The third and final season of Netflix’s South Korean phenomenon Squid Game, released on June 27, 2025, has unleashed a firestorm of fan reactions, with its Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter score of 50% igniting heated debates across social media, despite a strong 80% Tomatometer score from critics based on 51 reviews. This shockingly divided audience rating, the lowest in the series’ history, reflects deep dissatisfaction among viewers who feel the six-episode finale failed to deliver the gripping suspense and emotional payoff that made the show a global sensation in 2021. Sourced from Rotten Tomatoes, the divisive audience score has gone viral, with fans flooding the internet with scathing reviews, memes, and rants about the season’s missteps, cementing Squid Game: Season 3 as the most polarizing chapter of the survival thriller.
Fans Slam a Disappointing Finale
The 50% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, a stark drop from Season 1’s 84% and Season 2’s 71%, underscores a growing frustration among viewers who feel betrayed by the show’s conclusion. Centered on Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he confronts the deadly games and their shadowy orchestrators one last time, the season aimed to wrap up the saga with high stakes and emotional depth. Instead, many fans argue it stumbled, citing rushed storytelling, unsatisfying character arcs, and a lackluster ending that failed to resonate.
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer encapsulated the disappointment, writing, “Might be the worst story writing I have ever seen, but what do you expect from a finale season. It goes around in a circle, the last season is always the worst but there are shows out there that prove that stereotype wrong but unfortunately not for squid game. If you love the show just spoil yourself on google, don’t bother watching this.” This sentiment echoes a broader fan consensus that the season squandered the goodwill built by its predecessors, with many urging others to skip the episodes entirely.
Another viewer expressed frustration with the season’s pacing and character decisions, stating, “Honestly this final season felt rushed and so many decisions were made to dumb down characters. By episode 3 all likable characters were killed off in stupid ways that feel sad for about 2 minutes before you realize their death was rushed with no impact and no build up. Last 3 episodes or second half of the season just felt prolonged with little enjoyment. Ending was so bad as well, it provides no bigger meaning.” This critique highlights a recurring complaint: the season’s failure to give weight to character deaths and its inability to deliver a meaningful resolution.
Social media platforms have amplified these reactions, with hashtags like #SquidGame3 and #SquidGameFinale trending as fans vent their frustrations. Many have criticized the season for sidelining the inventive, high-stakes games that defined Season 1, replacing them with what some call a “meandering” focus on Gi-hun’s revenge arc. Others have taken issue with the treatment of new characters, including Lee Myung-gi (Im Si-wan), whose arc fans found underdeveloped despite the actor’s compelling performance. The finale’s ambiguous ending has been a particular sore point, with viewers arguing it left too many questions unanswered, undermining the series’ themes of survival and societal inequity.
Despite the polarized reception, Squid Game remains a cultural juggernaut. Since its 2021 debut, the series has redefined global television, becoming Netflix’s most-watched show and earning widespread acclaim. The viral Rotten Tomatoes score has only heightened its visibility, with reaction videos, Reddit threads, and X posts dissecting every controversial moment. While the 50% audience score reflects a significant stumble, the show’s ability to spark such fervent debate underscores its enduring impact.
As fans grapple with their disappointment, the performances of Lee Jung-jae, Im Si-wan, and supporting cast members like Park Hae-soo and Oh Dal-su remain a highlight for some, even amid the criticism. Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter has become a battleground for these conflicting views, capturing the passion and frustration of a fanbase that expected a triumphant finale. Whether Squid Game: Season 3 is remembered as a bold misstep or a divisive conclusion, its viral audience score ensures it will remain a lightning rod for discussion long after the final credits.
All 6 episodes of Squid Game Season 3 are now streaming on Netflix. You can watch the official trailer below:
