The global phenomenon that is Squid Game returns for its third and final season, with UK fans able to stream all six episodes from 8am BST on Friday, 27 June 2025. As the curtain falls on Netflix’s most-watched non-English series, anticipation has reached fever pitch, not only in the UK but around the world.
Where We Left Off: Gi-hun’s Descent
Season 2 ended with Seong Gi-hun—Player 456—devastated by the loss of his closest friend and the crushing defeat of his attempted rebellion against the game’s architects. The Front Man, whose identity was revealed in a dramatic twist, ruthlessly reasserted control, killing Gi-hun’s trusted ally and leaving the survivors in utter despair. The post-credits scene teased even more sinister games ahead, with the introduction of a new doll, Cheol-su, joining the infamous Young-hee from the original “Red Light, Green Light”.
Season 3: A Return to the Arena
The new season picks up immediately after the failed uprising, with Gi-hun forced back into the deadly competition. The first six minutes, released as a sneak peek, show him literally rising from a coffin, traumatised and begging for death, while the remaining 60 players eye him with suspicion and dread. The dormitory is tense, and trust is in short supply. The Front Man, now more calculating than ever, orchestrates events to break Gi-hun’s spirit completely.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk explained that the Front Man’s goal is to make Gi-hun “feel and understand the heavy price of his own mistakes,” pushing him to the brink of losing faith in himself and humanity. Actor Lee Jung-jae, who plays Gi-hun, describes his character as “reborn” but utterly broken, forced to make impossible choices once again.
What to Expect: Higher Stakes, Fewer Episodes
This season is the shortest yet, with just six episodes compared to nine in the first and seven in the second. Each episode promises to be packed with tension, heartbreak, and moral dilemmas. The games are deadlier, the psychological toll is greater, and every decision could mean life or death.
Gi-hun is not alone in his quest. The detective Jun-ho, thought dead after season one, resurfaces with new leads on the game’s location, joining forces with Gi-hun in a desperate attempt to expose the truth. Meanwhile, the Front Man’s grip tightens, and alliances among the contestants shift as trust erodes. The narrative delves deeper into the power struggles and trauma that define the world of Squid Game.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Early reviews of the first episode praise its fast pace, emotional depth, and the way it plunges viewers straight back into the action. The show’s unique blend of social commentary and psychological drama has resonated globally, with the second season ranking as Netflix’s third most-watched series ever and topping charts in 92 countries.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that season three will bring the story to a definitive close, focusing on the ultimate confrontation between Gi-hun and the Front Man. “If Seasons 2 and 3 form one continuous narrative, then Season 3 is the climax—a story that’s bound to hit hard,” Hwang told fans.
Will There Be More Squid Games?
While season three is confirmed as the final chapter for Gi-hun’s story, Hwang has hinted at possible spin-offs exploring the wider Squid Game universe. He has expressed interest in delving into the three-year gap between seasons one and two, focusing on the recruiters, masked men, or Captain Park’s backstory. For now, though, the focus is firmly on delivering a satisfying and dramatic conclusion to the main saga.
How to Watch in the UK
All six episodes of Squid Game season three will be available to stream on Netflix from 8am BST on 27 June 2025. Unlike some recent Netflix releases, the entire season drops at once, perfect for a weekend binge.
Conclusion
Squid Game has left an indelible mark on global pop culture, sparking conversations about inequality, desperation, and the human condition. Its influence is seen in everything from Halloween costumes to academic debates. As the final season arrives, fans in the UK and beyond will be watching closely to see if Gi-hun can end the game once and for all—or if the cycle of violence and despair will continue.
As the games reach their ultimate conclusion, one thing is certain: the world will be watching, and the legacy of Squid Game will endure long after the final credits roll.
To read more click here
