Squid Game Season 3 Debuts on Netflix With Mixed Reviews Globally

The final season of Netflix's global hit South Korean series Squid Game premiered on June 27, 2025, and has received largely positive reviews, achieving a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, surpassing Season 2's score but not matching the original's 95%. Critics praised the season for its suspense and emotional engagement, with some highlighting its fitting conclusion and continued thrilling narrative, while others noted the show has become a more traditional action-thriller and that its impact is somewhat diminished due to predictability. Season 3 notably expands the focus on the VIP characters who bankroll the deadly games, but this shift received mixed reactions, with some critics finding these characters stereotypical and uninteresting, potentially weakening the story. The protagonist, Seong Gi-hun, returns with a personal mission to dismantle the games, which adds emotional depth and closure to his arc, though some feel the season struggles to fully uphold the show's original critique of capitalism and greed. The series remains a cultural phenomenon with widespread fan engagement, including spin-offs and related media, but its finale leaves some uncertainties about the future of the franchise. All three seasons are currently available for streaming on Netflix.