Squid Game Season 2 Breaks Netflix Premiere Viewership Record
Squid Game Season 2 has emerged as a monumental success for Netflix, shattering previous viewership records during its debut weekend. This gripping series continues to captivate audiences worldwide, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond the screen.
Unprecedented Viewership Numbers for Squid Game Season 2
Recent internal data disclosed by Netflix, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, reveals that the second season of Squid Game amassed an astounding 68 million views globally within just four days of its premiere on December 26. This remarkable statistic was derived from the total viewing hours, which reached an impressive 487.6 million, divided by the show’s total runtime of 7 hours and 10 minutes. Such performance underscores the immense popularity and demand for this thrilling series.
This record-setting figure not only surpasses the previous one-week viewership record held by Wednesday (50.1 million) in 2022, but it also propels Squid Game Season 2 into Netflix’s prestigious top 10 shows of all time for non-English language programming, securing a remarkable seventh place shortly after its release. This achievement highlights the series’ global appeal and the growing interest in international content.
In comparison, the inaugural season of Squid Game drew in 265.2 million views over its first 91 days. Given the outstanding numbers that Season 2 has already achieved, it is poised to reach or even exceed this milestone much sooner. Fans are eagerly anticipating a third season, which is slated for release in 2025 and has already completed filming, further cementing the show’s legacy.
The talented cast of the latest season features renowned actors including Gong Yoo, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an. Their performances contribute significantly to the show’s gripping narrative and emotional depth, ensuring that viewers remain engaged and invested in the unfolding drama.
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creative force behind the series, serves as the writer, director, and executive producer for this new season. In a conversation with Tudum in 2022, he expressed the challenges of meeting audience expectations, stating, “There’s definitely a lot of pressure on how to make [Season 2] even better. I know that a lot of the different fans and audiences have enjoyed the series very much, but, really, we’re focusing on how to make it even more joyful to the global audience.” His commitment to enhancing the viewing experience is evident in the production quality and storytelling.
The first season of Squid Game premiered in September 2021 and rapidly ascended to become one of Netflix’s most-watched series in history. It has garnered numerous accolades, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Lee Jung-jae), Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Hwang Dong-hyuk), and several other prestigious awards, cementing its status as a groundbreaking series in the realm of entertainment.
(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)