Squid Game season 2’s initial footage reveals an interesting detail about the new episodes’ timeline, and it creates a problem for the Netflix show’s return. The hit Korean drama debuted back in 2020, and it immediately became a massive hit for Netflix. It’s somewhat surprising it’s taken the streamer so long to deliver Squid Game season 2, but the next outing will arrive sometime in 2024.
Netflix included a first look at Squid Game‘s sophomore season in its 2024 preview, and it offered some insight into how much time has passed between the two outings. If Seong Gi-hun’s revenge story picks up where the footage suggests, Squid Game season 2 won’t be anything like viewers expected. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the surprising timeline reveal does present a new problem for the coming episodes.
Squid Game Season 2’s Timeline May Be Confusing After The Show’s 4-Year Break
Viewers May Not Remember Where Things Left Off (Or Gi-Hun’s Phone Call)
Squid Game season 2’s first footage picks up with Gi-hun still at the airport, and it shows the rest of his conversation with the Front Man. This means the new episodes will likely begin just moments after Squid Game season 1’s ending, a surprising revelation, especially after the series’ lengthy break. It’s been four years since Squid Game debuted, and returning to Gi-hun’s conversation from the season 1 finale could prove a jarring experience for viewers. With so much time between the two outings, many will have forgotten where things left off.
This could lead to confusion regardless of where season 2 kicks off. However, throwing audiences into the middle of a conversation from four years ago is a surefire way to leave them scratching their heads. It could even turn viewers away from the series — or force them to rewatch season 1 before diving into the new episodes. Given that streamers depend on early viewership data to make renewal decisions, that’s not necessarily in Squid Game’s or Netflix’s best interests.
Season 2’s Phone Call Speaks To A Greater Problem With Netflix’s Release Model
Squid Game Isn’t The Only Series To Have This Issue
Squid Game season 2’s jarring timeline issue speaks to a great problem with streaming services: they take far too long to release new seasons of their TV shows. Even a series as popular as Squid Game has taken four years to get new episodes, leaving viewers plenty of time to forget about or lose interest in the story. Those who are still waiting for Squid Game‘s next outing will undoubtedly need a refresher, and the suspense of season 1’s cliffhanger has long since lost its impact. More casual fans may not even be thinking about the series, which makes them less likely to keep up with season 2 news.
All of this could have a negative impact on Squid Game‘s performance when it returns, which is a bummer when considering the first season’s success. If Netflix prioritized the show’s next outing, it could have maintained strong interest and an upward trajectory — two things that are no longer a given. And throwing viewers into season 2 as though no time has passed only highlights the issues with Netflix’s release plan. Fortunately, there are ways the show itself can address its jarring timeline, both in-universe and in between seasons.
How Squid Game Can Solve Its Jarring Timeline Problem
The Netflix Series Must Offer Some Sort Of Recap
There are two key ways Squid Game can solve its timeline problem: by offering a thorough recap of the first outing before the second begins or by including the phone call in its entirety, even if it means repeating some of season 1’s dialogue. Both of these strategies can ease viewers back into the Netflix series, reminding them of where Gi-hun ends his season 1 storyline. Neither of these approaches would feel too repetitive, especially after the show’s four-year break between seasons. In fact, those who tune in for season 2 will likely be grateful to have some sort of recap to get them up to speed.
It also seems like Squid Game could jump ahead again, which means the entire season may not be set directly after the first outing. The images shared on Squid Game‘s official Twitter show Gi-hun looking very different than he does at the airport. While it’s possible he cuts and dyes his hair right after, his new look could also signify that these scenes are set later than what’s shown in Netflix’s preview. He also looks much calmer when confronted by The Salesman — and one shot seemingly shows him back in the tournament — so it seems like a lot happens before these Squid Game season 2 moments.
Squid Game
In Squid Game, a mysterious invitation to join a competition is sent to people at risk who are in dire need of money. Four hundred fifty-six participants from all walks of life are locked into a secret location where they play games to win 45.6 billion won. Games are selected from traditional Korean children’s games, such as Red Light and Green Light, but the consequence of losing is death. To survive, competitors must choose their alliances carefully – but the further they go in the competition, the more likely betrayal will rear its ugly head.
- Cast
- Wi Ha-joon , Anupam Tripathi , Oh Yeong-su , Heo Sung-tae , Park Hae-soo , Jung Ho-yeon , Lee Jung-jae , Kim Joo-ryoung
- Seasons
- 1
- Writers
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Directors
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Showrunner
- Hwang Dong-hyuk
