The first season struck a chord with audiences worldwide by blending high-stakes survival horror with sharp social commentary on class disparity and capitalism. It wasn't just the deadly games like "Red Light, Green Light" that kept viewers hooked, but the deeply human stories of characters like Seong Gi-hun and Kang Sae-byeok.
: Within its first 28 days, it reached over 111 million households , surpassing Bridgerton to become Netflix's biggest launch ever.
: From dalgona candy challenges to the iconic green tracksuits, the show's aesthetic permeated every corner of the internet.
While Squid Game dominated the headlines, that Friday was a busy day for television. Other major premieres included:
: The season made history at the Primetime Emmy Awards , where Lee Jung-jae became the first Asian actor to win Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for a non-English part. Other Notable Releases on Sept. 17, 2021