Squid Game 2 becomes the first Netflix series to debut at number 1 in all countries
Squid Game Season 2 debuted at number 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix is available, surpassing the success of its predecessor.
Netflix’s Squid Game is back with its highly anticipated Season 2, and it’s already making history. While Season 1 established itself as a cultural phenomenon and the most-watched Netflix series of all time, Season 2 went one step further by becoming the first series to debut at number 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix is available. From the US to India, UK, Oman and Thailand, Squid Game Season 2 has garnered global attention like no other show before.
This achievement underlines the universal appeal of the series. Unlike its predecessor, which took several weeks to achieve global dominance, the new season launched to immediate worldwide acclaim. The popularity of Squid Game has even overtaken the popularity of shows like Stranger Things and Wednesdays on Netflix.
Initial numbers and critical reception
Although Netflix has not yet released official viewership numbers for Season 2, the series’ debut indicates massive engagement. For context, Squid Game Season 1 hit the “2.2 billion hours watched” mark with an astonishing 265.2 million accounts. Even with fewer episodes this time around – Season 2 includes seven compared to the first season’s nine – many predict it could challenge its predecessor’s record. However, the short runtime may work against it in terms of total hours logged.
Character storylines and new additions
Season 2 delves deeper into the consequences of the brutal survival games, following protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he sets out on a dangerous mission to take down the organization behind the games . Haunted by his experiences, Gi-hun re-enters the game with the aim of exposing those behind it and putting an end to it.
In the upcoming season, actors Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Park Gyu-young, and Choi Seung-hyun will join the cast, while Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Y Ha-joon, and Gong Yoo will reprise their roles.
Notably, complex games remain central to the series, with Season 2 featuring updated challenges inspired by Korean culture and history. The stakes are higher than ever, with alliances and betrayals running high.
What will happen next?
Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that seasons 2 and 3 were originally conceived as a single arc. However, the story was divided into two parts to allow for more depth and closure. Hwang explained, “I wanted to explore Gi-hun’s journey after the events of Season 1 – what he does to bring justice and how he grapples with the horrors of the Games.”
As fans anxiously await viewership figures, one thing is for sure: ‘Squid Game’ season 2 has cemented its legacy as a global entertainment titan.
Both seasons of ‘Squid Game’ are now streaming on Netflix.
