[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Netflix’s original series Squid Game: Season 3 has surged to the No. 1 position globally just one day after its release, according to data from streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol.
As of June 28, Squid Game 3 ranked first in Netflix's TV category across all 93 countries tracked by FlixPatrol, including the United States, United Kingdom, and South Korea. FlixPatrol compiles rankings based on Netflix’s daily “Top 10” data and aggregates scores across regions.
The rapid ascent is widely attributed to the strong global fanbase and momentum built by previous seasons. The show’s first season, released in 2021, became Netflix’s most-watched TV content globally, both in English and non-English categories. Season 2, released late last year, also debuted at No. 1 in its first week and currently ranks as the third most-watched Netflix series ever, behind Squid Game: Season 1 and Wednesday: Season 1.
The cliffhanger ending of Season 2, which directly led into Season 3, has driven considerable anticipation and viewer engagement.
However, critical and audience reactions to Season 3 have been sharply divided.
On Rotten Tomatoes, critics awarded the season an 83% Tomatometer score, indicating generally favorable reviews. Yet the Audience Score (Popcorn Rating) stands at just 51%, signaling a significant gap between critical praise and viewer sentiment. By comparison, Season 1 earned 95% from critics and 84% from viewers, widely acclaimed for its social commentary and storytelling.
The Washington Times criticized the finale for lacking emotional depth, stating:
“An Emmy-winning franchise deserves a weightier emotional resolution. Instead, Squid Game 3 ends with celebrity cameos that offer little reflection.”
The UK’s Guardian echoed similar concerns, writing:
“The violence is relentless, the cruelty more pronounced, but the satirical edge has dulled. It’s visually engaging, but less sharp than before.”
Despite the record-breaking global premiere, Squid Game 3 now faces the challenge of sustaining viewer engagement and meeting the narrative expectations set by its groundbreaking debut season.
AlphaBIZ Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
