Entertainment: Why 'Squid Game' Season 3 Ending The Series Is Good News For Fans
- InsightTrendsWorld
- May 8
- 8 min read
Why is the topic trending:
"Squid Game" Ending with Season 3: The globally popular Netflix series "Squid Game" will conclude with its third season in June 2025, prompting discussion among fans.
Creator's Vision: Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk confirmed that ending the series after three seasons aligns with his original vision for the story of Seong Gi-hun.
Avoiding Prolonged Series Issues: The article argues that this planned conclusion is positive as it prevents the show from potentially declining in quality, a fate that has befallen other long-running successful series.
Maintaining Creative Integrity: The decision is seen as a sign of respect for the creator's artistic vision and allows the show to conclude on its own terms, preserving its legacy.
Planned Narrative Arc: The article highlights that "Squid Game" was initially conceived as a feature film and has evolved into a trilogy, suggesting a well-thought-out story arc.
Overview:
The article argues that the decision to end the Netflix hit series "Squid Game" after its upcoming third season is good news for fans because it prioritizes thoughtful storytelling and artistic integrity over the potential for prolonged commercial exploitation. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk always envisioned a three-season arc for the story of Seong Gi-hun and the deadly games. This planned conclusion will allow the series to maintain its high quality and powerful social commentary on capitalist exploitation and class inequality, avoiding the common pitfalls of shows that continue beyond their natural endpoints and risk damaging their legacy through declining quality and repetitive storylines. The article emphasizes that Netflix's restraint in not pushing for more seasons, despite the show's global success, demonstrates respect for Hwang's creative vision of a complete three-act story.
Detailed Findings:
Season 3 as the Finale: Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has confirmed that the third season of "Squid Game," set to premiere in June 2025, will be the final season.
Creator's Original Vision: Hwang stated that ending with Season 3 connects to his original plan for Gi-hun's character arc and allows him to provide closure to the story he wanted to tell about society.
Evolution from Film to Trilogy: Originally conceived as a feature film, the narrative expanded into what Hwang sees as a trilogy, with Seasons 2 and 3 initially planned as one continuous story but split due to length.
Preserving Creative Integrity: Ending the series at its planned conclusion preserves the show's extraordinary visual aesthetic and powerful social commentary.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The article cites examples of other successful shows that declined in quality after running for too many seasons, suggesting "Squid Game" will avoid this fate by having a definitive ending.
Netflix's Restraint: Netflix's decision to respect Hwang's vision, despite the show's massive success, is highlighted as a noteworthy act of prioritizing artistic integrity.
Expectations for Season 3: Season 3 is anticipated to show significant evolution for Gi-hun, who will be a different person after the events of Season 2. Hwang has described the final season as "the greatest one" and "a crazy crazy season."
Potential Franchise Expansion: While Gi-hun's story will conclude, Hwang is open to exploring other aspects of the "Squid Game" universe with different characters and stories, and an English-language adaptation set in the US is already in development.
Reinforcing Anti-Capitalist Message: A definitive ending allows the show to bring its critique of capitalist exploitation full circle, which could be undermined by endless continuation for commercial gain.
Key Takeaway:
The planned conclusion of "Squid Game" after Season 3 is seen as a positive decision for fans, as it will preserve the show's creative integrity, allow the creator to fulfill his vision for the story, and prevent the series from potentially declining in quality by running too long, ultimately solidifying its legacy as a complete and impactful work of television.
Main Trend:
Prioritizing Creative Vision and Legacy Over Prolonged Series Runs in Streaming Era
Description of the Trend (please name it):
The Intentional Finale
What is consumer motivation:
Wanting satisfying and meaningful conclusions to their favorite stories.
Appreciating artistic integrity and a clear creative vision from creators.
Growing tired of shows that overstay their welcome and decline in quality.
Respecting decisions that prioritize storytelling over endless commercialization.
Anticipating a complete and impactful narrative experience.
What is driving trend:
Creators becoming more vocal about their intended story arcs and resisting pressure for endless seasons.
Viewers experiencing "franchise fatigue" with some shows that run on for too long.
The rise of streaming platforms that sometimes abruptly cancel shows, making planned endings more desirable.
A greater appreciation for shows that leave a lasting legacy by concluding on a high note.
What is motivation beyond the trend:
Investment in characters and storylines.
Seeking entertainment and escapism through compelling narratives.
Description of consumers article is referring to:
Age: Primarily targets fans of "Squid Game," which has a broad international audience across various age groups, including a significant younger viewership.
Gender: Not specified in the article.
Income: Not specified.
Lifestyle: Individuals who are engaged with popular television series on streaming platforms and appreciate well-crafted narratives with social commentary.
Conclusions:
The decision to end "Squid Game" after three seasons reflects a growing trend where creators and platforms are recognizing the value of planned finales in preserving a show's legacy and satisfying viewers.
Implications for brands:
Netflix and other streaming platforms: May find value in supporting creators' visions for definitive endings to maintain the quality and prestige of their original content.
Television industry: Could see a shift towards more series with pre-determined lifespans, potentially leading to more focused and impactful storytelling.
Implication for society:
Suggests a growing appreciation for artistic integrity and well-crafted narratives in popular culture.
Implications for consumers:
May experience more satisfying conclusions to their favorite shows.
Might see a higher overall quality in series that are not drawn out unnecessarily.
Implication for future:
The "Intentional Finale" trend could become more prevalent as creators and platforms aim to deliver high-quality, impactful stories that conclude on their own terms, potentially leading to a more curated and less diluted television landscape.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):
The Legacy-Focused Viewer: This trend describes viewers who value the creative integrity and lasting impact of a television series and appreciate when creators and platforms prioritize a well-planned and satisfying conclusion over an indefinite run that could diminish the show's quality.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):
The Anti-Franchise Fatigue Advocate: A sub-trend highlighting viewers who are increasingly wary of long-running series that seem to exist solely for commercial gain and who prefer shows with a clear artistic vision and a defined endpoint.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):
The Evolving Relationship Between Creators and Platforms: The streaming era is creating new dynamics between creators and platforms, with potential shifts in power regarding creative control and series longevity.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Global Appreciation for High-Quality International Television: The success of shows like "Squid Game" highlights a growing global appetite for well-made television from various countries and cultures.
Social Drive (name, detailed description):
The Desire for Meaningful and Complete Storytelling: Audiences are often deeply invested in narratives and desire resolutions that feel earned and that respect the story's core themes and character arcs.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025: (bullets, detailed description)
Prioritizing creative vision can lead to greater long-term success and respect for a project.
Resisting the urge to endlessly extend popular franchises can protect their legacy.
Planned conclusions can satisfy audiences more than abrupt cancellations or declining quality.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: (bullets, detail description)
Support creators' artistic visions and intended narratives, even if it means ending a successful project.
Focus on delivering high-quality, complete stories that resonate with audiences.
Communicate clearly with fans about the planned lifespan of a series to manage expectations.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified):
In 2025, "The Intentional Finale" trend, as seen with "Squid Game" Season 3, underscores a growing appreciation for creative integrity and well-planned conclusions in television, suggesting a shift towards prioritizing legacy over endless series expansion in the streaming era.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:
In 2025, streaming platforms and production companies should consider fostering a collaborative environment with creators that respects their artistic vision and intended narrative arcs, even for highly successful series. By planning for definitive endings, as with "Squid Game," they can preserve the show's legacy, maintain high quality, and ultimately satisfy audiences who increasingly value thoughtful storytelling over the potential for franchise fatigue. Communicating these plans transparently with fans can also build trust and anticipation for a well-crafted conclusion.
Final Note:
Core Trend: Prioritizing Creative Vision and Legacy Over Prolonged Series Runs in Streaming Era: There's a growing value in ending successful shows intentionally.
Core Strategy: Support creator visions for planned finales and communicate these plans to audiences.
Core Industry Trend: A potential shift towards more limited-run series with defined narratives.
Core Consumer Motivation: Wanting satisfying conclusions and appreciating artistic integrity.
Final Conclusion: The decision to end "Squid Game" after three seasons highlights a positive trend in the entertainment industry towards valuing creative vision and delivering complete, high-quality stories that respect the audience and the art form.
Core Trend Detailed (Prioritizing Creative Vision and Legacy Over Prolonged Series Runs in Streaming Era):
Description: This core trend reflects a growing sentiment within the television industry, particularly in the age of streaming, where creators and platforms are increasingly valuing the artistic integrity and lasting legacy of a series over the potential for extending its run indefinitely for purely commercial purposes. This involves recognizing the natural endpoint of a story and concluding a series on its own terms, even if it is at the height of its popularity, to maintain its quality and impact.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary):
Creator-Driven Endings: Creators are playing a more significant role in determining when a series should conclude.
Focus on Narrative Integrity: The primary goal is to tell a complete and satisfying story without diminishing its quality through unnecessary extensions.
Respect for Artistic Vision: Platforms are showing a greater willingness to support creators' decisions regarding the lifespan of their shows.
Avoiding "Franchise Fatigue": There's a conscious effort to prevent series from becoming repetitive or declining in quality due to overextension.
Emphasis on Legacy: The aim is to leave a lasting positive impression on viewers and in television history.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary):
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's decision to end "Squid Game" after three seasons, aligning with his original vision for Seong Gi-hun's story arc.
Netflix's apparent support of this decision, despite the show's immense global success, indicating a prioritization of the creator's vision over potential revenue from additional seasons.
The article's reference to numerous examples in television history where extending a show's run ultimately damaged its legacy, highlighting the awareness of this pitfall within the industry and among viewers.
Hwang's discussion of originally intending Seasons 2 and 3 to be one story but splitting them for better pacing, demonstrating a commitment to careful narrative construction within a planned timeframe.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary):
Increased Trust in Creators: Viewers may develop more trust in creators and platforms that demonstrate a commitment to quality over quantity.
Higher Expectations for Satisfying Endings: There's a growing expectation that series will have well-planned and conclusive finales.
Greater Appreciation for Limited Series: This trend may lead to increased appreciation for and engagement with series that have a defined and shorter lifespan.
Potential Shift in Viewing Habits: Knowing a show has a planned ending might make viewers more willing to invest their time in watching it.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary):
For Brands and CPGs: Tie-in merchandise and marketing campaigns may need to be more focused around the planned seasons of a show rather than relying on indefinite longevity.
For Retailers: Streaming platforms are the primary retailers in this context. They may benefit from higher viewer satisfaction and retention by showcasing shows that respect creative vision and have strong, planned conclusions.
For Consumers: Can expect more satisfying and complete storytelling experiences, reducing the frustration of shows being canceled abruptly or declining in quality after too many seasons.
Strategic Forecast: The trend of prioritizing creative vision and legacy is likely to continue and potentially become more prevalent in the streaming era. As the market matures and competition for viewers intensifies, delivering high-quality, impactful stories that conclude effectively may become a key differentiator for platforms and creators.
Final Thought: The decision to end "Squid Game" with its third season exemplifies a positive shift in the entertainment industry, recognizing that sometimes the most impactful stories are those that are told with a clear vision and a defined endpoint, ultimately serving both the artistic integrity of the work and the satisfaction of the audience.
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