Netflix released all six episodes of the third and final season of “Squid Game” on 27 June, bringing the Korean survival drama to a close four years after its debut. The final instalment resumes the confrontation between Gi-hun and the Front Man and includes a cameo by Cate Blanchett in its closing scene. Early viewing data provided by Netflix show the season posting 60.1 million views and roughly 368 million hours watched in its first three days, making it the biggest launch in the platform’s history and the first series to open at No. 1 in every one of the 93 national charts tracked by the service. The premiere sparked large-scale celebrations in Seoul, where tens of thousands of fans lined Gwanghwamun Square on 28 June for a themed parade featuring cast appearances and set recreations. Critical reaction has been largely positive, with Rotten Tomatoes showing an 83% critic score, although audience ratings are more divided. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk reiterated in interviews with Variety and The Hollywood Reporter that the ending is meant to stand on its own and is not intended to tee up the English-language project reportedly being considered by director David Fincher. Hwang said he is open to consulting on future adaptations but has “no plans for a direct continuation.”