The explosive finale of Netflix’s Squid Game marked the streaming giant’s biggest launch within that timeframe. According to Comicbook, the final season of the franchise rose to number three on Netflix’s list of Most Popular non-English TV shows ever, solidifying its dominance in global viewership. With Netflix counting views over a 91-day window, the show could still rise, potentially overtaking the second season’s 192.6 million views.

The surge in popularity for season three also caused previous seasons to return to Netflix’s weekly Top 10, according to Comicbook. Viewers rushed to rewatch or catch up, underscoring the lasting grip Squid Game has had since its debut.

Set in South Korea, the season delivers a conclusive and emotional end to Seong Gi-hun’s journey, played by Lee Jung-jae (Hunt, Deliver Us from Evil). The show’s latest season picks up after a failed rebellion, with Gi-hun re-entering the game in a desperate bid to dismantle it from within. Though divisive, the finale’s brutal honesty in critiquing capitalism and class inequality has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike.

According to Comicbook, this success is also fueling Netflix’s next phase for the franchise—a U.S.-based spin-off directed by David Fincher (Fight Club, Mindhunter). The project, long rumored, was officially teased in the season three finale through a surprise cameo. Cate Blanchett (TÁR, Blue Jasmine) appears in the final episode as a mysterious American recruiter, shown scouting players in Los Angeles. Her role is widely interpreted as a direct setup for the Fincher-led American series.

While Netflix has prioritized the development of the American spin-off, reports suggest creative disagreements have emerged, via Comicbook. Fincher and Netflix have allegedly clashed over key aspects, including the show’s title and direction. Adding to the intrigue is the absence of original creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has publicly stated he will not be involved in the U.S. version. “My story is finished,” he confirmed, opting not to participate in the American expansion.