Since its release in 2021, Squid Game has caught the world off guard with its brutal criticism of class inequality, the desperation of humans, and the chilling effect of survival games. The South Korean thriller created by Hwang Dong-hyuk not only broke records for viewership but also established a space in popular culture like never before. With the news of Season 3, fans are excited and speculating, above all else, about whether or not this is where the saga ends.
Let’s dismember what we know, what we can expect, and why the idea of Squid Game wrapping up in its third season is both fulfilling and sort of sad.
The Legacy To Date
Squid Game began life as a one-off story, written a full decade before it was finally commissioned by Netflix. It was established in its first season around Seong Gi-hun, a deeply indebted man who finds himself in a deadly game where 456 players play warped kids’ games in order to win an enormous amount of money. What made Squid Game stand out was not the violence or the suspense—it was the multi-layered narrative, the social critique, and the emotional depth of its characters.
Season 1 ended with Gi-hun refusing to board a flight to see his daughter, returning instead to confront the company responsible for the game. This cliffhanger was the precursor to seasons to come. Season 2, not yet released while writing this article, will likely delve deeper into the world of the organizers, the games’ machinations, and the psychological effects on returning players.
Why Season 3 Felt Like a Conclusion
Hype around Season 3 suggests a climactic conclusion rather than an extension. Even Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has stated in interviews that he always considered Squid Game as a story that had a definitive arc and not an infinite show. While the first season was all about the players, Season 2 seems to revolve around revenge and investigation. Naturally, Season 3 would wrap up all loose ends: the revelation of the game’s masterminds, the guilt of the victims, and perhaps the redemption of Gi-hun.
In television, trilogies are a perfect formula. It starts with the conflict in the first part, the second part makes it complicated, and the third part resolves it. For Squid Game, Season 1 established the emotional groundwork, Season 2 would probably be equal to delving into the full level of the system, and Season 3 would possibly dismantle it. That narrative balance is a good indicator of whether Season 3 is the final book.
Themes That Need to Be Closed Out
A few of the key themes of Squid Game have grown and evolved throughout the series. Like the ethics of capitalism, the commodification of the human form, and the fine line between survival and morality. Leaving these themes unsolved would be like a lost opportunity.
Gi-hun’s evolution from being a passive player to an active one who wants justice must arrive at some place of reckoning. Whether that is him taking down the game, reconciling with his past, or dying for something greater, audiences are waiting for a payoff to feel emotional. Similarly, audiences will be curious as to whether or not the system that benefits from cheating the desperate and poor ultimately collapses or persists in some more sinister form.
The Risk of Overextension
One of the reasons fans would not be concerned that Season 3 is a continuation is that it is overstaying its welcome. The majority of hit shows become stuck in extending their story for financial purposes, leading to diluted plots and audience exhaustion. Squid Game, having such a strong emotional investment and graphic content, becomes susceptible to losing its impact if unnecessarily extended.
By ending it at Season 3, the producers get to preserve the integrity of the show, make a lasting impact, and prevent watering down the show’s gravity. It is healthier for the show to end while it is on top than to keep going and become its former greatness.
A Bittersweet Farewell
If Squid Game does conclude in Season 3, it will be the end of a cultural phenomenon that redefined global streaming television. It opened doors to Korean programming in the international sphere and spurred countless discussions about socio-economic conditions.
While fans will inevitably feel a sense of loss, there’s comfort in knowing that the story could end in a way that feels complete and meaningful. And who knows—spin-offs, anthologies, or prequels may still find their way to our screens in the future. But as for the main storyline, Season 3 could very well be the final chapter—and perhaps, that’s exactly how it should be.