Squid Game’ season 2 debuts to lower reviews, viewership uncertain compared to original’s viral success

Squid Game season 2 has been released after a three-year wait, following the immense success of the first season. Initially, a second season was deemed unnecessary, but the popularity of the first made it unavoidable.

Early reviews have emerged, showing lower scores compared to season 1. Currently, season 1 has a 95% critic score and 84% audience score, while season 2 has an 83% critic score and 63% audience score.

Critics note that the reduction from nine to seven episodes may have affected the show’s quality.

The main focus for season 2 will be its viewership numbers. Squid Game remains the most-watched series on Netflix, with season 1 accumulating 2.2 billion hours viewed.

In comparison, the closest contender, Stranger Things season 4, garnered 1.83 billion hours.

Historically, later seasons of shows can experience varying degrees of viewership success. While some series, like Stranger Things, thrive in subsequent seasons, others, such as Bridgerton, peak in their first. The future trajectory of Squid Game remains uncertain, as replicating the original’s viral appeal could prove challenging.

Nevertheless, season 2 is expected to perform well and may secure a spot in Netflix’s top 10 list, bolstered by the first season’s legacy. However, it is unlikely to reclaim the number one or two positions.