While Squid Game dominated the headlines, that Friday was a busy day for television. Other major premieres included:
: The high-profile drama returned to Apple TV+. Season 1 Sep. 17, 2021
On September 17, 2021, a nine-episode series titled Squid Game dropped on Netflix with relatively little fanfare. Within weeks, it wasn't just a show—it was a global obsession. Created, written, and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk , the series introduced us to a brutal world where 456 debt-ridden contestants risked their lives for a chance at a massive ₩45.6 billion cash prize. Why Season 1 Changed Everything While Squid Game dominated the headlines, that Friday
: Within its first 28 days, it reached over 111 million households , surpassing Bridgerton to become Netflix's biggest launch ever. Within weeks, it wasn't just a show—it was
The first season struck a chord with audiences worldwide by blending high-stakes survival horror with sharp social commentary on class disparity and capitalism. It wasn't just the deadly games like "Red Light, Green Light" that kept viewers hooked, but the deeply human stories of characters like Seong Gi-hun and Kang Sae-byeok.
: For K-Drama fans, this innovative series also made its debut on tvN/TVING . What's Next for the Franchise? Squid Game: Season 1