‘The Game’ Season 4: Participants Reveal Less Alcohol Than Expected

The fourth season of TV 2’s hit reality series, Spillet (The Game), is well underway, and already delivering dramatic moments and headlines. While previous seasons have drawn attention for the availability of alcohol to contestants, TikTok personality Gard Øksendal recently revealed a surprise: he expected more drinking on set.

A Sobering Revelation?

Nettavisen reports that Øksendal, speaking ahead of the season premiere in February, was taken aback by the relatively limited alcohol supply. “One thing I was surprised by was that there was very little alcohol,” he said. “I thought it would be a booze-up.” He explained that he’d heard rumors from past contestants about a more free-flowing supply of drinks, with figures like Stig Henrik Hoff reportedly enjoying red wine and cigarettes throughout the day. Øksendal believes many contestants consciously chose to limit their intake to stay sharp and perform well in the game. Nettavisen has more on this story.

Spillet: The Premise and Past Controversies

Spillet, which translates to “The Game,” is a Norwegian reality show that premiered in 2024. Twelve contestants are transported to a secret location and filmed 24/7 as they compete in a series of challenges and eliminations. The show is known for its psychological and social dynamics, and is led by a disembodied voice known as “Kuben” (The Cube). According to Wikipedia, the show is based on the South Korean format Bloody Game.

The current season, featuring 18 celebrity contestants, has already faced scrutiny regarding alcohol access. TV 2 has previously received criticism on the topic, and several participants have described a situation of “free-flowing alcohol.” The show’s format is intentionally “unfair,” designed to challenge participants’ social strategies, mental fortitude, logic, and collaborative skills.

The 2026 Cast and Rising Expectations

Season four’s cast includes a mix of well-known Norwegian personalities, including Sebastian Solberg (winner of Vokteren, a survival reality show), Eveline Karlsen (a beauty influencer), and Line Verndal (known for her role in the NRK series Himmelblå). Other participants include Aylar Lie, Nora Haukland, Bahare Viken, Stian Blipp, Birgit Skarstein, Lilli Bendriss, Ronny Brede Aase, Kristian Kjelling, Emil Lystvedt Berntsen, Simon Nitsche, Sebastian Brevik, Karoline Dyhre Breivang, and Brit Elisabeth Haagenslie. 730.no has a full list of the contestants.

The expectation of a lively social scene, fueled by alcohol, was seemingly widespread before filming began. Øksendal’s comments suggest a disconnect between the perceived reality of Spillet and the actual experience on set.

TV 2 Responds to Claims

Jan-Petter Dahl, press chief at TV 2, addressed the issue in a statement to Nettavisen. He stated that there have been no changes to the amount of alcohol available to contestants. “In all seasons, the participants have had access to a limited amount of alcohol. The amount is the same in each season, and no changes were made from season 3 to season 4,” Dahl explained. He also emphasized that production maintains continuous oversight of the contestants, ensuring alcohol consumption doesn’t overshadow the game itself.

What’s Next for Spillet?

With the season already underway, viewers can expect continued drama and strategic gameplay. The show’s format, which involves daily challenges and eliminations, ensures a constantly evolving dynamic. TV 2 has confirmed that new “shocking twists” will be introduced throughout the season, keeping contestants and audiences on edge. The ultimate goal, as always, is for one contestant to emerge victorious and claim the prize money. The show’s continued success suggests a strong appetite for this type of psychological reality competition in Norway, and further seasons are likely to follow.