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TechRadar
Lucy Buglass

Squid Game: The Challenge season 2's finale was a big let-down – Netflix should end the games for good

Some Squid Game players stand in shock.

Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 recently came to a close, with another person walking away with a huge cash prize. But unlike Squid Game season 3, the games aren't ending for good; instead, they've been greenlit for another round.

The big question for me is why? We can't deny the cultural impact of Squid Game, with the third season becoming the biggest-ever TV launch for Netflix, but I've had enough Squid Game to last me a lifetime. While I did enjoy the divisive final season, I've had enough of it.

Squid Game: The Challenge was fun as a one-off, but do we really need to copy it to the main series and commission three of them?

For me, the second season really dipped in quality, and as my colleague Jasmine Valentine noted in her two-star review, we "shouldn't be bored by people pretend dying".

Why it's time to put Squid Game to rest

(Image credit: Netflix)

Honestly, we had a good run. With three seasons, a game show spin-off, and even a Duolingo collaboration, it's not like the series wasn't loved wholeheartedly. Even I loved Squid Game all the way up to the end, but I was also glad when it ended, as it didn't drag on.

By continuing Squid Game: The Challenge, it feels like Netflix is just milking a concept for the sake of it. It was a popular show, so they're churning out more of it, when there's scope for new and exciting game shows instead. I'm sure there are plenty of new ideas to explore.

Nothing of value was added to Squid Game: The Challenge season 2 either, and I was frustrated by the lack of Red Light, Green Light, the most famous game from the series. I also didn't connect with any of the contestants the way I did with the first season, so I didn't really care who won.

It was a disappointing follow-up, which could potentially be improved during the next game show, though I'm not optimistic about that.

Squid Game, both the real series and the simulated game show, is jaw-dropping at first. The dramatic reveals, challenging games, and arguments are gripping to watch.

But the novelty wears off pretty fast, and I'm definitely not going to be tuning in for Squid Game: The Challenge season 3, because I think the concept has run its course. And there's nothing wrong with that.

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