The highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s “Squid Game” premiered on December 26, 2024, quickly topping the non-English TV list with 68 million views and ranking No. 1 in 92 countries. This impressive debut broke the previous record for most views for a show in its premiere week, surpassing “Wednesday” Season 1, which had 50.1 million views in 2022.
Despite this strong start, Season 2 has received mixed reviews from both critics and viewers. Some have expressed disappointment, suggesting that the new season lacks the intensity and excitement of the original. Critics have noted predictable plot twists and repetitive elements, leading to a perception that the series has “lost its edge.”
The season comprises seven episodes, two fewer than the first season’s nine. This reduction was a deliberate choice by the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, who aimed to deliver a more concise narrative. A third and final season is scheduled for release in 2025, expected to conclude the series’ storyline.
Despite this, “Squid Game” Season 2 has quickly become Netflix’s seventh most popular non-English TV show, with the original season still holding the top spot at 265.2 million views.
In addition to the show’s release, the multiplayer video game “Squid Game: Unleashed” has surged in popularity, reaching No. 1 in action games on the App Store in 57 countries.
As the series continues to captivate audiences worldwide, discussions about its themes and execution remain vibrant. Both seasons of “Squid Game” are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
