Squid Game is set to end with season 3, Netflix confirms. Three years since the South Korean series blew up and became a global hit on the streaming platform, all eyes are on the continuation of Seong Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae) story after winning in the Squid Game season 1 finale. Set for a December 2024 release, season 2 will not only see the return of familiar faces but will also introduce new players partaking in the underground operation. While it’s still uncertain what lies ahead for its sophomore year, Netflix went ahead and confirmed the show’s fate beyond season 2.

Alongside confirmation of its December 2024 return, a new Netflix video announcement about the show also confirms that Squid Game season 3 will release in 2025 and wrap up the series. Watch the clip below:

Squid Game Season 2 Date Announcement

Aside from the video, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk also commented on the decision to end the series with a fan letter (via Variety). He shares that he is excited for season 2, but also looking forward to its overall ending, saying:

“I am thrilled to see the seed that was planted in creating a new Squid Game grow and bear fruit through the end of this story.”

Why Netflix Is Ending Squid Game With Season 3

Having 2 Additional Seasons Of Squid Game Is Already A Treat

Inspired by South Korea’s penchant for game shows, Squid Game started with 456 players vying for the prize. Initially, they seemed to play harmless, traditional children’s games, only to realize that each one had a deadly twist. The show garnered worldwide acclaim, but its road to getting on the platform wasn’t easy. The project was years in the making, and originally, Hwang only planned for the show to have one season. This was despite the cliffhanger ending of season 1, where Gi-Hun turns around and decides to seek revenge on those who run the operation.

Once his story is done, it is difficult to keep Squid Game going beyond season 3, especially if Gi-hun succeeds in exposing the illegal competition.

Considering how big it got and the obvious narrative opening for a sequel, Netflix decided on doing Squid Game season 2. The new year will tackle Gi-hun’s plan to take down the deadly operation. The sophomore year is also confirmed to introduce new kinds of games, as well as fresh players. It’s unclear how Gi-hun fits into this aspect of the narrative at this point, but it’s expected that he will once again be involved. Once his story is done, it is difficult to keep Squid Game going beyond season 3, especially if Gi-hun succeeds in exposing the illegal competition.

Ultimately, it’s best that Netflix follows Hwang’s current vision for Squid Game. Forcing an extension risks watering down what is arguably one of the most creative TV shows in the last few years. It’s better for the show to have a proper ending, rather than stretching it up to its breaking point.