“Squid Game” Season 2 Shatters Viewing Records on Netflix

The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game has made an explosive debut, becoming the most-watched show on Netflix during its release week.

According to the streaming giant, the South Korean series not only lived up to expectations but exceeded them, smashing viewing records and reaffirming its place as a global phenomenon.

In the week ending Sunday, Squid Game Season 2 accumulated over 480 million viewing hours, as revealed by Netflix’s Global Top 10 rankings. This staggering figure solidified its position as the leading title in the non-English TV category while also surpassing the viewing hours of every show in the English TV category and both English and non-English film categories during the same period.

The new season achieved another milestone by setting a record for the highest number of viewing hours in a premiere week. It eclipsed the previous record of 448 million hours, which was achieved by its predecessor, Squid Game Season 1, during its fourth week in September 2021. This remarkable achievement underscores the sequel’s ability to sustain and even amplify the immense buzz created by the original.

Despite being released just days before the weekly chart cutoff, on a Friday, Squid Game Season 2 has already climbed to No. 7 on Netflix’s all-time most popular non-English shows list. Its predecessor, Squid Game Season 1, continues to reign supreme at the top of this list, followed by other iconic international hits, including the Spanish series Money Heist Part 4 and the French series Lupin Part 1.

Adding to the excitement surrounding the series, Netflix unveiled a teaser poster on the same day as the release of Season 2. The poster gave fans a sneak peek at the upcoming storyline, introducing a new character, Cheol-soo, who will appear alongside Young-hee, the iconic animatronic doll that played a critical role in the games of Season 1. Cheol-soo is expected to feature prominently in the third season, which is anticipated to premiere later this year, sparking even more speculation and excitement among fans.

The continued success of Squid Game demonstrates its unparalleled global appeal. The series has transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide with its gripping narrative, intense performances, and thought-provoking social commentary. Season 2’s record-breaking debut not only highlights the staying power of the Squid Game franchise but also sets the stage for even greater anticipation and excitement as fans await its next installment.