Netflix's smash-hit series Squid Game is officially getting a second season. Squid Game was created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, a labor of love that took over ten years to get made. The first season featured a large cast, including Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Hoyeon, and Oh Yeong-su. The show followed 456 down-on-their luck contestants who participate in a series of children's games, with the losers suffering fatal consequences. However, the sole winner of the games will receive ₩45.6 billion, which is just over $38 million (USD).
Season 1 of Squid Game debuted on Netflix on September 17, 2021, to stellar reviews and mass viewership. The series quickly rose to the top of Netflix's streaming charts, racking up an astounding 1.65 billion viewing hours within the show's first 28 days. With the show's flashy aesthetics and good word-of-mouth, Squid Game rapidly found itself in the pop culture lexicon, with fans demanding a second season. Now, Netflix looks to be granting those wishes.
As reported by Variety, Netflix's co-CEO and chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, confirmed Squid Games' forthcoming season 2 during Netflix's fourth-quarter 2021 earnings interview. However, Sarandos also stated that "The 'Squid Game' universe has just begun," implying Netflix has plans beyond simply another season of the show. So while audiences are guaranteed a follow-up season, Squid Game looks just to be getting started.
Following the release of Squid Game, the show also made history with awards. It became the first Korean series and the first non-English-language series to earn Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations. Jung Ho-yeon was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama Series, with the show's lead, Lee Jung-jae, nominated for Best Actor. The entire Squid Game cast was also nominated for Best Cast in a Drama Series. Squid Game was also honored with three Golden Globe nominations, including Best TV Drama. In addition, oh Yeong-su won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, which made history as the first Golden Globe ever for Korea.
What the second season of Squid Game will entail is still unknown, though the ending of season 1 does give some clues. Gi-hun was last seen sporting colorful hair when he chose not to board his plane. He instead decides to seek out those responsible for the games. The second season could also follow up on Jun-ho's investigation, which ended abruptly without any resolution. While the show's creator has already stated that he is working on ideas for the second season, Squid Game will likely keep most details under wraps until closer to its release. However, audiences can rest assured that Squid Game season 2 is on the way.
Source: Variety