In November 2023, Netflix debuted Squid Game: The Challenge, the streamer's unsettling, soulless IP grab that borrows the aesthetics from the mega-hit K-drama while bastardizing its original themes. To build a non-lethal version of Squid Game, the reality show concocted a competition mixing events from the drama with intense gameplay twists and a Big Brother-style focus on individual players, all of whom seemingly scheme and betray each other for a chance at the $4.56 million prize. Despite its mixed reception from critics and allegations of "inhumane" working conditions, the compulsively watchable show charted in Netflix's Top 10 for five weeks, and a second season renewal was announced a month after its premiere.
Now, less than a month after the end of the original Squid Game, Netflix is ready to restart the game once more. Not only is Netflix all in on Challenge, the streamer has also hinted at plans to continue the Squid Game franchise. Here's what we know about Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 so far.
When will 'Squid Game: The Challenge' season 2 be released?
Netflix has confirmed that Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 will premiere on November 4, 2025. The new season will begin nearly two years to the day after the first Challenge, and five months after Squid Game's series finale.
The release schedule for season 2 has not yet been confirmed, but it's expected that the series will air over three weeks. Season 1 dropped its first five episodes on November 22, 2023, followed by four episodes on November 29 and the finale on December 6.
Is there a trailer for 'Squid Game: The Challenge' season 2?
In a brief teaser shared with the release date announcement, the next set of competitors for Squid Game: The Challenge face off in the Six-Legged Pentathlon from season 2. After we see flashes of players competing in Gonggi and Biseokchigi (a.k.a. Flying Stones), unlucky Player 011 falls as an ink pack explodes from her chest. The fake blood then spells out, "The biggest reality competition returns."
Will there be a 'Squid Game: The Challenge' season 3?
Even with the mixed response to Squid Game season 3, Netflix is keeping its most popular franchise alive. The streamer has already begun casting for Squid Game: The Challenge season 3, announcing the news ahead of season 2 in July 2025. It's unknown which games will be played in the new season (or how the reality series will continue once it uses all the games from the original series), but another season of desperate people fighting each other for fortune and fame is guaranteed
Speaking of, rumors are still swirling around that Cate Blanchett cameo in the season 3 finale, and a possible English-language spinoff, dubbed Squid Game: USA. Netflix has not yet confirmed whether an American Squid Game is on the way, but odds are the streamer is at least considering it, depending on the success of both season 3 and season 2 of Challenge.
