Squid Game season 2 already faces a massive challenge, and its release window further compounds this issue. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game experienced the kind of virality and commercial success that only a few TV shows have achieved. Its popularity not only paved the way for a second season but also helped it land several award nominations and wins. The show even spawned a reality TV show, which recreated its central games and offered a reward of US$4.56 million to its winner.
Considering Squid Game season 1’s achievements and record-breaking feats, it is hard not to be hopeful that season 2 will also tread the same path. However, even though season 2 is again being helmed by Hwang Dong-hyuk and will also mark the return of some of season 1’s characters, it has several roadblocks to overcome. Squid Game season 2’s release month has been confirmed, which is great news, but it makes the show’s existing hurdles even more apparent.
Squid Game still ranks among the highest-viewed shows on Netflix and even holds the record of having the highest watch time in the first 28 days after its release. However, despite achieving these impressive feats, Squid Game faces a big challenge ahead: it may not be able to leverage season 1’s popularity. While it is relieving to know that Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae has confirmed season 2 will come out in December 2024, it is hard not to wonder if the show will still be able to capitalize on season 1’s runaway success.
If Squid Game season 2 had premiered within two years after season 1’s release, the show would still have been able to ride the wave of its predecessor’s popularity. Unfortunately, now that almost four years have passed since season 1’s Netflix premiere, the hype surrounding its early virality has significantly dwindled. The long wait between the Korean show’s seasons 1 and 2 seems to have slowed down the flywheels of the anticipation that first came with its season 2 announcement.
The 4-year gap between Squid Game seasons 1 and 2 can negatively impact the show in more ways than one. Owing to the break, audiences will expect the second installment to be significantly better than season 1. Outperforming season 1’s acclaim and commercial success may not be impossible for season 2. However, it is still a challenging feat given how the opening season had record viewership on Netflix and holds an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%.
After its release in 2021, Squid Game also sparked some intriguing conversations surrounding class divides and economic determinism. While these thematic elements may still intrigue audiences, their relevance in live-action storytelling has slightly diminished in recent years because many new films, like Triangle of Sadness, The Menu, and Saltburn, have dabbled with similar themes of economic disparity. This puts pressure on Squid Game season 2 to bring something refreshing to the “eat the rich” sub-genre. Hopefully, Squid Game season 2 will not disappoint and pave the way for more seasons.