Squid Game Season 2 Drops Soon: A New Chapter in Netflix’s Most-Watched Drama

Calling the first season of Squid Game a mere hit would be an understatement of epic proportions. This chilling dystopian drama became a global phenomenon, setting a benchmark as Netflix’s most successful series of all time and leaving even its strongest contenders far behind. The show amassed over 1.6 billion hours of watch-time—a staggering figure equivalent to 188,000 years if viewed continuously. The closest rival, Stranger Things Season 4, trails behind with 1.3 billion hours, followed by Wednesday at just over 1.2 billion and Dahmer with 856 million, barely reaching half of Squid Game’s record.

More than three years have passed since the show first shocked audiences with its sinister, high-stakes competitions inspired by “The Most Dangerous Game.” Now, as Season 2 prepares to hit Netflix, fans are brimming with both anticipation and anxiety. Will the sequel match the first season’s brilliance, or has the initial novelty faded? Can it resolve unanswered questions from the original, or will it fall victim to the infamous curse of disappointing second seasons?

Personally, I wasn’t entirely sure the show needed a second season when the first one ended. Seong Gi-hun’s journey felt complete, even if his final decisions—dyeing his hair pink and returning for vengeance rather than reuniting with his daughter—left me somewhat dissatisfied. Yet, despite my reservations, I can’t deny the excitement of returning to the twisted world of the Squid Games to see what unfolds next, even if the ending of Season 1 left me lukewarm and its major twist felt a bit underwhelming.

Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix this Thursday, December 26th, at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET. For those eager to dive in immediately, it’s perfect for an overnight binge. As for me, I’m debating whether to stay up late for the first episode or wait until tomorrow to indulge. Part of me feels I should have revisited the first season, but stepping into the new one with a slightly hazy recollection might make the experience feel fresher. Still, many of the most harrowing moments from Season 1 remain vividly etched in my mind—for better or worse.