Squid Game season 2 release date, cast, story, and everything you need to know

Squid Game season 2
(Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game season 2 has now got a more specific release window, and it's pretty soon. The South Korean drama is Netflix's most popular series ever by a long way so we've been eagerly anticipating its return ever since it was first announced. The latest update came via a report in The Hollywood Reporter, which confirmed it will be out later in 2024. For more on that, read on below.

We haven't just got details on the show's release date either, but we've also got the lowdown on what could happen in Squid Game season 2 and what the creators have teased. We also know that Squid Game season 2 will feature some new games and challenges and that a whole host of new cast members are joining the series too. 

So let's dive into that as we break down what the first clip tells us and a quick recap of what happened at the end of season 1. Here’s everything you need to know about Squid Game season 2.

Squid Game season 2 release date

Squid Game season 2

(Image credit: Netflix)

Squid Game season 2 will be released on Netflix in 2024

In a new report from The Hollywood Reporter, it was confirmed that Squid Game season 2 will be arriving in the second half of 2024. Now, we don't know anything more than that yet, but we'll keep you updated when we do. 

Filming took place on the show in 2023. Squid Game season 1 was released on Netflix in September 2021 so it’s possible it could follow the same pattern and arrive in September 2024, but we’ll have to just wait and see.

Squid Game season 2 story

Squid Game season 2

(Image credit: Netflix)

Story details for Squid Game season 2 are pretty thin at the moment, but we do know it will pick up after the end of season 1. A quick refresh: after winning the competition, Gi-Hun decides that he will go to the United States to see his daughter, leaving the trauma of the games behind. However, on the way, he spots the recruiter giving someone else the telltale calling card for the games. Making a split decision at the airport, he decides to call the number and try to stop the games. We leave off with him after he speaks to the Front Man and decides not to get on his plane.

So that’s what we do know, but we’d also be pretty surprised if we didn’t see another iteration of the Squid Game competition. Given the new cast being introduced and the fact that creator Hwang Dong-hyuk promised it would feature "new games", it seems pretty likely.

Squid Game season 2 cast

Squid Game season 2

(Image credit: Netflix)

There are quite a few cast changes coming in Squid Game season 2 as most of the first season’s main players were killed during the games. However, some will be returning: 

  • Lee Jung-jae – Seong Gi-Hun
  • Lee Byung-hun – Front Man
  • Gong Yoo – the Recruiter
  • Wi Ha-jun – Hwang Jun-Ho

There are several newcomers joining the show this year too, but their characters haven’t yet been announced. They are: 

  • Yim Si-wan
  • Kang Ha-neul
  • Park Gyu-young
  • Park Sung-hoon
  • Jo Yu-ri
  • Yang Dong-geun
  • Kang Ae-sim
  • Lee David
  • Lee Jin-uk
  • Choi Seung-hyun
  • Roh Jae-won
  • Won Ji-an 

How many episodes of Squid Game season 2 will there be?

Squid Game: The Challenge

(Image credit: Netflix)

We don’t yet know how many episodes there will be in Squid Game season 2. However, it seems likely it will follow its first season, as Netflix shows often do, which had nine episodes in total. Each of the episodes ran for about an hour too, meaning there should be plenty to dive into in the show’s sophomore season.

Where to watch Squid Game season 2 

Squid Game

(Image credit: Netflix)

There’s no release date for Squid Game season 2 yet, but when it arrives, it will drop on Netflix. The streaming platform requires its users to have a subscription, and it’s pretty likely you won’t be able to see Squid Game anywhere else as it’s a Netflix Original. The streamer does sometimes release its content in physical media, but that will be a way off if it does happen.

Squid Game season 2 trailer

There’s no official trailer for Squid Game season 2 yet, but we have had some teasers. In 2023, one was released that shows the red light, green light song playing over old clips of characters Seong Gi-Hun (Lee Jung-Jae), the Front Man (Lee Byung-Hun), Hwang Jun-Ho (Wi Ha-Jun), and the game recruiter (Gong Yoo). Then we saw some of the newcomers - Yim Si-Wan, Kang Ha-Neul, Park Sung-Hoon, and Yang Dong-Geun – pressing a green button and joining the game.

Our first proper look at new footage came in early 2024 as Netflix released a trailer showing its full slate for the year. In this, we see Gi-Hun moments after the season 1 finale finishes. Sporting his dyed red hair, he rushes out of the airport as we hear the Front Man’s voice saying, "You’re going to regret the choice you made". As Gi-Hun steps out of the airport, he goes full Taken mode and tells him: "I will find you, no matter what it takes." You’ve got chills too, right?


Squid Game season 2 arrives on Netflix in 2024. For more, check out our guides to the best Netflix shows and the best Netflix movies.

Fay Watson
Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.