Squid game beats Bridgeton to become Netflix’s biggest series launch

Netflix Korean series, Squid game has reached Netflix’s “biggest series launch ever” with 111 million viewers, surpassing Bridgerton. The thriller now stands as Netflix’s top show. This was announced by the video giant on Tuesday, using their verified Twitter account. 

According to the production company, the series that held the spot of biggest launch ever was Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgeton, with 82 million viewers as of this past January, after being released on December 25 2020. 

Netflix released the viewership metrics and data, along with a fun video to make announcement and thank viewers for the support. The announcer stated, 

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to you all, 111 million of you have joined the ranks of the VIPs, making Squid Game our No. 1 show in the world. And for the rest of you, will you seize the opportunity to join the game?”

Squid game was ranked as the Number 1 show worldwide on the streaming service late last month. Although released on Sept. 17, just two days later, the 8 episode show entered the top 10 shows globally. The next day, it was at No. 2 before taking the No. 1 spot on Sept. 21. 

Netflix’s co-CEO and chief content officer,  Ted Sarandos stated, “We did not see that coming, in terms of its global popularity.”

The writer and director of the dystopian series, Hwang Dong-hyuk previously opened up about the difficult process of writing the show. He also talked about whether or not he will make a second season, given the first one’s success. 

“I wanted to write a story that was an allegory or fable about modern capitalist society, something that depicts an extreme competition, somewhat like the extreme competition of life. But I wanted it to use the kind of characters we’ve all met in real life. As a survival game, it is entertainment and human drama. The games portrayed are extremely simple and easy to understand. That allows viewers to focus on the characters, rather than being distracted by trying to interpret the rules.”

Dong-hyuk added, “I don’t have well-developed plans for Squid Game 2. It is quite tiring just thinking about it. But if I were to do it, I would certainly not do it alone. I’d consider using a writers’ room and would want multiple experienced directors.”