Squid Game Season 3 surprises fans with just 6 episodes, making it the shortest season yet. Season 1 had 9 episodes, and Season 2 had 7. Why did the final season end so quickly? Here’s the clear reason behind this decision.
Seasons 2 and 3: Written as One Story
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote Seasons 2 and 3 at the same time. He planned them as one big story, not as separate ideas. This choice shaped how many episodes each season got.
The Plan:
- Season 2: 7 episodes
- Season 3: 6 episodes
- Total: 13 episodes for one complete tale
Hwang found a key moment to split the story. This moment came after Season 2’s Episode 7, so he ended Season 2 there and saved the rest for Season 3.
The Big Turning Point
Hwang chose to divide the seasons at a critical event: Jung-bae’s death in Season 2’s finale. This tragedy marked the end of Gi-hun’s rebellion and set up the final games for Season 3.
Why This Split Matters:
- It creates a strong cliffhanger.
- It shifts the story’s tone.
- It saves the final resolution for Season 3.
One Long Season in Two Parts
Though labeled as separate seasons, Seasons 2 and 3 feel like one long story. Together, they cover 13 episodes and tell a complete arc.
How It Breaks Down:
- Season 2: Covers the first three games and the rebellion.
- Season 3: Focuses on the aftermath and final three games.
Unlike other Netflix shows like Stranger Things or Bridgerton, which split seasons for release timing, Squid Game’s split was a creative choice based on the story’s flow.
Why 6 Episodes Was the Right Call
Season 3’s short length shows it was meant to conclude the story that started in Season 2. Hwang had a clear vision and didn’t stretch the plot unnecessarily.
Benefits of a Short Season:
- Tight focus: Every episode matters.
- Strong impact: No filler slows the pace.
- Perfect ending: The story closes naturally.
The End of the Main Series
Season 3 marks the end of the main Squid Game series on Netflix. Hwang told the exact story he wanted across 22 episodes total over three seasons.
What’s Next for the Franchise:
- Reality Show: Squid Game: The Challenge returns for Season 2.
- Spinoff: David Fincher works on an American version.
- More Possibilities: Future stories may expand the world.
Why This Matters to Fans
The 6-episode length worried some fans at first, but it works well. The shorter season keeps the tension high and delivers a satisfying end. Seasons 2 and 3 together create one intense, emotional journey.
Final Thought: Hwang’s choice to split the story into 13 episodes over two seasons shows smart storytelling. Quality matters more than quantity, and Season 3 proves it with a powerful conclusion.
All episodes of Squid Game Season 3 are now streaming on Netflix, wrapping up the main series with a focused and impactful finale.
Source: Deadline
