Numbers are in: Squid Game is officially and by far Netflix’s most watched series ever

Anyone who has not heard of the Korean series Squid Game on Netflix by now has probably been living under a rock for the past month. Now the numbers are in that know how to confirm the extreme hype. The series knocks Bridgerton off the throne as the most watched Original series ever with 111 million views in the first 28 days versus the previous record of 82 million.

No less than 111 million households watched Squid Game on Netflix: #1 most watched series

In a tweet with video, Netflix announces that in the first 28 days since its release, a whopping 111 million households watched the hit Korean series Squid Game. This makes it the streaming service’s most watched Original series ever.

Squid Game has officially reached 111 million fans — making it our biggest series launch ever! pic.twitter.com/SW3FJ42Qsn

— Netflix (@netflix) October 12, 2021

What’s important to know is how these viewing figures are measured by Netflix. For example, the streaming service counts a viewing household within the first 28 days as having watched at least 2 minutes of an episode of the series. You can question how representative this number is of the number of people who actually watched the series out, but on the other hand, of course, how many people stream together on one screen.

Bridgerton knocked off the throne

In January this year, the previous top title was launched. A total of 82 million people watched Bridgerton, which put the series in first place in the all-time viewing list. This makes Squid Game’s initial numbers all the more impressive, as its lead over No. 2 is more than 35% in viewership. Other titles completing the top 5 are Lupin (76 million), The Witcher (76 million), Sex/Life (67 million) and Stranger Things (67 million).

Production of second season of Squid Game seems inevitable, but creator is not so sure about that yet

Of course, the whole world is now expecting a second season of the Korean series to be produced. The more money they can make from selling merchandise and producing new seasons, the better of course. Official confirmation is still pending, but there are already some good signs. Besides the good ratings, there is room left in the end for a second season, so it certainly doesn’t seem inconceivable that there will be a sequel. Finally, it is interesting to check out what the director of the series, Hwang Dong-hyuk, said in an interview with Variety. He indicated with regard to a sequel season:

“I don’t have well developed plans for ‘Squid Game 2.’ It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers’ room and would want multiple experienced directors.”

It is understandable that Hwang Dong-hyuk found it exhausting to work on the first season of Squid Game. The production also took several years. He himself talks about this in the same interview:

“In my earlier days, I’d drink half a bottle of soju (Korean liquor) to get the creative juices flowing. I can’t do that any more. Writing (‘Squid Game’) was harder than normal for me as it was a series, not a film. It took me six months to write and rewrite the first two episodes. Then I consulted verbally with friends, and picked up clues for improvements through my own pitching and from their responses.”

Plot, information en trailer of Netflix series ‘Squid Game’

A mysterious invitation to join the game is sent to people in danger who desperately need money. 456 participants from all walks of life are locked in a secret location where they play games to win 45.6 billion won. Each game is a Korean traditional children’s game like “Red Light, Green Light,” but the consequence of losing is death. Who will be the winner, and what is the purpose behind this game?

Synopsis: Netflix