‘Squid Game Season 3’ clocks 60 million views; breaks Netflix record

Squid Game Season 3 has smashed Netflix records once again. Released globally on June 27, the latest chapter of the Korean survival thriller clocked 60.1 million views in just three days, adding up to 368.4 million hours watched. This beats season two’s 68 million views in four days and marks the biggest series launch for a non English title on the platform.

While critics remain divided over whether the new season lives up to its earlier installments, audiences around the world have clearly voted with their screens. The show’s dark commentary on society, intense game sequences, and strong character arcs have continued to resonate far beyond Korea.

Netflix backed the season with a major marketing push, including a large-scale victory parade in Seoul that attracted over 38,000 fans. This level of promotional effort is rare, even for the streaming giant, and it demonstrates the value placed on creating not just a show, but a cultural event.

The show’s success underscores a broader shift in global viewing habits. Audiences today are more open to non-English content than ever before, seeking authentic stories that feel local yet connect universally. Squid Game’s popularity proves that language is no longer a barrier to mainstream global success, provided the storytelling is strong and the production quality matches.

Korean pop culture has already found a massive following in India, from K-dramas and K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK to Korean beauty products and food trends. Squid Game’s record-breaking run only strengthens this wave, showing that Indian audiences are increasingly open to global stories told with local authenticity. The appetite for Korean content suggests a clear opportunity for Indian creators and platforms: to move beyond safe, formulaic shows and craft bold, original narratives that can travel globally. Squid Game’s journey proves that audiences here are ready to engage with high-stakes, emotionally charged storytelling that challenges convention.

The third season, despite some criticism of its darker and more sprawling narrative, shows that viewers are willing to engage deeply when the emotional stakes are high. Even mixed reviews have not deterred audiences from tuning in at record levels, suggesting that strong hooks and character journeys outweigh purely critical reception.

As global streaming competition intensifies, shows like Squid Game set a high bar for what it means to capture and sustain attention across cultures. Beyond the impressive numbers, it stands as a reminder that the right mix of originality, scale, and marketing muscle can turn a local story into a global phenomenon. Squid Game Season 3 isn’t just another popular series — it’s proof that bold, culturally rooted stories can dominate the world stage.