Many viewers have been critical of Squid Game season 2’s shorter runtime, but it benefits the show’s upcoming season 3 in more ways than one. Squid Game season 1 made waves when it landed on Netflix in 2021 and became one of the most-viewed shows on the streaming platform soon after its release. While some appreciated its gritty themes and storytelling, others loved it for its consistent pacing and ability to keep viewers hooked throughout its nine-episode runtime. Although Squid Game season 2 took time to come out, it has been performing incredibly well like its predecessor.

It not only boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 82% but has also managed to rank #1 in 92 countries. Despite this, however, many viewers cannot help but complain about one aspect of the series’ new installment: its seven-episode runtime. Given how Squid Game season 1 has nine episodes, and most Netflix shows have at least eight, it is understandable where the criticism comes from. At the same time, it is hard not to see how Squid Game season 2’s slightly shorter episode count might actually be great news for the Netflix Korean show’s season 3.

Squid Game Season 2 Ended Right Where It Needed To Set Up Season 3

Squid Game Season 2’s Ending Builds Anticipation For Season 3

Like its predecessor, Squid Game season 2’s opening arc gradually builds up to the games by dropping insights into the lives of the key players. With what follows, it walks through a series of gripping death matches and character conflicts that unexpectedly kill off several main characters. In its final moments, Squid Game season 2 perfectly marks the end of another major arc in Gi-hun’s narrative by showing how, despite his best efforts to stop the games, he failed and even lost his friend, Jung-bae.

Cliffhanger endings are usually not received too well, and rightfully so. However, given how Squid Game season 3 is all set to come out in 2025, it makes sense that season 2 ended its run on an ambiguous note. Despite being uncertain and leaving viewers clueless about Gi-hun’s future, Squid Game season 2’s ending brings a well-rounded closure to the main character’s revenge arc. It highlights how Gi-hun faced the consequences of being too blinded by his self-driven pursuit of seeking vengeance and getting others involved in his journey.

Following Jung-bae’s death in the season’s final moments, Gi-hun could either become a stoic anti-hero in season 3 or a broken, remorseful protagonist.

Squid Game season 2’s ending also allows the next installment to head in myriad story directions, encouraging viewers to come up with many intriguing theories. Following Jung-bae’s death in the season’s final moments, Gi-hun could either become a stoic anti-hero in season 3 or a broken, remorseful protagonist. The possibilities seem endless. This effectively raises the hype and anticipation surrounding how season 3 will unfold.

Squid Game Season 2 Had Just Enough Episodes To Make Us Care About The New Characters

Gi-hun Isn’t The Only Character Viewers Are Invested In After Squid Game Season 2

Since Squid Game season 1 killed off most characters by the end of its run, season 2 was expected to add new ones to the mix. Its limited seven-episode runtime could have been disastrous if it weren’t for its pacing and ability to get viewers invested in the relatable backstories of its main characters. Even though Gi-hun’s revenge story is still one of the primary drivers of the show’s storyline, it is hard not to be curious about what will happen to other memorable Squid Game season 2 characters, like Yim Si-wan’s Myeong-gi, Jo Yu-ri’s Jun-hee, and David Lee’s Min-su.

Season
Rotten Tomatoes Critics’ Score
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score

Squid Game Season 1
95%
83%

Squid Game Season 2
82%
64%

By featuring compelling story beats and incredible performances, Squid Game season 2 has also managed to make other characters like Park Sung-hoon’s Hyun-ju as rootable (if not more) as Gi-hun. Since most main characters survive by the end of Squid Game season 2, the fear surrounding who will die also raises anticipation for season 3, especially when it comes to Yong-sik and his mother, Geum-ja. Even with its limited runtime, season 2 also does enough to make the Front Man look even more menacing while introducing other side villains like Nam-gyu.

Squid Game Season 3 Is In A Good Position To Be The Netflix Show’s Best

Season 2 Has Paved The Way For It To Become The Series’ Darkest Installment

Since its beginning, Squid Game has appealed to viewers because of its portrayal of the darkest aspects of humanity and its no-holds-barred approach to killing off characters. Some of the most beloved characters from season 1 did not make it out of the games alive. The fact that most main Squid Game season 2 players survived suggests season 3 will feature many heart-breaking character deaths. This will make the show’s final installment grittier than its predecessor, which might potentially make it the best season.

Squid Game season 2’s mid-credits scene hints that season 3’s “Red Light, Green Light” game will feature two dolls, which will make it even deadlier.

Squid Game season 2’s runtime could have easily been stretched out with fluff story beats to make it as long as Netflix’s usual fare of shows. However, the fact that the show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, chose quality over quantity proves he will make season 3 just as impactful, if not more. With Squid Game being one of its most profitable IPs, Netflix would want to make it last as long as other successful shows, like Stranger Things, Cobra Kai, and 13 Reasons Why. Fortunately, Squid Game is not overstaying its welcome, promising to end on a high note with season 3.