Squid Game season 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 Game season 2 debuted with big numbers when it premiered in December 2024, even breaking a multitude of viewership records for Netflix.
According to Netflix, Squid Game season 2 has already earned 190 million views. It marks only the third season of any show to ever do so, as only Squid Game season 1 (265 million views) and Wednesday season 1 (250 million views) have reached that milestone. Even Stranger Things season 4 has only seen 140 million views, despite having been available for far longer. Squid Game season 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 that Squid Game season 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. Although reviews for Squid Game season 2 were slightly more divisive, particularly with its ending, the viewership is still a testament that the series is easily Netflix’s most popular on their platform.
However, the viewership has drastically slowed down since its premiere in December 2024, and it’s questionable at this point if season 2 will even reach the heights of season 1’s numbers. At this point, it’s unlikely that season 2 will surpass the debut installment, so it 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 of Squid Game season 3 coming this summer, which will also be the final.
Squid Game was 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 franchises, including Cobra Kai, Wednesday, Stranger Things, and The Night Agent, but most have ended or are coming to an end. While each is set to have spin-offs soon, save for The Night Agent, Wednesday will 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, with Parasite (2019), Ne Zha 2 (2025), and Pushpa 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 Game was 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 Game season 3 is scheduled for June 27, 2025.
