Squid Game 3: Global Critics Clash Over Predictability and Immersion in Netflix’s Final Chapter

A Phenomenon Returns: Squid Game 3’s Global Impact

Did you know? When Squid Game 3 dropped on June 27, 2025, it instantly topped Netflix charts in 93 countries, breaking records with over 60 million views in just three days. The world tuned in to see the fate of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) as the saga reached its brutal conclusion. This explosive global interest shows how Korean dramas, especially Squid Game, have become a cultural bridge, drawing in fans from every continent and sparking passionate debates online.

But with great hype comes great scrutiny. The anticipation for this season was sky-high—could it ever match the shock and emotional punch of the original?

Critical Acclaim: Immersion, Brutality, and a Satisfying End?

International outlets like TIME and The Financial Times didn’t hold back their praise. TIME called the finale a return to Squid Game’s raw, cruel roots, delivering a powerful final blow. The Financial Times highlighted the season’s fast pace and sharp direction, saying it still offered an addictive level of immersion. Collider and Metro UK described the ending as overwhelming and emotionally intense, with some critics noting that the show’s signature blend of social commentary and survival horror remained intact.

European critics especially lauded the show’s critique of capitalism, moral dilemmas, and the darkness of human nature. For many, the finale was a ‘bloodstained ribbon’—a near-perfect conclusion that kept viewers agonizing over every choice and twist.

Harsh Criticism: Predictability and Fatigue Set In

Yet not everyone was impressed. The New York Times and The Guardian led the charge with biting critiques. The NYT called the season ‘one-dimensional and predictable,’ arguing that the formula had become stale and the subplots, especially Jun-ho’s island search, felt meaningless. The Guardian lamented the loss of the show’s satirical edge, saying the violence had become relentless and the narrative structure suffered from fatigue. Many critics and bloggers echoed these sentiments, claiming that the emotional depth and shocking twists of Season 1 were missing, replaced by filler and recycled ideas.

Some fans on social media were even more blunt, calling the finale a ‘waste of time’ and slamming the decision to end major character arcs abruptly. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score plummeted to around 50%, a sharp drop from previous seasons, despite critics giving it a solid 83%.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Fandom and the Power of Community

If you scroll through Naver and Tistory blogs, you’ll see just how split the fandom is. Some viewers called Squid Game 3 the ‘best series of my life,’ praising its bold storytelling and emotional gut punches. Others said it was the ‘worst show I’ve ever seen,’ frustrated by the lack of innovation and the controversial CGI baby twist. On forums and review sites, ratings swing wildly between one and five stars, mirroring the show’s own X and O voting motif.

What’s fascinating is how global fans bring their own cultural lenses to the debate. Western audiences often focus on plot mechanics and pacing, while Korean and Asian fans discuss the deeper symbolism and social critique. This diversity of opinion is a testament to how Squid Game’s themes of inequality, desperation, and hope resonate differently across cultures.

Cultural Insight: Why Squid Game Still Matters

Why does Squid Game’s reception matter so much? For many international fans, the series isn’t just a thriller—it’s a window into Korean society, history, and the global reach of K-drama. The games, with their roots in Korean childhood traditions, serve as metaphors for real-world struggles. The show’s exploration of class, survival, and moral ambiguity hits hard in a world still grappling with inequality and uncertainty.

Even as critics argue over its artistic merits, Squid Game 3’s ability to provoke conversation—whether through praise or backlash—shows the power of storytelling to unite and divide. It’s a reminder that fandom isn’t just about loving a show; it’s about engaging with the questions it raises.

Behind the Scenes: Production, Cast, and the Road to Season 3

Did you catch the buzz about the cast? Lee Jung-jae’s portrayal of Gi-hun drew both admiration and criticism for his character’s evolution (or lack thereof). Some bloggers noted that his emotional responses felt inconsistent, possibly reflecting the challenges of sustaining a complex character across three seasons. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk faced scrutiny for not fully utilizing the talents of his ensemble, with some critics suggesting that the narrative suffered from weak storytelling and drawn-out pacing.

Despite these issues, the production values remained top-notch, with visually stunning sets and inventive new games that kept fans guessing. The surprise cameo by Cate Blanchett in the final moments sent shockwaves through the fandom, hinting at the possibility of a spin-off or even an American adaptation.

The Fandom’s Verdict: Love, Hate, and Everything In Between

So, is Squid Game 3 a worthy finale? The answer depends on who you ask. For some, it’s a masterful conclusion that ties up loose ends and delivers the emotional catharsis they craved. For others, it’s a disappointing retread that failed to recapture the magic of Season 1. What’s undeniable is the show’s cultural impact: it has inspired memes, Halloween costumes, academic essays, and heated debates from Seoul to São Paulo.

As the credits roll on Squid Game, the conversation is far from over. Whether you loved it or hated it, you’re part of a global community that’s been forever changed by this Korean phenomenon. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the real victory.

References: Insights from Global Media and Korean Fandom

This review draws on over a dozen recent articles from outlets like TIME, The Financial Times, Variety, The New York Times, The Guardian, IGN, NPR, and Metro, as well as six Naver and Tistory blog posts reflecting Korean fan perspectives. The diversity of sources ensures a balanced view of Squid Game 3’s reception, capturing the full spectrum of critical and fan reactions worldwide.

If you’re still debating whether to watch, remember: in Squid Game, the only way to know is to play.