Squid Gameseason 2 was an unbridled success for Netflix, and it reached a new viewership milestone. The sophomore season saw the return of Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, as he re-enters the games to save as many people as possible and end the deadly competition once and for all. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk returned as the director and writer, alongside several other familiar stars.Squid Gameseason 2 debuted with big numbers when it premiered in December 2024, even breaking a multitude of viewership records for Netflix.
According toNetflix,Squid Gameseason 2 has already earned 190 million views.It marks only the third season of any show to ever do so, as onlySquid Gameseason 1 (265 million views)andWednesdayseason 1 (250 million views)have reached that milestone. EvenStranger Thingsseason 4 has only seen 140 million views, despite having been available for far longer.Squid Gameseason 2 was only just released in December, so those totals are likely to increase when season 3 is eventually released.
What This Viewership Record Means For Netflix
Squid Game Remains A Unique Success
Considering thatSquid Gameseason 1 is the most viewed installment of any Netflix show, it’s no surprise that season 2 managed to reach this milestone. In particular, the survival series became a global sensation due to its themes about capitalism, an idea that has seemingly resonated with many viewers. Althoughreviews forSquid Gameseason 2were slightly more divided, particularly with its ending, the viewership is still a testament that the series is easily Netflix’s most popular on their platform.
Squid Game Season 2 Ending & All Twists Explained
Squid Game season 2’s ending is an even bigger cliffhanger than season 1, and it leaves Gi-hun even worse off after his plan to stop the tournament.
However, the viewership has drastically slowed down since its premiere in December 2024, and it’s questionable whether season 2 will even reach the heights of season 1’s numbers. At this point, it’s unlikely, soit will likely remain in third place overall in terms of viewership. However, it may have a chance of at least hitting the 200 million views mark, especially in light ofSquid Gameseason 3 coming this summer, which will also be the final installment.
Squid Gamewas certainly a unique success, but it is also further proof that domestic audiences are more readily accepting international content. With
Nevertheless, this milestone means that Netlix has found something special in this franchise. The platform has certainly found other successful series, includingCobra Kai,Wednesday,Stranger Things, andThe Night Agent, but most have ended or are coming to an end. While each is set to have spin-offs, save forThe Night Agent,Wednesdaywill soon be the only ongoing show from Netflix’s mainline productions.
Our Take On Squid Game’s Continued Success
Netflix Is Going To Miss Squid Game
Non-English movies and shows have become more popular in recent years, withParasite(2019),Ne Zha 2(2025), andPushpa 2: The Rule(2024) standing out from the pack. Anime is also becoming an increasingly popular medium, which is only expanding the reach of non-English productions.Squid Gamewas certainly a unique success, but it is also further proof that domestic audiences are more readily accepting international content. With Netflix looking for potential replacements,it may continue to look overseas for options.
Squid Gameseason 2 is also not the only piece of record-breaking content Netflix has released in the past few years. TheFrench-language shark filmUnder Parisis the platform’s no. 2 most-watched non-English-language movie of all time after surging in 2024. During its time on the Netflix charts, the film’s viewership numbers were often far higher than even English-language films.Under Paris' success serves as further proof that Netflix can succeed when going international.
It is a good time forSquid Gameto be record-breaking on Netflix, given the streamer’s current strategies. While the platform may continue to expand into international markets beyond Korea,the streamer already has a stacked lineup of K-drama and Korean films planned for 2025. Several of these titles includeSquid Gamestars, such as Kang Ha-neul (who plays Player 388), who will star in the seriesTastefully Yours. It seems likely that Netflix could lean into these casting overlaps to prop up shows likeTastefully Yoursand various Korean-language movies.
The Netflix K-dramaWhen Life Gives You Tangerinescurrently has 8 episodes streaming on the platform, with two more batches planned for March 21 and March 28.
It seems Netflix will not have to look far when finding the nextSquid Gamereplacement. The show’s unique and engaging plot will make it hard to replicate, but with worldwide audiences more open to Korean-language content,Netflix would do well to lean into the publicity and marketing for their upcoming K-drama series. They have 21 series planned in total, so while reaching 190 million views might be hard to replicate, it is possible for Netflix to locate a successfulSquid Gamesuccessor.
