Get ready for another intense round of red light, green light—Squid Game is back with its highly anticipated Season 2. The popular South Korean drama has captivated audiences worldwide, and fans are eagerly awaiting the new episodes set to premiere this week on Netflix. Here’s everything you need to know about the release of Squid Game Season 2.

When Does Squid Game Season 2 Premiere?

The second season of Squid Game will be available to stream on Netflix starting Thursday, December 26, at 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT. Mark your calendars and set your alarms, because you won’t want to miss the thrilling return of this gripping series.

The Plot: What to Expect in Season 2

The next chapter of Squid Game sees former winner Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returning to the deadly arena three years after winning the 45.6 billion won prize. This time, however, he’s not just competing for money or fighting to survive—he’s on a mission to put an end to the game once and for all. Player 456 wants to take down the mysterious Front Man, the mastermind behind Squid Game.

According to the official Season 2 synopsis: “Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 gave up going to the States and comes back with a new resolution in his mind. Gi-hun once again dives into the mysterious survival game, starting another life-or-death game with new participants gathered to win the prize of 45.6 billion won.”

Returning and New Cast Members

Squid Game Season 2 welcomes back some familiar faces, including Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo. Joining the returning cast are several new actors, such as Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an. The combination of returning favorites and fresh talent promises to deliver an engaging and dynamic season.

Achievements and Accolades

The first season of Squid Game was a massive success, earning six Primetime Emmy Awards. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk made history as the first Asian to receive Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee You-mi also took home awards for their exceptional performances. The show’s critical acclaim and global popularity have set high expectations for the upcoming season.

Why Are There Only Seven Episodes in Season 2?

Fans may be surprised to learn that Squid Game Season 2 consists of only seven episodes, two fewer than the nine episodes in the first season. However, there’s a good reason for the shorter run—the show has been renewed for a third and final season, set to premiere in 2025. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk explained that he wrote Seasons 2 and 3 consecutively and decided that Season 2, Episode 7 was the perfect place to pause before continuing with the final episodes.

“When I was writing the script for the two seasons, I felt like there was a big turning point or an inflection point, and that was the end of episode seven, so I thought that it would do it justice to have a separate season after that,” Hwang told Deadline. “That’s why I had the first seven episodes as Season 2 and then the rest as Season 3.”

How to Watch Squid Game Season 2

To watch the second season of Squid Game, you’ll need a Netflix membership. The streaming service currently offers three subscription options: Standard with ads starting at $6.99 per month, Standard (no ads) at $15.49 per month, and Premium (no ads) at $22.99 per month. Unfortunately, Netflix does not offer a free trial at this time.

Subscribers can catch up on the previous season and dive into the new episodes when they drop on December 26. The intense and captivating storyline, combined with the high stakes of the survival game, makes Squid Game a must-watch series.

Final Thoughts

The release of Squid Game Season 2 on Netflix is just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The new season promises to deliver more of the intense drama, suspense, and thrilling action that captivated audiences in the first season. With Seong Gi-hun returning to the arena with a mission to end the game, viewers can expect high stakes and gripping plot twists.

Don’t miss out on the premiere of Squid Game Season 2 on December 26. Prepare yourself for another unforgettable journey into the world of Squid Game, where survival is the ultimate prize.