I’ll be honest—when I first watched Squid Game three years ago, I actually liked it a lot. The suspense and the unique concept kept me hooked from start to finish. The show had so many edge-of-your-seat moments, and let’s not even talk about the nail-biting tension. You could feel every single kill in your head. It was intense. But, I’ll admit, it was frustrating that just when things really started to pick up, the show ended. That cliffhanger left me both annoyed and desperate for more.
So, when Netflix announced Squid Game season 2 and Squid Game season 3, I couldn’t help but get excited. Would the series build on the suspense and emotional depth of Season 1? Would it dive deeper into the characters and explore its big social themes with more nuance?
Well, here’s the thing—Season 2 does switch things up and offers a fresh take on the concept. It’s clear that they’ve tried to evolve the story. As for how it’s being received, the very early reviews are already rolling in. While they’re solid, they’re not quite on par with the first season’s groundbreaking reception.
But honestly, is that really a surprise? Capturing the viral magic of the original is a tall order, and very few sequels manage to live up to that kind of sky-high expectation.
Early Reviews Show Lower Scores for Squid Game Season 2: Can It Live Up to the Original?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—how does Squid Game Season 2 compare to the first season in terms of early reviews? Well, as expected, the sequel’s initial scores are a bit lower than Season 1’s phenomenal reception. And honestly, is that really a shocker? Capturing lightning in a bottle twice is nearly impossible, especially when the original became such a massive cultural moment.
Here’s the current score comparison:
- Squid Game Season 1 – 95% critic score, 84% audience score
- Squid Game Season 2 – 86% critic score, 64% audience score
Not bad by any means, but definitely a noticeable drop. Some critics have pointed out that the reduction in episodes—from 9 in Season 1 to just 7 in Season 2—is a downside. It’s a frustrating reality of today’s streaming culture, where it can take three years to produce fewer episodes.
But here’s the thing: the big question for Squid Game Season 2 isn’t just about reviews. It’s about viewership. How many people will tune in to see if the sequel can recreate the magic of the original?
Move forward and find out what critics are saying over this new season.
What Critics Are Saying About Squid Game Season 2
Let’s find out how critics respond to some of our common questions about the Squid Game Season 2.
1. How Does Season 2 Stack Up to the Original?
From what the critics are saying, opinions are mixed, but there’s a lot of love for how the new season expands on the original themes while still keeping its dark heart intact.
Squid Game Season 2 is a worthy follow-up expanding on the ominous themes of its predecessor.
Aramide Tinubu, Variety
By all accounts, it’s just as good as the show’s first outing.
Aaron Pruner, CNET
This new set of episodes is also richer and more cohesive than what came before, without ever betraying the roots of where it came from.
Pierce Conran, South China Morning Post
That being said, there are some critiques about the pacing and tone. Some feel it leans too much into spectacle, which could be hit or miss depending on your expectations.
It’s a thorough letdown… lacking in the fun and whimsy that kept the first season from wallowing in its backdrop of misery, and entirely lacking in new details or insights on the nature of the Game.
Daniel Fienberg, Hollywood Reporter
2. Will It Keep You Guessing?
If there’s one thing we loved about Squid Game Season 1, it was the twists that kept us on the edge of our seats. Season 2 promises to deliver even more nail-biting surprises. Though not everyone is thrilled about how predictable some moments feel.
Brace yourself for many shocking surprises and long stretches of white-knuckle tension.
Pierce Conran, South China Morning Post
“There’s an unexpected twist around every bend, ultimately altering (or rather, magnifying) what the show is about at its core.”
Siddhant Adlakha, JoySauce.com
“You can see the plot twists coming a mile away even when a new game is introduced—and if you don’t, the show flashes lights in your face to make sure you’re prepared for the incoming twist.”
Therese Lacson, Collider
So, will it keep you guessing? Probably. But will it shock you in the same way the original did? That’s debatable.
3. What About the Games This Time Around?
Let’s be real—the games are what make Squid Game so iconic. This season, they’re still brutal and surreal, but there’s an added layer of emotional complexity as relationships and alliances are tested in new ways.
The games are just as surreal and perverse.
Laura Martin, BBC.com
Each game generates gut-twisting, yell-at-the-screen suspense, even on a second watch.
Kristin Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly
“The ruthlessness it pulls out of people is higher, as is how they try to force comradery simultaneously.”
Kate Sánchez, But Why Tho? A Geek Community
However, some critics feel the games don’t quite match the inventiveness of the first season, with one even calling them barely on-theme. Ouch.
4. Is It Still as Violent and Terrifying?
If you thought Season 1 was intense, buckle up. Season 2 dials up the gore and terror to new heights, pushing the series further into horror territory.
Things eventually culminate in a bloody massacre that pushes Squid Game further into horror than it’s ever been.
Andrew Webster, The Verge
The show’s signature brutal violence, blood, guts, and gore are still hyper-present, but the terror among the players, including Gi-hun, who has experienced it all before, remains palpable.
Aramide Tinubu, Variety
There’s lots of bloodshed, no impact.
Daniel Fienberg, Hollywood Reporter
So, if you’re here for the chills and thrills, you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t expect everyone to walk away unscathed—physically or emotionally.
5. Does Season 2 Bring Anything New to the Table?
Season 2 doesn’t just rehash the old formula. It builds on the first season in some pretty fascinating ways. Exploring the dynamics beyond the players to diving deeper into Gi-hun’s transformation.
Season 2 devotes itself to elevating the first by throwing a wrench into every element of the machine we thought we understood.
Kate Sánchez, But Why Tho? A Geek Community
One of the most interesting aspects of Season 2 is that it moves beyond the players… [It] illustrates how easily people can inflict pain and violence on others when they are emboldened by a sliver of power.
Aramide Tinubu, Variety
What Season 2 does best—apart from turning the risk-and-thrill meter to a 100—is cement Gi-hun’s interiority as a changed man.
Debopriyaa Dutta, High on Films
It’s not a complete departure, but it’s fresh enough to keep things exciting.
6. Are There Any Standout New Characters?
Yes! Season 2 introduces some memorable new faces, including a transgender character, Hyun Ju, who has been praised for adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Hyun Ju is a wonderful addition to the cast. A trans character, her growing relationship with Geum-ja is not only heartfelt but a window into understanding the importance of communicating across generations.
Kate Sánchez, But Why Tho? A Geek Community
One of the new players is a transgender woman, Hyun Ju… She ends up one of the most surprising and meaningful characters.
Siddhant Adlakha, JoySauce.com
Thanos is a lightning bolt of unrepentant chaos in an already electric environment, and [Choi Seung-hyun] has found a way to imbue pitch-perfect physical comedy, rage, and tragic recklessness.
Shannon Miller, IGN Movies
It sounds like these new additions will leave a lasting impression.
Squid Game Season 2 Reviews on Netflix: What Are Subscribers Saying?
Netflix subscribers have been quick to share their thoughts on the platform itself. But reviews of Squid Game Season 2 on Netflix have largely been positive. Many are praising the show’s willingness to evolve rather than merely repeat the formula of Season 1.
Season 2 is more about the characters and their motivations, wrote one fan. “It’s slower, yes, but it’s also more emotional and thought-provoking”. Others, however, feel the series would benefit from fewer subplots and a tighter focus on the deadly games that made the original a global phenomenon.
What Works and What Doesn’t in Squid Game Season 2?
What Works
- Deeper Character Development: Fans and critics alike have praised the sequel for fleshing out key characters and introducing morally complex new ones.
- Expanded World-Building: The series delves into the origins of the games and the people behind them, adding layers to the narrative.
- Stellar Performances: The cast, both returning and new, delivers powerful performances that keep the emotional stakes high.
What Doesn’t Work
- Pacing Issues: Many feel the first few episodes are slow, with the tension taking longer to build.
- Less Suspenseful Games: Some fans miss the nail-biting intensity of the original’s deadly challenges.
- Overcrowded Storylines: The show’s attempt to juggle multiple arcs leaves a few feeling underdeveloped.
How Audiences Are Reacting to Squid Game Season 2
Here is how audience reacted on this new season:
10/10
The end of 2024 brings the most anticipated second season of one most popular and successful series of Netflix “Squid Game”. Season one of squid game which was released back in 2021, quickly became a global phenomenon achieving the title of Netflix’s most-watched series and the most-watched program in 94 countries Season 2 is a worthy follow up to the first season; it’s exciting, tense, brutal, and exhilarating to watch. The production design is also amazing, particularly the set design. I was pleasantly surprised when I watched season 2 after seeing the negative reviews. I personally think it’s well done and the ending was standard for an ongoing tv series, not anything to get a headache over. The music is great and the set designs are beautiful. I recommend this show to everyone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7/10
⚠️Warning: Spoilers⚠️
This season 2 tries to add some new elements to the bloody Squid Game popular structure: a little bit of Ocean eleven spy vibe – with the handsome policeman leading the group – a little bit of rebellion against the corrupted system, and lots of narration of the human behaviour (stupidity, greedy, or bravery, according to the perspective you want to look at), sometimes with a little too much stereotyped characters (the villain has got something different in his eyes, or on his look) and a little too much captioned dialogues (the situation looks clear already, But dialogues remarks it).
But at the end of the day the real question is: why didnt Seong Gi-hun take that plane?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
Dark and funny…Capital and Ideology
Just as Season 1, a dark and funny look at the well-known injustices of modern societies. The TV show continues to emphasize the danger that wealth concentration poses to meritocracy, social justice, democratic governance, and societal cohesion. Given these implications, the engagement of the director’s skills, the writer’s plot development, and actors’ quality performance with their messages all make sense and strongly convincing. This show further reminds me of economist Thomas Piketty and his book 2019 book Capital and Ideology, inviting us to address one of the era’s paramount social justice challenges, namely, escalating global economic inequality, not limited to Korean society but also the entire world. This artistic and creative engagement with Piketty’s economic theories becomes nearly imperative.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
⚠️Warning: Spoilers⚠️
Well, well, well. For my opinion – season 2 of Squid Game is one of the best seasons, and all episodes is a masterpiece. I’ll wait the combat between Showmen and Seong Gi-hun, this season is ansewred on my 99% question. The Netflix is gave me all, that i want: the traitors, jokes, the new games and the concusion: Family – is everything, if you think, that your family will die: don’t think about it. But, if you think, that this TV show doesn’t have the negative moments, you will be absolutely wrong. Because all in our life is having anything positive and negative. My review is a try to say you: “Squid game is not just stupid TV show with games in them. It’s the scream of humanity problems, and you need to rewatch this show and understand it on 100 percent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
⚠️Warning: Spoilers⚠️
Well, well, well. For my opinion – season 2 of Squid Game is one of the best seasons, and all episodes is a masterpiece. I’ll wait the combat between Showmen and Seong Gi-hun, this season is ansewred on my 99% question. The Netflix is gave me all, that i want: the traitors, jokes, the new games and the concusion: Family – is everything, if you think, that your family will die: don’t think about it. But, if you think, that this TV show doesn’t have the negative moments, you will be absolutely wrong. Because all in our life is having anything positive and negative. My review is a try to say you: “Squid game is not just stupid TV show with games in them. It’s the scream of humanity problems, and you need to rewatch this show and understand it on 100 percent.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10
A phenomenal series that puts a whole different twist on the game show genre.
This series has left a mark on the Korean television scene. It delivers content that a lot of American or English series do not. It perfectly captures the tense moments that leave you shocked.
This series is the definition of leaving you on the edge of your seat. The amount of unexpected moments that leave you shocked is in the dozens. Even the moments that you slightly expect still leave you shocked.
Back in 2021 when I watched season one it absolutely blew my mind and hit me hard emotionally. It was definitely one of the best series I’d ever seen at that time and it still is. Season one was definitely better than season two, but season two was still phenomenal. The story is progressing incredibly well in season two. Every episode was terrific, just like the first season. The second season ended just like the first, on a cliffhanger that left you wanting more. I can’t wait for the final season next year.
Overall, this is a fantastic series and a massively enjoyable watch. I would definitely recommend checking it out if you haven’t already.
“Player 456. Welcome back to the game.”
Front Man.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10
Season 2 had me on the edge of my seat right from Episode 1
I waited until I watched Season 2 before leaving a review. The pace hasn’t changed one bit from Season 1. The tone is much darker right off the bat compare to Season 1 but balances it out later when new characters in the game come into play.
As far as new characters go, I love the interaction between the mom and the son. Director knows how to pull my heart string… I was praying that they would both survive every single game they played. However, my favorite has to be Thanos the purple haired, drug-addict rapper. That’s all I’ll say about him since I don’t want to spoil.
Main new mechanic that they included this time is the “X” and “O” patches that each player is given matching the choice of their vote in continuing the game. This creates even more tension in the series among the players that we have not seen in Season 1.
The games are again basic childhood games many Koreans have played growing up.
Violence level is still up there and they do not hold back whatsoever. So if you were squeamish watching Season 1, you’ll probably be squeamish watching Season 2.
JUST GO WATCH IT.
Side note – My fav episodes for S02 (not in any order) E1, E3, E6, E7.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Record-Breaking Viewership: Will Squid Game Season 2 Make it to the List?
Let’s take a look at the numbers that made Squid Game the global phenomenon it is today. This show isn’t just popular—it’s the most-watched Netflix series in history by a pretty big margin. Check out the stats:
- 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
- Dahmer – 1.03 billion hours viewed, 115.6 million views
- Bridgerton Season 1 – 929.3 million hours viewed, 113.3 million views
- Bridgerton Season 3 – 846.5 million hours viewed, 106 million views
- The Night Agent Season 1 – 803.2 million hours viewed, 98 million views
- The Queen’s Gambit – 746.4 million hours viewed, 112.8 million views
- Money Heist: Part 4 – 710.2 million hours viewed, 106 million views
- Fool Me Once – 629 million hours viewed, 98.2 million views
Clearly, Squid Game was in a league of its own. But what about Season 2? Some shows, like Stranger Things, see massive growth in viewership with later seasons. Others, like Bridgerton, peak with Season 1 but still do well. My gut feeling? Squid Game Season 2 probably won’t reach the same jaw-dropping heights as the original.
Why? The first season was such a viral sensation that it feels almost impossible to recreate that same kind of buzz. It’s not that people won’t watch—they definitely will—but it just doesn’t feel as essential as wrapping up a multi-season arc like Stranger Things. This feels more like something Netflix had to make because of the overwhelming success of Season 1, not necessarily because fans were begging for more. No pun intended.
FAQs
Critics say it’s a solid follow-up with deeper themes and shocking twists, though some feel it doesn’t match the magic of the first season.
It’s not a flop—reviews are mostly positive, but audience scores and initial reactions suggest it’s slightly less impactful than season 1.
Yes, it offers intense games, rich storytelling, and standout performances, though pacing and repetitiveness have been criticized.
No, it’s a continuation of the fictional drama series, but Netflix did create a separate reality show inspired by Squid Game.
Final Thoughts: Is Squid Game Season 2 Worth Watching?
So, is Squid Game Season 2 worth it? Honestly, I’d say yes—with a few reservations. It’s not quite the same lightning-in-a-bottle magic as Season 1, but it’s still a gripping continuation. If you’re okay with a slower, more character-focused story, you’ll find plenty to enjoy. But if you’re expecting the same nonstop tension and jaw-dropping twists, you might feel a bit let down.
As one fan said, It’s not the Squid Game we fell in love with, but it’s still a wild ride. And honestly, I agree. So, grab some snacks and get ready—because in Squid Game, nothing’s ever as simple as it looks.