challengers whos lives were lost too soon. The season has no time frame, but similar to season three, it starts with an objective, rather than a never ending cycle. The All-Stars consist of Colleen Ballinger, Alex Wassabi, IJustine, Rosanna Pansino, Gabbie Hanna, Timothy Delaghetto, Joey Graceffa, Tana Mongeau, Destorm Power, and newcomer, Bretman Rock. While the season is interesting on paper, the acting, as well as the sets and monsters leave much to be desired and it is found quite uneventful and boring. Overall= 5/10.

Escape the night has its highs and lows, but as the seasons progress it seems to lose its original dark core.

Overall= 7/10
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3/10
Terrible acting, confusing, and incredibly cringeworthy.
rassberrymilkshake14 August 2017
What can I say about this apart from, "this is why youtubers should never be able to make a TV show. EVER." The costumes, furniture, landscape, and accents ruin the theme, not to mention that all the characters are based on stereotypes, and I find them all horribly annoying. (note that I've only watched one episode, but felt I needed to write this)
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8/10
Pretty good for its platform.
lydiajksnicket2 March 2018
It works fairly well as a YouTube Red show. It has a lot of star power, and there is some character arc for some of the characters, such as the sorceress in the second season. The deaths can range anywhere from meh to downright terrifying. However while it has star power, I feel it does lack some complexity. Whodunnit, which seems to be a heavy influence on this show, had a lot of complex murders, even though it did lack star power. The budget does seem to increase every season, and I do like giving them personas. I do wish, however, their personas factored into the show a bit more. If you're a fan of shows like "Whodunnit," I suggest giving this one a look. Both of them are fairly similar.
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1/10
Extremely disappointed, but didn't expect more...
tin-svagelj-email3 August 2016
This series is a perfect example of why YouTubers should stay away from acting and stick with what they do well. I'm not even sure where to start with the criticism...

I guess I should start with massive lack of details. If the whole house is decorated in style of 20's, then locks should look so too, as should all furniture and literally every second darn thing you look at the whole series. Plot doesn't give enough motivation to characters to do what they are doing.

This series also features a huge lack of realism. Person dies and if you ignore terrible acting (people smiling and not showing any signs of sympathy for the dead person) the script just makes you vomit in your mouth because after arguing about incredibly stupid things (like getting rid of the body) "actors" act as if nothing happened still smiling every scene with a few exceptions. When characters are faced with puzzles that could easily be avoided, broken or cheated in, they still choose a longer path even though someone's life is at stake.

I also have to mention utter lack of creativity that went into this series. I really hope that a group of people could think of a better name than "society against evil" for something as important as "society against evil" should represent.

Most people in this series can be replaced with 10 year old kids they would probably do a better job at trying to stay focused and in character. They also managed to kill Shane Dawson which is probably by far the most experienced YouTube "actor" among them in the first episode, but probably kept the worst ones till the very end.

This is how my acting looked like when I just started with drama and acting. I can't get why would someone actually want to watch this. I get that fans love watching their favorite YouTubers acting, but this is just terrible.
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2/10
Ugh
wadams-135514 May 2017
Here's the thing: I've only seen one episode, because I saw it was 1920s-themed and I absolutely 1920s-themed things, and it's kind of a murder mystery, so that seemed fun. But. This isn't really a show I would continue watching. If it was scripted, had a reasonable plot, and the actors all stayed in character, this would be sooooo much more fun to watch. I mean, come on - the period fashion, the house, it could all be remarkably well-done if each character was scripted with lines that resembled the lingo they used in the 20s. But in the first episode, one of the "actors" says, "we're YouTubers, not mathematicians," and that was where I kind of lost the joy of watching it. Ditch the whole "we traveled back in time from 2016" theme, give them all a script, add a plot, make sure they stay in character, and you've got yourself a show I would watch in a heartbeat.
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10/10
This show is amazing! I am completely obsessed!
carsmyname10 August 2016
Escape the Night is one of the best YouTubeRed series out right now. A lot of people say that "oh, this why YouTubers shouldn't act" but escape the night doesn't have acting. If you watch Joey's videos then you will know that the only acting was in the first episode when Shane talked to the maid and that's it. Joey said that he wanted this to be a game for him and his friends. Meaning that the YouTubers had no idea what to expect so it's not acting. Overall Escape the Night is an amazing show and it lets you see all of your favorite YouTubers get together and play this game. If say that "oh, how could Joey play if he helped create it? Isn't that unfair?" Again, if you watch Joey's videos he says that he stepped back from the puzzles creation because he wanted to play as well. Escape the Night is an amazing show with suspense, mystery, horror, and a little comedy here and there.
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1/10
Just Dreadful
johnnynotty23 May 2021
Acting is atrocious. It's one tacky cringe moment after another. It'll insulting to the viewer. Plus I can't watch anything that includes disgusting people like Gabby Hanna.
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10/10
thoughts on escape the night
crybabymeal2 March 2022
I think this show is great! Its a great mystery show and I love seeing them fight for there life the people on the show are so good I really love the show and its perfect for anybody who likes mystery type shows.
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1/10
Just terrible
barb_k22 July 2019
My friend made me watch this series. We are no longer friends. I absolutely regretted every second of watching it. The entire show is absolutely silly. The plot is just stupid. Every single episode is like watching a group of people in an escape room. The acting is poor. The monsters in the show are terribly made. It's visible that minimum effort is put into making them. A super powerful weapon used to kill the Ice queen is made out of plastic? PLASTIC!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? And the worst thing is that all the objects used in the series are that poorly made!! Also, at the end of each episode someone dies and when this happens everyone is just sad for 1 second and then moves on?! What the hell?! Do you care that little about your friends? All in all it's visible right away that this is a low budget series. I strongly recommend you not to watch it because it's simply a huge waste of time.
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10/10
I loved it
ggggdaboy23 April 2022
Loved all the charecters especially collen Rosanna matpat Alex lele tana mat and way more this was a great show with good acting like Colleen's death was in my opinion one of the best acting.
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1/10
Abysmal all around
jon500023 October 2020
This show has zero clue what it wants to be. Is it an unscripted game/reality show? Not really. It clearly has a script even if some of the moments are improvised. It's just boring, dumb and annoying at times. Youtube personalities are not nearly as entertaining as they think they are and usually just come across as pompous jerks with not even the slightest but if humility. Just skip this worthless piece of crap.
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3/10
Simply Mediocre
brianvan-294569 June 2018
Extremely cringe worthy.

While some would argue that the nature of unscripted shows is to give the actors more creative freedom and genuine reactions often times it comes across as larping being taken too seriously. Furthermore, the roles that were given to each character (acknowledging the fact that it was simply done for comedic purposes) do not match characters. This becomes more apparent when specific actors will take their roles very seriously and with a combination of clunky dialogue it leaves a terrible taste in your mouth. The whole time I watched it, I cringed. Fans of the creators may like it but, its not my cup of tea.
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8/10
Entertaining, interesting concept, but not really good to be excited about
albalaterazelraven12 October 2021
I really like this series, the concept was very interesting same with its lore, however to some people's taste of the show is very different, and i kind of get what they are saying, because first, some of the parts are going too quickly, and i think i recommend some acting to save the show from being too bland and boring and definitely needing less controversial characters, overall to me i really enjoy the show, it just needs more creativity and less dying and annoying characters, ahem.. Gabbie- but anyways im looking forward to season 5 hopefully Joey picks promising characters and more creative writing, I crave for more :D.
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Hopefully has goes up to season 10
hcanty-2093624 July 2020
Escape The Night is the best youube original series ever! I watched every single episode in each season like 4 times and really want something new. cant wait until season 5.
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2/10
Stupid
moritlh17 October 2019
Bad acting, unscripted? Are you sure? It's a waste of time
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10/10
OMG its Amazing Escape the night is amazing i watched all episodes and it is very interesting
montycarlo-5581119 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
OMG its Amazing Escape the night is amazing i watched all episodes this is a quick summary of what it is about: Welcome to "Escape the Night." In this reality competition series, hosted by Joey Graceffa, 10 guests are invited from the modern world to attend a dinner at his newly acquired mansion estate, which has been locked in the 1920'... America was roaring.... This is a dinner party to die for. No one is safe.. This is a dinner party to die for. No one is safe.

I hope there is a season 2 As soon as i watched the first episode i was addicted straight away its amazing i love how there are Youtubers in it like Joey Graceffa and my life as Eva. If there is another season i will be the first one to watch it :) You have to watch it
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