Netflix enthusiasts are over the moon as one of the platform’s most acclaimed dramas has made a triumphant return with its second season.
Emerging as an unexpected hit in 2021, this captivating international drama swiftly rose to fame, not only becoming Netflix’s standout show of the year but also their most-watched series ever.
Now, three years on, the South Korean sensation remains at the pinnacle of Netflix’s offerings and is set to replicate its phenomenal success with the release of season two.
The series follows the plight of a beleaguered gambler who, in a bid to secure a life-changing sum of money, embarks on a perilous odyssey through a brutal gauntlet of deadly games.
Its debut season garnered critical acclaim, with Empire commenting at the time, “Its messages hit like a sledgehammer to the head, yet this vibrant, vicious series holds a surprisingly big heart at its core. A winning blend of spectacle and sentiment”, reports the Express.
A fan took to Reddit to express their enthusiasm: “Squid Game is probably the best show I came across in a long time. The only show that hit me as hard as Breaking Bad did, and trust me I watched a lot of shows in between. I highly encourage y’all to watch it if you haven’t already.”
But does the sophomore season measure up?
Eager fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the initial reviews are positive, commending the fresh twists and developments in Seong Gi-hun’s (played by Lee Jung-jae) narrative.
GamesRadar has heaped praise on the sequel to Squid Game, awarding it a full five stars and stating its return “secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”.
Their review went on to say: “Just as shocking and unrelenting as its first season, Squid Game makes a triumphant return to secure its place as one of the best shows on television right now.”
They highlighted Lee Jung-jae’s performance, saying: “Lee Jung-jae leads the cast brilliantly as the haunted Gi-hun who meets his match in Lee Byung-hun’s terrifying Front Man.”
Variety was also impressed, describing the second series as “bloodier, more expansive and utterly engaging”.
They added: “Boasting several mind-blowing twists, these seven episodes advance the story to what will undoubtedly be an electric conclusion when season three debuts in 2025,”.
Empire joined the chorus of approval, claiming that the second season features “what may be the best episode of Squid Game ever made”.
Their review elaborated: “It feels like a perfect microcosm of all the show’s best elements: nauseatingly tense, blackly hilarious, cartoonishly ridiculous and utterly devastating.”
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SkyIGN also had positive things to say, assuring that Squid Game season two “still finds thrills and a strong, complex perspective in its long-awaited return.”
They continued: “Squid Game finds its second wind by exploring the complex layers of a deadly system.
“Storytelling continues to be the series’ strongest asset, and a leaner season helps to focus energy on a more nuanced approach to this expanding fictional universe.”
Squid Game season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.