SEOUL, South Korea – Netflix's original sensation, "Squid Game" Season 3, has cemented its global dominance, holding the No. 1 spot on the streaming giant's weekly chart for non-English TV shows for an impressive third consecutive week. This continued reign underscores the series' unparalleled global appeal, a phenomenon that has transcended language barriers since its explosive debut.
According to data released on July 16 (KST) by Netflix's official Top 10 TUDUM website, "Squid Game 3" garnered a staggering 15.9 million views between July 7 and July 13. This metric, calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the work's run time, solidified its position at the pinnacle of non-English television. During this period, the series accumulated a remarkable 97.4 million total viewing hours, reaffirming its immense popularity worldwide.
The success of "Squid Game 3" isn't an isolated incident, but rather a testament to the enduring power of the entire franchise. Both preceding seasons are also making waves on the global charts. "Squid Game" Season 2 secured the 5th position with 3.2 million views, while the groundbreaking Season 1 landed at 7th with 2.3 million views. This simultaneous presence of all three seasons on the global charts is a rare feat, demonstrating the series' deep engagement with its audience across its entire narrative arc and reinforcing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
"Squid Game 3," which premiered all six episodes on June 27, plunges viewers deeper into the grim and high-stakes world of the deadly games. The latest season follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who re-enters the game with his own agenda, only to suffer the devastating loss of his closest friend. Simultaneously, the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), whose true identity remains shrouded in mystery, infiltrates the game. The narrative culminates in a gripping exploration of the final destinies of the surviving participants, grappling with the brutal realities of the twisted competition.
The third installment hit the ground running, registering 60.1 million views in its opening week, immediately claiming the top spot. Its initial impact was nothing short of historic. Within just three days of its release, "Squid Game 3" achieved an unprecedented feat, ranking No. 1 in all 93 countries where Netflix offers its service. This unparalleled global reach established a new benchmark for non-English content on the platform. The momentum continued into its second week, with "Squid Game 3" maintaining its No. 1 position in all 93 countries, solidifying its "syndrome-level" popularity.
The enduring success of "Squid Game" can be attributed to its compelling narrative, which cleverly blends social commentary with thrilling survival elements. The series explores themes of economic inequality, human desperation, and moral compromises, resonating deeply with audiences across diverse cultural backgrounds. Its distinctive visual style and memorable characters have also contributed significantly to its widespread appeal and dedicated fanbase.
The first season, a 9-episode arc, debuted in 2021, instantly becoming Netflix's most-watched series of all time. This was followed by a 7-episode Season 2 in 2024, which continued to build upon the success of its predecessor. The consistent quality and compelling storytelling across all three seasons have ensured that "Squid Game" remains a cornerstone of Netflix's original programming and a global entertainment powerhouse.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]