The highly anticipated second season of the South Korean thriller Squid Game has received a lukewarm response from critics, despite quickly climbing to the top of Netflix's most-watched list. Released on December 26, 2024, the new season struggles to replicate the immense success of its predecessor, which became Netflix's most-watched series and won multiple awards, including an Emmy for Best Drama.
Critics point to a slow start, with the first three episodes criticized for lacking content and originality. Many new characters appear to echo the dynamics of established ones, leading to accusations of fan service. As noted by The New York Times, viewers are left with a sense of déjà vu: “You’ll hear things you essentially heard in Season 1.”
Moreover, the financial impact is evident; shares of Artist United, the company linked to lead actor Lee Jung-jae, plummeted by 30% following the season's debut. Other associated firms also saw significant declines, with Wysiwyg Studios down 25% and Dexter Studios falling 24%.
Despite the criticisms, Squid Game remains a viewing giant on Netflix, leaving fans hopeful that the upcoming third season, set for 2025, will deliver a more engaging experience.