Squid Game

Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits — with deadly high stakes.

Squid Game (2021-present) is a South Korean survival thriller series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix. Hundreds of cash-strapped players, desperate with debt, accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games where a tempting prize hangs over deadly stakes. Lee Jung-jae plays Seong Gi-hun, a gambling-addicted divorcee who becomes one of the contestants, while Yim Si-wan, Jo Yuri and Hoyeon play fellow players whose alliances shift under pressure. Lee Byung-hun plays the enigmatic Front Man, and Wi Ha-jun plays Detective Hwang Jun-ho, who is hunting the secret organization behind the games. The engine is survival: each episode stages a playground challenge with lethal consequences, and each season tightens the grip of the organizers. Across three seasons with twenty-two episodes in total, it moves as one continuing story rather than a case of the week. The show is a Netflix production with a visually striking contrast between grimy urban neighbourhoods and immaculate pastel sets. Its tone is tense, bleak and emotionally raw, with a sharp satirical edge on capitalism and inequality. Fans of Battle Royale, Kaiji and Liar Game will find resonance here.

Viewers broadly agree the series has a gripping, visually striking premise and strong performances, though many feel its middle and final stretches lose momentum.

• Battle Royale (2000)shared high-stakes survival games with social commentary on debt and class, dark thriller tones
• Kaijishared deadly game-show premise with a hidden organization and moral cruelty themes
• Liar Gameshared psychological gambling tension and manipulative game-master structure
• The Hunger Games (2012)shared dystopian competition where desperate players face lethal games for a cash prize

Created by

Hwang Dong-hyuk

Release Date

2021-09-17

Episode runtime

56 min

Rating

7.9 / 10 (17854)

What is Squid Game about?

Cash-strapped players accept a mysterious invitation to compete in deadly children's games for a massive prize.

What is Squid Game like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Squid Game as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is Squid Game violent?

Yes. Ember rates the violence in Squid Game as graphic.

What did critics think of Squid Game?

Viewers broadly agree the series has a gripping, visually striking premise and strong performances, though many feel its middle and final stretches lose momentum.

Which shows are like Squid Game?

Shows with a similar feel include Battle Royale (2000), Kaiji, Liar Game, and The Hunger Games (2012).

How long is Squid Game?

Squid Game: 3 seasons, 22 episodes.

Is Squid Game still running?

No, Squid Game has ended.

Where can I watch Squid Game?

In United States, Squid Game streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.