The much-anticipated return of Squid Game is nearly here. Season Two was set to release on Dec. 26, with Season Three tentatively scheduled for 2025. The Hunger Games-esque South Korean series quickly blew up after its release in 2021, reaching audiences across the globe. It has become Netflix’s most-streamed television season, acquiring 350 million viewers and 2.8 billion hours watched.
Fans have been clamoring for more of the series since it was released over three years ago, on Sept. 17, 2021. Even now, the show continues to succeed, having just gained a 60% spike in viewership after the first trailer for Season Two was released.
Starring Lee Jung-jae the first season follows Gi-hun, who enters the titular “Squid Game” hoping to win the cash prize of 45.6 billion won (around 38 million USD) to pay off his gambling debts. The catch? He has to go through multiple rounds of deadly challenges to do so. The series will feature a time jump from the first season’s conclusion, showcasing a version of the games three years after Gi-hun competed.
Netflix has tried to appeal to viewers’ appetites by releasing extra Squid Game-related content during the break between seasons, such as Squid Game: The Challenge, a spinoff reality competition series in which players attempted (non-deadly versions) of the games featured on the series to win $4.56 million, and Squid Game: Unleashed, a mobile online video game that released Dec. 17, 2024.
Expectations seemed to be set high for Season 2 and whether it will deliver enough to justify its wait, but early critic reactions hint viewers likely won’t be let down. Aayush Sharma of Game Rant has stated Season Two is “bigger and better” while others like critic Ashley Wurst stated it was “a brilliant return” and that “Lee Jung-Jae puts in another masterful performance.” On top of that, the season has already received a Golden Globes nomination in the category “Best Television Series – Drama.”
Despite the three-year wait, Season Two features seven episodes that dropped all at once, two fewer than the first season.
“I think it means more efficient storytelling and less filler or dragging on,” freshman Leela Ramanathan said, “However, it also means less time with the characters and getting to know them better, especially with such an extensive cast.”
The second season had an aggressive marketing campaign, teaming up with brands like McDonalds, Duolingo, and Crocs. The series’ signature pink Guards have even been seen parading around various cities across the globe, such as Seoul, Melbourne, and Los Angeles.
The advertisements seem to be working, as they have informed non-fans such as freshman Joelle Mitchell of the show’s return.
“I’ve heard it’s a good show,” said Mitchell, “I may even watch it sometime soon since a 2nd season is coming.”
Due to the game’s deadly nature, Season Two will start from the ground up with an almost entirely fresh cast. Only three characters from the first season are set to return.
“I think it’s very unique for a show to essentially start over with an entirely new cast!” Ramanathan claimed. “It allows the showrunners to be innovative and come up with new story arcs for these characters to be portrayed through.”
The South Korean series has also added two K-Pop stars to its cast: Jo Yuri, formerly a member of IZ*ONE and now a soloist, and T.O.P., a rapper from the group BIGBANG. Squid Game is one of the few acting credits for both of them, and they have yet to say whether they will turn to acting or continue making music. Their involvement in the series has brought in a new fanbase, however, as the comment sections of Season Two’s trailers are filled with support from fans of the singers.
