Squid Game Season 3 on Netflix: Release Date, Plot, Cast, and Why NRIs Are Hyped for the Finale

The global phenomenon Squid Game returns with its third and final season, premiering on Netflix on June 27, 2025. After a gripping Season 2 cliffhanger, fans worldwide, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of Seong Gi-hun’s harrowing journey. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, this South Korean survival thriller has shattered viewership records, becoming Netflix’s most-watched non-English series. For the Indian diaspora, Squid Game Season 3 offers intense drama, cultural resonance, and a chance to connect with a global cultural milestone. This SEO-optimized article from Masala Mirror dives into the release date, plot, cast, and why NRIs are buzzing about the finale.

Squid Game Season 3 Release Date and Streaming Details

Squid Game Season 3 premiered worldwide on June 27, 2025, at 12:00 AM PT (3:00 AM ET), with all six episodes available for binge-watching on Netflix. For Indian viewers, including NRIs in India and abroad, the show dropped at 12:30 PM IST. This marks the shortest season yet, compared to Season 1’s nine episodes and Season 2’s seven. Netflix’s global release schedule ensures fans in the U.S., UK (8:00 AM BST), Central Europe (9:00 AM CET), and Australia (5:00 PM AEST) can dive in simultaneously. To watch, you’ll need a Netflix subscription, with plans starting at $7.99/month (Standard with ads), $17.99/month (Standard), or $24.99/month (Premium).

Plot: Gi-hun’s Final Stand Against the Game

Squid Game Season 3 picks up after Season 2’s devastating finale, where Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), Player 456, led a failed rebellion against the game’s organizers, resulting in the death of his closest friend, Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan), at the hands of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). The season follows Gi-hun’s emotional and physical struggle as he re-enters the deadly arena, driven by guilt, remorse, and a mission to dismantle the sinister game. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk emphasizes Gi-hun’s transformation, noting, “The story focuses on how Gi-hun overcomes his despair and whether humanity—like conscience and kindness—can prevail in the arena.”

The trailer, unveiled at Netflix’s Tudum 2025 event, teases brutal new games, including a “Jump Rope” challenge featuring a menacing new doll, Cheol-su, reminiscent of Season 1’s Young-hee. A shocking moment shows Gi-hun delivered to the dormitory in a coffin, initially appearing dead before awakening, setting a tense tone. The season explores the escalating rivalry between Gi-hun and the Front Man, who, as Player 001 in Season 2, betrayed Gi-hun’s trust. Meanwhile, detective Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) continues his search for the game’s secret island, unaware of a traitor in his midst. With higher stakes and deadlier consequences, Season 3 promises an explosive conclusion.

Cast: Returning Stars and New Faces

Squid Game Season 3 boasts a stellar ensemble, blending returning favorites with fresh talent:

• Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun (Player 456), the determined protagonist seeking redemption.
• Lee Byung-hun as Hwang In-ho, the enigmatic Front Man orchestrating the games.
• Wi Ha-joon as Hwang Jun-ho, the detective hunting for answers.
• Yim Si-wan as Myung-gi (Player 333), a former crypto YouTuber.
• Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho (Player 388), a new competitor.
• Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-ju (Player 120), a key player.
• Yang Dong-geun as Yong-sik (Player 007), adding intensity.
• Kang Ae-sim as Geum-ja (Player 149), a resilient contender.
• Jo Yuri as Jun-hee (Player 222), bringing new dynamics.
• Lee David as Min-su (Player 125), and Roh Jae-won as Nam-gyu (Player 124).
• Park Gyu-young as No-eul, a pink-suited guard.

Hwang Dong-hyuk, who wrote and directed all episodes, promises a climactic showdown, with Lee Byung-hun teasing “surprises that won’t disappoint.”

Why NRIs Are Excited for Squid Game Season 3

For the 4.8 million NRIs worldwide, Squid Game Season 3 is more than a TV show—it’s a cultural touchstone. Here’s why it resonates:

1. Global Cultural Impact: Squid Game has redefined global entertainment, with Season 2 garnering 68 million views in 72 hours and topping charts in 92 countries. NRIs, especially in the U.S., UK, and Canada, feel pride in its success as a non-English series, mirroring the rise of Indian cinema globally.
2. Relatable Themes: The show’s exploration of financial desperation, sacrifice, and resilience echoes the experiences of many NRIs navigating high-cost living abroad or supporting families in India.
3. Community Connection: NRIs often host watch parties or discuss the show on platforms like X, where posts highlight its emotional depth and shocking twists. One X user called it “a global obsession ending with a bang on June 27.”
4. Accessibility for NRIs: With Netflix’s global release, NRIs can stream Season 3 at home or while traveling, making it easy to stay connected to this cultural moment. The 12:30 PM IST release aligns with evening viewing for NRIs in the U.S.

Critical Reception and Season 2 Context

While Squid Game Season 1 (2021) won six Primetime Emmys, including Best Actor for Lee Jung-jae, Season 2 (December 2024) received mixed reviews. Critics praised its performances and themes but criticized its slower pacing and predictable moments, with one X user calling it “overly dramatic” and “scripted.” However, its 173 million views and 1.2 billion watch hours underscore its massive appeal. Season 3 is poised to address these critiques, with Hwang promising a tighter, six-episode arc that delivers “an explosion of dramatic intensity.” Early buzz from a Tudum sneak peek of the first six minutes suggests a return to the high-stakes tension of Season 1.

What to Expect: Themes and New Games

Season 3 delves deeper into Gi-hun’s psychological turmoil, exploring whether he can maintain his faith in humanity after betrayal and loss. The Front Man’s backstory, revealing how he became the game’s mastermind, adds depth to the conflict. New games, like the Cheol-su-led “Jump Rope,” promise visceral thrills, while the trailer hints at a face-to-face showdown between Gi-hun and the Front Man. Hwang’s focus on “conscience and kindness” suggests an emotional resolution, with one pivotal scene described by Lee Jung-jae as “touching” and reflective of human resilience.

Future of the Franchise

Hwang has confirmed Season 3 as the finale for Gi-hun’s story, but he’s open to spin-offs, potentially exploring the three-year gap between Seasons 1 and 2. Netflix’s $2.5 billion investment in Korean content from 2023 to 2027 signals more K-dramas to come, exciting NRIs who enjoy shows like Bridgerton and Heeramandi.

How NRIs Can Watch and Engage

• Stream on Netflix: Subscribe to Netflix and watch all six episodes starting June 27 at 12:30 PM IST (3:00 AM ET for U.S.-based NRIs).
• Join the Conversation: Share reactions on X or with NRI community groups. Posts on X show fans speculating about Gi-hun’s fate and the Front Man’s redemption.
• Plan a Watch Party: Gather friends or family to binge-watch, a popular activity among NRIs in cities like New York and London.
• Stay Updated: Follow Masala Mirror for reviews, entertainment news, and NRI-focused content.

Why This Finale Is a Must-Watch

Squid Game Season 3 promises a heart-pounding conclusion to one of the most iconic series in streaming history. Its blend of suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary resonates with NRIs, who see parallels in its themes of struggle and survival. With a stellar cast, new deadly games, and a focus on Gi-hun’s redemption, the finale is set to break viewership records, following Season 2’s 68 million debut views. Whether you’re an NRI in the U.S., UK, or beyond, this is a cultural moment not to miss.

Call to Action: Are you ready for Squid Game Season 3? Share your predictions for Gi-hun’s fate in the comments below! For the latest on K-dramas, Bollywood, and NRI lifestyle, visit Masala Mirror and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.