Squid Game’s season 2 takes Netflix by storm, tops charts in 93 countries

Season 2 of Netflix’s Squid Game was expected to shatter records upon its release on Dec 26, and as expected, the hit thriller series has become the first show to top charts at debut in all 93 countries where the streaming platform is available.

As per the details, the groundbreaking success of Season 2 has sparked hopes that it might surpass the hype surrounding the first season of what also became Netflix’s most-viewed series in 2021.

The first season had captivated audiences with its thrilling plot and amassed over two billion viewing hours globally, making it the platform’s most watched non-English show till date.

Interestingly, the journey of Squid Game began in 2009 when creator Huwang Dong-hyuk first conceptualised the story. However, it took more than a decade for the project to gather funding, with Netflix eventually greenlighting it as part of its push for international content.

With its return, Season 2 has kept fans on the edge of their seats, and the excitement doesn’t stop there. Plans are already underway for a third and final season. Despite the overwhelming success, Hwang Dong-hyuk has expressed the need for a break after completing the series.

“I’ve poured so much of myself into this show that I feel drained,” Hwang said in a recent interview.

“I’m planning to take time off, escape to a peaceful place, and recharge without any distractions or calls from Netflix.”

Earlier, Squid Game Season 2 grabs Golden Globe nomination before premiere

Netflix's Korean giant hit Squid Game, the story of a deadly game for financially troubled people competing for a life-changing prize, was a global hit, breaking streaming records across the world. 

The highly anticipated Season 2 has scored a nomination for Best Television Series at the Golden Globe Awards 2025, weeks before its premiere.

The show, which is Netflix's most-watched series ever, was nominated in the Best Television Series – Drama category. It stands alongside other big names like The Day of the Jackal, The Diplomat, Mr and Mrs. Smith, Shogun, and Slow Horses.

Unlike the other shows that have already aired, Squid Game Season Two is set to release on December 26. It's rare for TV shows to get nominated before their release, but the Korean smash has changed the trend.

For a show to be eligible for the Golden Globe Awards 2025, it must have premiered in 2024 and submitted episodes by November 4. The first season of Squid Game received three nominations and won Best Supporting Actor for O Yeong-su.

In the comedy/musical categories, frontrunners include ‘Emilia Pérez,’ ‘Wicked,’ and ‘Anora.’ For drama, top contenders are The Brutalist, Conclave, and Dune Part Two. In TV, Shogun, Squid Game, Hacks, and Only Murders in the Building lead the pack.

The Golden Globe Awards 2025 ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, will air live on January 5.

Earlier, Netflix has released a new trailer for ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, revealing a new deadly game for Seong Gi-hun, also known as Player 456, played by Lee Jung-jae.

The new season, which premieres on December 26, will follow Seong Gi-hun as he tries to end the brutal survival game once and for all. In the trailer, Gi-hun is asked why he returned to the game after winning in Season 1. Lee Jung-jae’s character responds, "I’m trying to put an end to this game."

The trailer also shows him coaching the other 455 participants through a dangerous round of Red Light, and Green Light.

Besides Lee Jung-jae, other returning cast members include Wi Ha-jun as Hwang Jun-ho and Lee Byung-hun as the mysterious Front Man.

‘Squid Game’ Season 1, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, premiered in 2021 and quickly became Netflix's most-watched show. It has over 2.2 billion hours viewed, equating to approximately 265 million views.

The first season was nominated for 17 Emmys and won six, including Best Actor in a Drama for Lee Jung-jae and Best Guest Actress in a Drama for Lee You-mi.

The show tells the story of financially struggling people who compete in deadly games to win a life-changing prize, revealing the dark depths of human desperation and resilience.