What would you risk for a second chance at life? In Squid Game (Netflix), desperate players fight to survive a series of twisted childhood games where losing means death and winning could mean millions. But, in a world where trust is deadly and survival comes at a cost, the ‘real’ game decides who you actually become.
The South Korean survival horror television series follows 456 players suffering financial hardship who risk their lives to play six deadly games for a ₩45.6 billion prize. The series’ title draws from ojingeo – squid – which is the name of the last game in season one.
Seong Gi-hun, Player 456, is the protagonist of both seasons one & two. In the first season, he participates in a secret life-or-death contest, competing for the money award. In the second season, He returns to the games in an attempt to end them once and for all.
Some Students at Skyline prefer the first season over the second one. “I think it’s definitely the first one,” says Ella Collins (‘27), “just because the characters and the games were better. But the second one, I mean it was okay, but if it’s not, then I don’t know. Just all the killing and whatnot, unexpected things happen.”
Students have strong feelings about their favorite Squid Game characters. “My favorite character in the Squid Game series was probably Abdul Ali.” says Daniel Fettig (‘26), “I thought his appearance in episode one where he saved Gi-Hun from falling was unexpected and heroic. I also liked that his ethnicity was unique to the series as one of the only players in the games who was not Korean, showing diversity and exposing the struggles faced by immigrants economically. Thanos was also really funny.”
Most students feel thrilled about the rollout of the third season. “Overall, the show was a great expansion entirely.” says Alison Green (‘26). “Even though there was a cliffhanger, I personally think it makes me excited for season three.”
Squid Game had me hooked from the very first episode. My favorite season so far is the first season. The storyline is incredibly well-written, the characters are deeply developed, and the suspense keeps building in all the ways. It’s rare to find a series that balances emotion, action, and plot twists so perfectly. I can’t wait to see what happens next, in the third season (June 27 release).
