Despite a mix of reactions to its finale, Squid Game Season 3 has undeniably broken records for Netflix. The streaming giant is celebrating the season’s success, which saw it become the first-ever Netflix series to rank number one across all 93 of its main markets during its debut week.
With 60.1 million views and a staggering 368.4 million hours watched in the first three days, Squid Game Season 3 achieved an impressive feat.
However, this triumph comes with a caveat. Critics have praised the show’s captivating thrills and social commentary, but many fans were left disappointed, especially with the finale. The show’s user rating on Rotten Tomatoes currently sits at a mere 50%, a sharp drop from the previous seasons’ scores of 84% and 63%. Some of the biggest complaints include uneven pacing, underwhelming character development, and cringe-worthy moments, particularly with the non-Korean VIPs. The finale’s unexpected cameo, featuring a Hollywood star, also left many viewers puzzled, with some feeling it was an unnecessary and distracting attempt to set up a future storyline.
While Netflix has pointed to the show’s critical success, claiming all three seasons are ‘certified fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes, the gap between critic and audience scores is evident. Fans were especially vocal about the show’s handling of Player 456, Seon Gi-hun, with many feeling his character arc was sacrificed in favor of expanding the franchise. The finale’s abrupt and controversial moments raised doubts about whether Netflix was stretching the story too thin.
The success of Squid Game cannot be denied, though. The series remains Netflix’s biggest TV release, with the first season still holding the crown as the company’s most-watched show. The second season, though not quite as successful, still managed to rival the success of Wednesday’s first season. As reports surface about a potential spin-off, including a U.S.-based version developed by David Fincher, fans are left wondering: Is Squid Game now in danger of overstaying its welcome?
Despite the mixed reception, the show continues to captivate audiences, and its impact on Netflix’s success is undeniable. But as Squid Game heads into uncertain territory, only time will tell if the gamble pays off or if it risks losing the magic that made it a phenomenon.