Squid Game season 3: Release date, time, episode count, and what to expect

Netflix’s global phenomenon, Squid Game, returns with its highly anticipated Season 3 on Friday, June 27, 2025. Marking the final chapter of the dystopian thriller, this season is expected to bring closure to the story of Seong Gi-hun and the sinister world of the games that captivated millions across the world.

Release Date and Time

Season 3 will premiere globally on June 27, 2025, with all six episodes dropping on Netflix at 12 a.m. Pacific Time (PT). This means viewers in the UK can begin streaming from 8 a.m. BST, while those in Eastern Time (ET) zones can tune in from 3 a.m. ET. As with previous seasons, Netflix will release all episodes at once, allowing fans to binge-watch the finale in one sitting.

Fewer Episodes, More Intensity

Unlike its predecessors, Season 3 will consist of only six episodes. This reduced format is designed to heighten the intensity and focus on the emotional and psychological consequences of previous events. Viewers can expect a more direct, tightly woven narrative arc leading to what has been confirmed as the series finale.

What’s the Story This Time?

Picking up immediately after Season 2’s shocking conclusion, Season 3 continues the journey of Seong Gi-hun, also known as Player 456. Gi-hun, still reeling from betrayal and moral loss, finds himself pulled back into the world he tried to escape—this time, driven by a desire to dismantle the system from within. The narrative promises new games, deeper conspiracies, and moral dilemmas that test the limits of humanity.

Cast: Who’s Returning?

Fan-favorite Lee Jung-jae returns as Seong Gi-hun, while Lee Byung-hun reprises his role as the enigmatic Front Man. Also returning are Wi Ha-joon (as Jun-ho), Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yuri, Park Gyu-young, Kang Ha-neul, Im Si-wan, and others. Season 3 also deepens the subplot involving the Front Man’s backstory and his strained relationship with Jun-ho.

Trailer and Final Season Hype

Netflix released an official teaser during its Tudum 2025 event, racking up millions of views within days. The trailer hints at emotionally charged moments, a return to iconic visuals like the red jumpsuits and eerie masks, and a shocking betrayal that may change the course of the story. Show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that Season 3 will conclude the main storyline, but he hasn’t ruled out potential spin-offs in the Squid Game universe.

Global Cultural Impact

From Halloween costumes to real-life adaptations and viral challenges, Squid Game has become a pop culture staple. It remains Netflix’s most-watched non-English language show and one of its biggest original series ever. With themes of inequality, desperation, and survival, Season 3 is expected to lean deeper into its social commentary while delivering the high-stakes tension fans love.

What to Do Before the Launch

• Rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 to catch up on character arcs and foreshadowed themes.

  
  
  

• Watch the official Season 3 trailer available on Netflix’s YouTube and Tudum page.

• Set a reminder for June 27, especially if you’re in a different time zone.

• Join online discussions on fan forums and Reddit to prepare for theories, Easter eggs, and reactions.