Netflix released the third and final season of Squid Game over the weekend to mixed reception from viewers and critics alike. The Korean series concluded its run with declining audience scores across major review platforms.
The season currently holds the #1 position on Netflix in the United States. However, viewership data from Samba TV shows 1.6 million US households watched the premiere during its first three days — a 17% decline from Season 2’s debut numbers.
Critical reception has steadily declined across the series’ three-season run. Rotten Tomatoes scores reflect this downward trajectory:
- Season 1: 95% critics’ score / 84% audience score
- Season 2: 83% critics’ score / 63% audience score
- Season 3: 80% critics’ score / 50% audience score
The audience score drop represents a significant shift in viewer sentiment since the show’s 2021 debut.
Online fan reactions have been particularly harsh regarding the final season’s execution. “This ending sucked and felt like a cash grab for an American Squid Game,” one viewer posted on X. Another commented, “There was no need to split this into a third series … actually, no need to make another series after the first.”
[Spoiler Alert] Many viewers criticized character development choices, particularly regarding protagonist Seong Gi-hun’s arc and his relationship with his daughter.
The timing of Season 2’s release — the day after Christmas — may have contributed to stronger initial viewership compared to Season 3’s weekend drop. Holiday viewing patterns typically favor binge-watching during extended time off work.
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk previously indicated that the series would conclude with Season 3. The show became Netflix’s most-watched series following its initial release and spawned various international adaptations and merchandise deals.
Despite the critical reception, Squid Game remains one of Netflix’s most recognizable global properties. The streaming platform has not announced any spin-off projects or related content in development.
