Squid Game Season 3 Review: Squid Game took the world by storm with its first season—brutal, unpredictable, and impossible to forget. But by Season 3, the magic has faded. While Lee Jung-jae’s return as Seong Gi-hun brings gravitas, the season struggles to recapture the tension and originality that made the show a phenomenon. Instead, it feels like a recycled version of itself—lacking the shock factor, emotional depth, and fresh storytelling that once defined it.
A Story Stuck in the Past
Gi-hun’s journey continues from Season 2, as he fights to save new victims of the deadly games. Meanwhile, detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) persists in his quest to uncover the masterminds behind the tournament, including the truth about his brother, the Front Man. Yet, what once felt urgent now falls flat. The stakes remain high, but the execution lacks the gripping suspense that hooked audiences before.
Repetition Without Reinvention
One of Season 3’s biggest flaws is its reliance on recycled themes. The critique of capitalism—wealthy elites exploiting the desperate—still holds weight, but the show offers no new perspective. The message, once razor-sharp, now feels dulled by repetition. Even the games, once a highlight for their creativity and tension, feel rushed and uninspired. The final challenge, in particular, leans too heavily on CGI, losing the raw, visceral impact of earlier seasons.
Character Carnage Without Emotional Payoff
Fans should brace themselves—no one is safe. Beloved characters, from trans soldier Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon) to pregnant Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), meet tragic fates. But unlike earlier seasons, where deaths carried emotional weight, these moments now feel predictable rather than shocking.
Jun-ho’s subplot, which should have added depth to the lore, instead meanders without real progress. A missed opportunity to expand the Squid Game universe, his storyline drags without delivering meaningful revelations.
The Few Bright Spots
Lee Jung-jae remains the season’s strongest asset. His portrayal of Gi-hun’s grief and determination brings much-needed emotional depth, even when the script lets him down. The supporting cast also gives their all, but their efforts can’t salvage a weak narrative.
The finale teases a surprise cameo, likely sparking fan theories—but is it enough to revive interest? Probably not. If Netflix greenlights another season or spin-off, it’ll need a stronger vision to win back audiences.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
Squid Game Season 3 isn’t terrible—it’s just disappointingly average. Die-hard fans might find moments to appreciate, but for most, the thrill is gone. With stale storytelling and diminishing returns, the show feels like a faded copy of its groundbreaking debut.
Rating: 2.5/5 – A visually dull, narratively weak follow-up that leans too much on nostalgia.