Netflix’s popular obstacle-course game show, Floor Is Lava, has aired for three seasons, and the lava is more mysterious than ever. In all three seasons, avoiding the gooey substance was the primary goal of the bizarre Netflix reality TV show. Luckily for viewers and contestants, the bubbling red goo on Floor is Lava isn’t as dangerous as actual lava.
The binge-able show hosted by Rutledge Wood features teams of three competing in the classic childhood game but with much higher stakes, and Floor Is Lava features many familiar faces. The goal is simple: do whatever it takes to get from the other side of the themed room without falling into the lava. Whichever team makes it across with the most players and the fastest wins $10,000 and the coveted lava lamp trophy.
Floor Is Lava’s Secret Sauce Revealed
Most of what is known about the lava comes from the Floor Is Lava producer and co-owner of Haymaker Media Irad Eyal. He told Fast Company, “I can’t tell you what’s in it, but our showrunner Anthony Carbone always joked that the closest thing to it is Panda Express orange sauce.” The famous orange sauce from Panda Express comprises vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, orange zest, and crushed red peppers. It has a distinctive orangey color and thicker viscosity, similar to the lava on the show.
Floor Is Lava’s Exact Recipe Is A Secret
However, Irad didn’t pick up the lava from the fast-food restaurant. He said that the lava comes from “Hollywood’s number-one slime manufacturing lab,” which came up with the proprietary blend of lava. The crew from Floor Is Lava ordered nearly 100,000 gallons of slime, more than any other show in history.
The kids’ game, Floor Is Lava-turned phenomenon, is no risk to the contestant, despite its intimidating appearance. Actual lava is a partially-liquid rock that can heat up to over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s safe to say natural lava will never appear on the show because of the danger it poses to the contestants, but the slime seen on the show is dyed red to mimic the color of natural lava. The bubbling of the lava on the show gives it a realistic texture, but the bubbling happens via production and wind effects. The only danger a Floor Is Lava contestant faces from falling into the lava is a bruised ego.
All three seasons of Floor Is Lava were enjoyable, and the lava was the star of the show. This is the perfect show for viewers looking for something fun, light, and engaging. The contestants are funny and relatable, Rutledge is an endearing host, and the show harkens back to simple childhood nostalgia. There are rumors that Floor Is Lava will return for a fourth season in June 2023, but for now, there are three seasons to enjoy.
Sources: Fast Company
