The release of season one of Squid Game saw the show reach unprecedented levels of success. Giving rise to a Squid Game fever across the globe, the series emerged as a record-breaking K-Drama show for Netflix. The show became the center of international attention and was the top-viewed series in 94 countries since its release in September 2021. Within the first month of its release, Squid Game season one had a total of 1.65 billion viewing hours. It successfully managed to push the popular historical romance Bridgerton out of its previously ‘highest performing series’ position.
The series, centering on the premise of survival, pits 456 players who are deep in debt against each other for the chance to win ₩45.6 billion, approximately 38 million USD. To win the prize, participants must play a series of deadly children’s games. The catch is that if they lose, they are killed on the spot. The series, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk and starring Lee Jung-jae, O Yeong-su, and Kim Joo-ryoung, became so popular among fans that it was renewed for a second season. Netflix made the official announcement in early June 2022, and fans flocked to social media to express their thoughts.
Fans Are Over the Moon for More Squid Game
Having waited for almost a year with no news and an open-ending left by the concluding episode of season one, audiences are justifiably excited for information regarding the return of Squid Game to the screen. Fans on social media just couldn’t contain their excitement over the news. Instagram user @_stephlima, reacting to Netflix’s announcement regarding the new season, wrote, “FINALLY!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏”. The phrase managed to encapsulate most of what fans of the show were feeling.
Twitter user @withdramas, similarly to many others, was ecstatic over the news. Taking to the platform and defending their love for the show, they said:
“And yes i wont stop shouting..we are getting season2 for all yall.. We have been waiting for this 🥳🥳. Iam on cloud nine “
Echoing similar thoughts, @NebbyBrush tweeted:
“Can't wait for #SquidGameS2!”
Characters That Fans Want to See
Many fans were also eager to see characters that they loved from the first season. In the official announcement by Netflix, Hwang Dong-hyuk, director, writer, and executive producer of Squid Game, confirmed that certain characters from season one of the show would be making a return. “And now, Gi-hun returns. The Front Man returns,” he said. Instagram user @Zainabsarmad was more than excited to see one specific character make their return. Commenting on the official Instagram post, they said:
““The man in the suit with ddakji might be back” YES YES PLS @gongyoo_official”
While Hwang Dong-hyuk only explicitly confirmed the return of a few characters, it was all the push that fans needed to express their hopes of whom they wanted to see again in season two. @w.99.ea took to Instagram to say:
“In hopes for vincenzo to make a comeback too”
Similarly, fans on Twitter also had high hopes for characters they wanted to see in season two of the show. Calling for the return of another favorite, regardless of the plausibility of their return, @elfaoulysknight tweeted:
“resurrect my girl saebyeok 😭”
Certain Reservations About Squid Game 2
While most fans were over the moon regarding the announcement of the return of the popular show, some were also quite apprehensive regarding the return. Many doubts centered on the fact that the announcement of a new season was provided so soon, given the extended length of time it took for the producers to create the first one. Phrasing this exact doubt of many, Twitter user @biotafae expressed their excitement but also their apprehension regarding the turnout of season two. Writing on Twitter, they said:
“It took 12 years to create the first one. Makes me nervous for the second and how it will compare/live up to the first.
Nonetheless I’m excited absolutely!
#SquidGame #squidgames2”
Regardless of the time, it may have taken for producers to formulate plans for a second season, a few fans were worried about how season two would match up to season one. Some felt that writers had exhausted the narrative of Squid Game in season one, and there was nothing left to explore. An almost unimpressed Instagram user, @giorgionardini, said:
“How will they keep it captivating like the first one tho? Another round of games? 🤔”
Some fans were more direct. Refusing to beat around the bush, they blatantly made their needs known. @Ireeknd, writing as a response to Netflix’s official announcement on their Instagram page, said:
“please do not ruin season 2”
A Battle Between “Take Your Time” and “We Want It Now”
Fans were also in a twist over wanting to know when the season would release and letting the producers have as much time as needed to make a successful season two. “But when?” wrote a Twitter user, while @_z.oba_ expressing similar sentiments on Instagram, said:
“I hope it doesn't take 12years for season 2”
Deviating from this, some fans favor letting producers travel at their own pace. Prioritizing the success of season two over the timeline of release, Instagram user @Letstlkcartoons said:
“Please give this man the money and time he needs to craft this next chapter”
Squid Game fans are extremely excited about the return of one of their favorite shows. Despite the excitement, the thoughts expressed on social media make it clear that while some viewers are wholeheartedly excited for whatever the show may bring, others have reservations regarding the outcome of season two. Given the success of season one, the reservations are quite justified, as it would indeed be disappointing to see a show with such a loyal following underperform in its return.
Release Date
However, regardless of fans’ apprehensions regarding the show and questions about the timeline of release, Forbes reported earlier this month that Hwang Dong-hyuk had revealed that Squid Game season two would only be released in early 2024. So it looks like fans have quite some time to wait to witness what exactly the green light on the whole new round of games may bring.