Squid Game season 2 review: "Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"

GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Squid Game dealsSquid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game dealsSquid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game dealsSquid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game deals Squid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game Squid Game $8.99/mthView $8.99/mth $8.99/mth /mth atNetflix atNetflix Full of intelligent twists and turns A compelling exploration of humanity Cons-Supporting storylines don’t come into their own yet Supporting storylines don’t come into their own yet Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. This review of Squid Game season 2 is spoiler-free. In the weeks after Squid Game season 1 hit Netflix, it felt like everyone was talking about it. The shocking and violent Korean drama made news segments, spawned ill-advised real-life recreations, and ultimately broke records for Netflix, becoming the streaming platform’s most-watched series of all time. Whether you loved it or loathed it, that familiar theme tune became etched in your brain, as did the colorful costumes and distinctive masks that bled into popular culture. So, how exactly do you follow that? There’s no doubt that for creator, director, and writer Hwang Dong-hyuk, the pressure was immense, not only because of his first season’s success but also because a second season presents a whole new breadth of challenges. The shock and novelty of the concept is no longer fresh, and that’s not even to mention the fact there’s an almost entirely new cast after the exceptional body count of season 1. As is the case with so many of the Squid Game contestants, the odds were stacked against Hwang, which only makes it even more impressive to see what he’s achieved withSquid Game season 2: a series that not only matches its predecessor’s level, but often exceeds it. Back inside (Image credit: Netflix) Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returns as our guiding figure in season 2, taking us back into that chilling arena once again. Yet, he’s different this time around. Gone is the naive and selfish Gi-hun who first entered the games, and in his place is a man burdened with trauma, single-minded in his mission for revenge. The season begins with him living in an abandoned hotel operating a cross-city operation to find the Recruiter (Gong Yoo) and get a foothold back to those who run the sadistic tournament. Lee plays him magnificently as a man who wears each life lost in the first games as a weight around his neck, yet still barely manages to raise his head to spite those responsible. FAST FACTSRelease date:December 26, 2024Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Hwang Dong-hyukEpisodes seen:7/7 FAST FACTS Release date:December 26, 2024Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Hwang Dong-hyukEpisodes seen:7/7 Release date:December 26, 2024Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Hwang Dong-hyukEpisodes seen:7/7 Alongside them, we get to know a whole new crop of contestants. They’re just as compelling as those we met in season 1 – and dealing with the same kind of demons. Particular stand-outs are Kang Ae-sim’s Jang Geum-ja, a mother failing to protect her son from himself, and Park Sung-hoon, whose casting fairly caused controversy as Hyun-ju, but brings depths of emotion to the story. Lingering too is the dread that begins to set in as you realize that very few, if any, of them will make it out. They’re examples of what makes Squid Game so powerful: its exploration of humanity at breaking point. Sure, Netflix may seem to believe, given its marketing and game show spin-offs, that this show is purely successful for its shock value. But, Hwang never succumbs to that simplicity, making his second season one of the most poignant and painful explorations of the human psyche on screen. Can’t look away (Image credit: Netflix) Of course, the visual tone of Squid Game also remains a huge selling point. Emmy-winning production designer Chae Kyoung-sun’s arresting designs are once again striking as she recreates the classic arenas as well as some new terrifying game locales in season 2. The contrast between the bright colors of the setting and the violence remains so disconcerting you have no chance to escape the horror of what’s happening when it’s playing out in brightly lit sequences. Squid Game is entertaining, but it’s also art that’s intent to hold a mirror up Squid Game is entertaining, but it’s also art that’s intent to hold a mirror up The new games are worthy of mention too, bringing in more childhood memories and twisting them sadistically so you’ll never hear a nursery rhyme the same way again. The violence is also just as unrelenting and still retains its ability to shock even when you know what’s coming next. Naturally then, it’s the sequences inside the arena that are the most exhilarating to watch. The time prior to Gi-hun’s return and the supporting storyline of Wi Ha-joon’s Hwang Jun-ho search for the island don’t quite come into their own in these seven episodes. Yet, there’s still enough there to plant the seeds for what’s to come, and season 2 does set up a lot for its upcoming final season in 2025. Breaking point (Image credit: Netflix) The real triumph of season 2 is its exploration of morality and the lengths humanity will go to when pushed to its extremes. When you first start watching, you think that you’d never vote to remain in the games, but after following a character who has lost everything and sees this as their only way out, avoiding empathy is impossible. In season 1, the Front Man shared his philosophy at one point: “Everyone is equal while they play this game. Here, the players get to play a fair game under the same conditions. These people suffered from inequality and discrimination out in the world, and we offer them one last chance to fight on equal footing and win.” This is at the heart of the second season too, as Hwang hints that maybe it’s the world that’s broken, rather than just the circumstances in the arena. Squid Game season 2 grapples with these questions in an interesting way, through the eyes of Gi-hun and the Front Man, as well as through contestants and guards fighting their own internal battles. Ultimately too, it asks its audience to consider where it stands, and what it would fight for in a world that becomes increasingly bleak and challenging. Yes, Squid Game is entertaining, but it’s also art that’s intent to hold a mirror up – and this is why it remains one of the best shows on television right now. Squid Game season 2 is streaming on Netflix now. For more, check out our guides to thebest Netflix showsand thebest Netflix moviesto watch. Squid Game dealsSquid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game dealsSquid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game dealsSquid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game deals Squid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game$8.99/mthViewatNetflix Squid Game Squid Game $8.99/mthView $8.99/mth $8.99/mth /mth atNetflix atNetflix CATEGORIESNetflixStreaming Services CATEGORIES More about squid gameSquid Game season 2 trailer teases brutal new games and a whole new group of people to endure themSquid Game creator says he changed the ending of the Netflix show halfway through: “This is not where the story should be headed” More about squid game Squid Game season 2 trailer teases brutal new games and a whole new group of people to endure themSquid Game creator says he changed the ending of the Netflix show halfway through: “This is not where the story should be headed” Squid Game season 2 trailer teases brutal new games and a whole new group of people to endure them Squid Game season 2 trailer teases brutal new games and a whole new group of people to endure them Squid Game creator says he changed the ending of the Netflix show halfway through: “This is not where the story should be headed” Squid Game creator says he changed the ending of the Netflix show halfway through: “This is not where the story should be headed” Latest See more latest► Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most Popular Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up” Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created” Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships” Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became” Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used” Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”