Squid Game Season 3 Faces Harsh U.S. Criticism: Repetitive Structure and Flat Characters Spark Debate

Introduction: Squid Game Season 3’s Explosive Debut and Immediate Backlash

Did you know that Squid Game Season 3, released globally on June 27, 2025, instantly shot to the top of Netflix’s charts in 93 countries? Despite this record-breaking success, the final season faced a wave of harsh criticism from American media and fans alike. The New York Times, Hollywood Reporter, and countless online communities have all weighed in, sparking heated debates about whether the show has lost its original magic. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the critical and fan responses, explore cultural insights, and examine what this means for the legacy of one of Korea’s most influential dramas.

U.S. Media’s Sharp Critique: Repetitive Structure and Flat Characters

American critics didn’t hold back. The New York Times argued that for a third season to be worthwhile, it must surprise viewers—yet Squid Game 3, they say, simply repeats its own formula. They pointed out that the structure feels recycled and that the main character Gi-hun’s journey, though tense, comes off as forced. The Hollywood Reporter called the show’s final stretch a 'mostly unpleasant journey,' criticizing its lack of narrative evolution and the predictability of its Western and war-movie archetypes. NPR echoed these sentiments, describing the characters as heavy-handed and the plot twists as telegraphed far in advance. This consensus among critics paints a picture of a show struggling to recapture the originality that made its first season a global sensation.

Audience Reactions: Rotten Tomatoes Score Plummets, Fandom Divided

On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score for Squid Game Season 3 fell dramatically to the low 50s—an unprecedented drop from the 80s and 60s of previous seasons. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit exploded with polarized opinions. Some fans called the finale 'a waste of time,' criticizing the lack of emotional depth, the repetitive games, and the controversial CGI baby twist. Others, however, defended the show’s bold choices and praised its willingness to push boundaries. This split is mirrored in the Rotten Tomatoes reviews, where ratings swing wildly between one and five stars. The divide has become a cultural phenomenon in itself, with fans debating whether the series should have ended after its groundbreaking first season.

Fandom and Cultural Context: Why International Fans Still Care

Why does Squid Game continue to spark such passionate debate worldwide? For many international fans, the series’ critique of capitalism, social inequality, and human desperation still resonates deeply. The show’s brutal games and moral dilemmas tap into universal anxieties about survival and justice. However, some critics and viewers argue that the franchise has lost its edge, becoming a victim of its own success. The American spinoff teased at the end of Season 3 has also stirred controversy, with fans accusing Netflix of 'franchising poverty' and missing the original’s anti-capitalist message. Yet, the global fandom remains fiercely engaged, dissecting every plot twist and theorizing about the show’s deeper meanings.

Naver and Tistory Blog Buzz: Korean Fans Weigh In

On Naver and Tistory, Korean bloggers have been just as vocal. Many posts praise the performances of Lee Jung-jae and the ensemble cast, highlighting the emotional weight of Gi-hun’s final choices. However, there’s also widespread disappointment about the lack of new game ideas and the predictable story arcs. Some bloggers lament that the series has become too focused on spectacle and shock value, rather than the tight storytelling and social commentary that defined Season 1. Others appreciate the show’s attempt to tie up loose ends and provide closure, even if the result feels bittersweet. The consensus? Squid Game 3 is a mixed bag—ambitious but flawed, and destined to be debated for years.

Record-Breaking Viewership vs. Critical Disappointment: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Despite the critical backlash, Squid Game Season 3 broke Netflix records, amassing over 60 million views in its first three days and topping charts in every major market. This paradox—massive popularity alongside divisive reviews—underscores the unique position of Korean dramas in the global streaming era. The show’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has acknowledged the pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion, but even he admits that not all fans will be pleased. As the series closes its four-year run, its impact on pop culture, Halloween costumes, and even reality TV spin-offs is undeniable.

Cultural Insight: The Legacy of Squid Game and Lessons for Global Fandom

For international fans, understanding Squid Game’s journey requires a look at Korea’s cultural and economic landscape. The series’ themes of debt, competition, and systemic injustice are rooted in real societal anxieties. The backlash against Season 3’s perceived commercialization reflects a broader concern: can a show that critiques capitalism survive its own success? As debates rage on, one thing is clear—Squid Game has changed the conversation about Korean entertainment forever, proving that a story from Seoul can captivate, provoke, and divide audiences around the world.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Korean Dramas and Global Streaming?

As Squid Game bows out with its most controversial season yet, fans and critics alike are left to ponder its legacy. Will future Korean dramas follow its path, or forge new directions? For now, the conversation continues—online, in fan communities, and across the world. Whether you loved or hated Season 3, you can’t deny its power to get everyone talking. That, perhaps, is the real game that Squid Game has won.