Squid Game season 2 has officially cemented its place in Netflix history, reaching a staggering 190 million views on the streaming platform.
This milestone makes it only the third show ever to achieve such numbers, joining the ranks of Squid Game season 1 (265 million views) and Wednesday season 1 (250 million views). Notably, even Stranger Things season 4, one of Netflix’s biggest hits, has only reached 140 million views despite being available for a longer period.
Released in December 2024, Squid Game season 2 saw the return of Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, diving back into the deadly competition with the goal of dismantling it from within. The season continued to explore the franchise’s signature themes of capitalism and survival, maintaining its global appeal. Though critical reception was slightly more divided compared to season 1, the series’ popularity remains unmatched.
Given that Squid Game season 1 holds the title for Netflix’s most-viewed show ever, it’s no shock that season 2 followed suit. However, while the sophomore season has performed exceptionally well, its viewership momentum has slowed since its premiere, making it unlikely to surpass its predecessor’s record. Still, with season 3 set to arrive this summer as the final installment, there’s potential for the series to cross the 200 million view mark.
This milestone also underscores the growing dominance of international content on Netflix. As non-English shows and films continue to gain traction—seen in hits like Under Paris, the platform’s second most-watched non-English film—Squid Game proves that global audiences are more open than ever to Korean-language content. With 21 K-drama series planned for 2025, Netflix is doubling down on this trend, further solidifying its investment in international storytelling.
With Squid Game season 3 set for release on June 27, 2025, the franchise’s influence shows no signs of fading. Netflix’s success with the series highlights the growing demand for Korean-language content, and as shows like When Life Gives You Tangerines continue to roll out, the platform may find its next global phenomenon in the K-drama space. While replicating Squid Game’s unprecedented impact will be a challenge, one thing is clear—Netflix isn’t done searching for its next international hit.
