Squid Game season 2 has finally landed on Netflix, and it's broken some serious records.
The record-breaking Squid Game returns, and after Netflix's first series got us through the pandemic in 2001, Hwang Dong-hyuk's viral sensation is back for season 2.
Season 2 sees Lee Jung-jae's Gi-hun vowing to take revenge on the mysterious Front Man, entering the titular Squid Game three years after he survived his first ordeal. With Squid Game already confirmed for season 3, the story won't end here, but even if you haven't seen season 2, it seems plenty of people have.
After season 1 smashed records for the streaming giant, Squid Game is back to do it again.
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Squid Game season 2 has debuted at No. 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix is available.
The series can't help but break records, as back in 2021, season 1 became the first Korean drama to globally top Netflix's weekly most-watched. It also toppled Bridgerton to become the most-watched original series ever for Netflix.
Since its debut on December 26, Squid Game season 2 has proved polarizing. Most agree that while some of its shock factor has been lost, it's still enough to lure them back. At the time of writing, Squid Game season 2 has an 82% Rotten Tomatoes critic score compared to season 1's 95%. Audiences are even less forgiving and have awarded it 64% compared to season 1's 83%.
Although season 1 would go on to claim the top spot in 94 countries, it was much slower and eventually hit that landmark after a month.
Remembering that other Netflix originals include the likes of Stranger Things and Wednesday but haven’t debuted at No. 1 in all countries, it's a jaw-dropping statistic. Different countries tend to have different tastes, suggesting that Squid Game has a more universal appeal. Then again, its Boxing Day release could have something to do with it, as families gathered around the TV to digest their leftover turkey sandwiches.
The question now is whether season 2 will top the 2.2 billion hours that were watched of season 1. As well as season 1's viewership continuing to climb as people catch up on what they might've missed, season 2's reduced episode count might suggest it won't nab the crown in the viewership department.
Without going into spoilers, there's a pretty dramatic cliffhanger ending that should ensure people are coming back for the next run of episodes.
With Squid Game season 3 coming in 2025, all eyes will be fixed on whether it'll be third time lucky (again) for the battle royale-inspired drama.