Netflix’s global hit Squid Game returns for its third and final season on 27 June 2025, marking the end of one of streaming’s most talked-about series. This concluding chapter will feature six episodes, the shortest of all three seasons.
The story picks up directly after the cliffhanger from Season 2, following Seong Gi-hun as he is drawn back into the high-stakes world of deadly competition. After a failed attempt to expose the games, Gi-hun finds himself facing even more dangerous challenges and confronting his former adversary, the Front Man.
The season promises to explore deeper emotional and philosophical territory. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has described the final arc as an exploration of despair, asking what remains when all hope has been extinguished.
This thematic weight is expected to underpin the season’s narrative, adding depth to the escalating stakes.
Returning characters include not only Gi-hun and the Front Man, but also a mix of new and familiar faces. These include a mother-son duo, a pregnant young woman and her estranged ex-partner, and a rebellious North Korean guard.
Each character brings their own history and motivations, enriching the show’s layered storytelling.
New games are expected to push contestants to even greater physical and psychological extremes. The introduction of more elaborate and sinister challenges continues the show’s tradition of transforming childhood activities into lethal tests of survival.
One of the most talked-about new characters is Cho Hyun-ju, a transgender woman portrayed by Park Sung-hoon. Her character’s presence has sparked both praise and controversy, especially regarding casting choices.
While some have criticised the casting of a cisgender actor in the role, the creator has acknowledged this concern, citing limitations within South Korea’s acting industry and expressing a desire for more inclusive representation in the future.
The final season also introduces a robotic antagonist named Chul-su, echoing the unsettling presence of the original doll from Season 1. Visuals and teasers suggest a more intense atmosphere, with a darker tone underscoring the thematic weight of the story.
Early reactions from critics highlight the show’s continued psychological depth, although some have expressed frustration with returning elements like the cartoonish VIP characters.
Despite these critiques, many agree the series maintains its grip on viewers through emotional tension and philosophical inquiry.
With this final release, Squid Game brings its story full circle. From its explosive debut in 2021 to becoming a global cultural phenomenon, the series has left a lasting impression on both viewers and the broader entertainment landscape.
As fans prepare for the final stretch, the anticipation centres on whether the show can deliver a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion to a saga defined by its chilling portrayal of desperation and survival.
The post Squid Game concludes with six-episode final season released on Netflix appeared first on The Online Citizen.
