Squid Game: Season 3 Review Roundup – Critics and Fans React to Netflix’s Brutal Finale

The Squid Game: Season 3 Review Roundup reveals a polarized yet passionate response to the final chapter of Netflix’s global phenomenon, which dropped on June 27, 2025.

As creator Hwang Dong-hyuk delivers a darker, bloodier conclusion to Seong Gi-hun’s journey, critics praise the emotional depth and cinematic flair, while some fans on X lament a rushed ending and controversial twists.

From heart-wrenching sacrifices to shocking cameos, here’s a comprehensive look at the reviews, reactions, and what makes this season a divisive yet unforgettable finale.

What Do Critics Say About Squid Game Season 3?

Critics largely commend Squid Game Season 3 for its intense storytelling and visual spectacle, though some note it doesn’t match Season 1’s groundbreaking impact.

Rotten Tomatoes reports a 78% critic score, a step up from Season 2’s 65%, with reviewers calling it “a tense, shocking conclusion” (Total Film).

IGN praises the “captivating thrills and blood-stained social commentary,” despite “creative missteps” like the cartoonish VIP dialogue. Variety highlights the “powerful twists” and Lee Jung-jae’s “outstanding performance” as Gi-hun, while The Guardian notes the season’s shift to a “more traditional action-thriller” with operatic flair, though its baby-centric twist stretches credibility.

NPR finds the narrative “too predictable,” yet acknowledges its prescient commentary on wealth inequality. Overall, critics agree the season delivers a brutal, emotionally charged end, even if it feels like “season 2.0” (SlashFilm).

How Have Fans Reacted to Squid Game Season 3 on X?

The Squid Game: Season 3 Review Roundup on X shows a split fanbase. Some hail it as “the darkest, most heart-wrenching season” (@sandeep_sanmeyo), praising emotional moments like Hyun-ju’s sacrifice and the jump rope game’s intensity.

Others are furious, calling the ending “a waste of time” (@ownsthatfraud) and criticizing the “ugly CGI baby” and Gi-hun’s sacrifice for a “random baby” (@idkimjustsexyaf). Posts like @MamasGeeky’s describe crying over the “emotional overdose,” while @KNIGHTISSM slams the “shitty ending” and unresolved Hwang brothers’ plot.

The finale’s Cate Blanchett cameo and Los Angeles setting spark speculation about spinoffs, with mixed feelings about the franchise’s future. Fans agree the season’s bleak tone and bold choices leave a lasting impact, for better or worse.

What Are the Key Highlights of Squid Game Season 3?

The season picks up after Season 2’s failed rebellion, with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) broken but determined to dismantle the games. New games like Hide-and-Seek and Jump Rope amplify the cruelty, with a controversial twist involving a newborn player shifting the stakes (Collider).

The VIPs’ return draws ire for their “wooden” dialogue (The Guardian), but the production design by Chae Kyoung-sun earns praise for its “stunning, unnerving” aesthetic (Total Film).

Lee Jung-jae’s “ruthless yet humane” performance anchors the season (Den of Geek), while Park Sung-hoon’s Hyun-ju delivers action-packed emotional depth (IGN). The finale’s “WTF” moment (The Guardian) and a cameo hinting at a U.S. spinoff divide viewers, with some calling it “epic” (@MamasGeeky) and others “unnecessary” (@Binged_).

Why Is Squid Game Season 3 So Divisive?

The Squid Game: Season 3 Review Roundup underscores its polarizing nature due to its unrelenting bleakness and narrative choices.

Hwang Dong-hyuk’s decision to avoid a happy ending aligns with his vision of reflecting a hopeless world (The Guardian), but some fans feel cheated by Gi-hun’s arc and the lack of closure for subplots like Jun-ho’s island search (The Verge).

The baby twist, while emotionally devastating, is criticized as “logistically implausible” (Collider). Conversely, the season’s cinematic execution, from Jung Jae-il’s haunting score to Hwang’s masterful game staging, earns accolades (Empire).

Critics note that while Season 1’s novelty is unmatched, Season 3’s focus on moral ambiguity and human desperation keeps it compelling, even if it leans too heavily on familiar beats (NYT).

How Does Squid Game Season 3 Compare to Previous Seasons?

Season 1’s 94% Rotten Tomatoes score and cultural phenomenon status set a high bar, with its sharp capitalist critique and fresh premise. Season 2, with a slower pace and unresolved cliffhanger, disappointed many (IMDb).

Season 3 redeems some flaws, offering a “gripping, emotionally charged” finale (123telugu.com), but its repetitive structure and lack of new characters prevent it from surpassing the original (Variety).

Fans on X note Season 3 feels like a continuation of Season 2 rather than a standalone chapter, yet its “harrowing games” and “bittersweet closure” make it a stronger outing (SuperHeroHype).

The shift from subtle satire to overt brutality divides audiences, with some missing Season 1’s balance of hope and despair (Mashable).

What’s Next for the Squid Game Franchise?

The Squid Game: Season 3 Review Roundup hints at the franchise’s future, with the finale’s Los Angeles setting and a high-profile cameo signaling a David Fincher-produced U.S. spinoff (Den of Geek).

Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed Season 3 concludes his story, but Netflix’s plans for more projects, including Squid Game: The Challenge, suggest the brand will persist (The Verge).

Critics warn that stretching the IP risks diluting its impact (OTTplay), while fans debate whether new stories can recapture Season 1’s magic. For now, Season 3’s “blood-stained bow” (Daily Telegraph) offers a fitting, if polarizing, end to Gi-hun’s saga.

Highlights of Squid Game Season 3:

• Premiere Date: June 27, 2025, with 6 episodes.

• Lead Stars: Lee Jung-jae as Gi-hun, Lee Byung-hun as Front Man.

• Key Cast: Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Im Si-wan, Park Gyu-young.

• Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk, creator and writer.

• Genre: Dystopian thriller with social commentary.

• Rating: TV-MA for extreme violence and mature themes.

• Rotten Tomatoes: 78% critic score, reflecting strong but mixed reviews.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Squid Game: Season 3 Review Roundup paints a picture of a finale that’s as bold as it is divisive, delivering a brutal, emotionally charged end to Netflix’s iconic series.

With stellar performances, stunning visuals, and controversial twists, it leaves fans and critics grappling with its bleak vision.

Stream it now on Netflix and join the debate on X—love it or hate it, Squid Game Season 3 is a finale you won’t forget.