Even though I loveSquid Game, I’m really happy that season 3 will be the show’s final run of episodes, and it’s an example that I think many other projects could learn from. As with many other viewers, I was devastated to be left with a cliffhanger at theend ofSquid Gameseason 2, but I’m also very thankful that Netflix isn’t hanging around withSquid Gameseason 3. It’s one of thebest shows on Netflix, and it deserves all the attention it’s getting so long after theend ofSquid Gameseason 1.
However,I don’t want any moreSquid Gameepisodes after the upcoming run. It’s not that the show has declined in quality. In fact, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by season 2’s innovative reworking of what could have been an easily replicable premise. There’s another, very specific, reason why I think it’s brilliant thatSquid Gameseason 3 will serve as the show’s final farewell. I know there are others who won’t agree, but I’m certain Netflix is making the right call.
Squid Game Has The Framework To Run For Far Longer Than 3 Seasons
Netflix could have made countless seasons of Squid Game (with or without Gi-hun)
The deadly tournament at the heart ofSquid Game’s story is one of the show’s most entertaining elements. The newgames inSquid Gameseason 2even proved that the rounds aren’t the same each year. So, I’m genuinely surprised thatNetflix hasn’t doubled down on its hit battle royale showand committed to making multiple seasons rather than just three. The show could technically have even withstood Lee Jung-jae choosing to leave the cast as Gi-hun, but that thankfully hasn’t happened either.
Hwang Dong-hyuk originally intended the story to be shorter than it will end up being. His original plan was forSquid Gameto be a one-off movie.
The fact thatSquid Game’s format is so repeatable if supported by a key behind-the-scenes production detail.Squid Gamecreator, writer, showrunner, and director,Hwang Dong-hyuk originally intended the story to be shorterthan it will end up being. His original plan was forSquid Gameto be a one-off movie, but it was eventually fleshed out into a full season when Netflix picked it up, and the platform then went on to order two more seasons. This is a process that could technically have gone on indefinitely.
Why Squid Game Season 3 Will End The Show
Gi-hun’s story is drawing to a close
DespiteSquid Game’s title, the show was never really about the tournament. Instead, the games have been used as a vehicle to tell Gi-hun’s story. Lee Jung-jae’s arc is approaching its end going into season 3, soit makes sense that Netflix is preparing to wrap things upso soon. This point is proved further by the fact that although the games were still a notable part of season 2, they were included far less frequently than inSquid Game’s inaugural run. Instead, the focus was on Gi-hun’s plan to take down the Front Man (Lee Bung-hun).
Squid Game Season 3 Is Already Different From The First Two After That Front Man Twist
When Squid Game season 3 returns to conclude the saga, it’ll have to find a new way to shock audiences after already revisiting the same twist.
Furthermore,Netflix isn’t especially well-renowned for long-running shows. EvenStranger Things, which is arguably the platform’s most successful show ever, is ending after season 5 later in 2025. It always seems that once Netflix starts to notice the slightest waver in a show’s popularity, it lands on the chopping block. So, rather than running the risk ofSquid Gameseason 3 ending in another cliffhanger and then season 4 not being ordered, it’s a far better and safer option to let the story conclude within three solid seasons.
Other Shows Could Learn A Lot From Squid Game’s Focused Approach
The Netflix show has done a solid job of storytelling
Gi-hun’s story has a beginning, middle, and an end, and each season ofSquid Gameis dedicated to a specific part of his arc. Netflix makes no attempt to capitalize on the show’s success by drawing it out any longer than necessary. Sure,Hwang Dong-hyuk’s original plan has been fleshed out a little, but the additions all feel necessary and authentic.
Sadly, this isn’t always the approach adopted by other shows. Instead, what tends to happen is the love for a show turns into borderline tolerance after many renewals, but it can sometimes become disdain. If something is doing well, the relevant studios and platforms will often keep making more seasons, and often to the detriment of the larger project.
Squid Gamehas resisted this temptation, but it’s a problem that persists in other areas of the industry. For example,Supernaturalran for 15 seasons, despite many fans agreeingSupernaturalseason 5 marked the beginning of the show’s downfall. So, while it may seem like a waste to endSquid Gameso soon, it’s far better than the alternative.
