After three years, Squid Game is back with Season 2, continuing the thrilling story of survival games and harsh moral choices. As Netflix’s most-watched series ever, the pressure was on for the follow-up to meet expectations. While the new season has its moments, early reviews suggest it hasn’t quite recaptured the magic of the original.
Season 1 vs. Season 2: What Do Critics Say?
The first season of Squid Game was a global hit, with a 95% critic score and 84% audience score. Season 2, however, has started with an 83% critic score and a lower 63% audience score. Though still good, it shows the new episodes haven’t quite lived up to the first season’s legacy.
A common criticism is that Season 2 has only 7 episodes, compared to the 9 episodes of the first season. Some feel this shorter length doesn’t give enough time to explore the story fully.
Squid Game Season 2: The Wait is Over
After three years, Squid Game is back with Season 2, continuing the thrilling story of survival games and harsh moral choices. As Netflix’s most-watched series ever, the pressure was on for the follow-up to meet expectations. While the new season has its moments, early reviews suggest it hasn’t quite recaptured the magic of the original.
Season 1 vs. Season 2: What Do Critics Say?
The first season of Squid Game was a global hit, with a 95% critic score and 84% audience score. Season 2, however, has started with an 83% critic score and a lower 63% audience score. Though still good, it shows the new episodes haven’t quite lived up to the first season’s legacy.
A common criticism is that Season 2 has only 7 episodes, compared to the 9 episodes of the first season. Some feel this shorter length doesn’t give enough time to explore the story fully.
Viewership: Can Season 2 Keep Up?
Despite the mixed reviews, Squid Game remains Netflix’s biggest hit, with the first season achieving 2.2 billion hours viewed and 265.2 million views. Here’s how it compares to other Netflix shows:
- Squid Game Season 1 – 2.2 billion hours viewed, 265.2 million views
- Stranger Things Season 4 – 1.83 billion hours viewed, 140.7 million views
- Wednesday Season 1 – 1.72 billion hours viewed, 252.1 million views
The question now is whether Season 2 can come close to these record-breaking numbers.
The Story So Far: Gi-hun’s New Mission
Season 2 picks up three years after Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) survived the deadly games and won the prize money. Haunted by his experiences, he lives in isolation, consumed by the desire to take down the organization behind the games. He teams up with Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), a police officer who previously infiltrated the games to find his missing brother. Together, they dive back into the dangerous world to expose the truth.
New Faces, New Challenges
This season introduces a fresh group of players, including a mother-son duo, a YouTuber, and a troubled rapper. These new contestants bring different struggles, from financial ruin to modern issues like unstable cryptocurrency and online fame. Their stories add fresh layers to the show’s exploration of societal pressures.
A Look Inside the Soldiers’ Lives
Season 2 also shifts focus to the soldiers who enforce the games’ brutal rules. One soldier, No-eul (Park Gyu-young), reveals why people join this violent world. It highlights how even a small amount of power can push people to commit terrible acts.
Themes That Hit Close to Home
Like the first season, Season 2 dives into big issues like greed, inequality, and the abuse of power. The games reflect how those at the top of society control and exploit others. As Gi-hun tries to end the games, he learns that the elite have only grown crueler, raising the stakes for their twisted entertainment.
A Cliffhanger Ending
The 7 episodes of Season 2 end with dramatic twists that set up an exciting third season, expected in 2025. The battle between the players, soldiers, and those in power is far from over, promising an even more intense showdown.
Final Thoughts
Squid Game Season 2 may not have the same impact as the first, but it remains gripping and thought-provoking. With its mix of intense action, emotional depth, and social commentary, it’s still a must-watch. Fans now eagerly await Season 3 to see how this thrilling story concludes.
Image Source: Squid Games 2/ Netflix
