The second season of the South Korean hit series “Squid Game (오징어 게임)” broke records with its premiere, and even recorded the biggest debut on the streaming platform. So, why did “Squid Game 2” fail to receive a single nomination for the 2025 Emmy Awards?
Earlier this week, the Primetime Emmy Awards, a.k.a. the Emmys, announced the nominations for their 2025 ceremony. Many stars received first-time nominations, and hit shows like “Severance” and “The Penguin” led the nomination score. However, one show that was notably absent from the nomination list was “Squid Game”. Fans were disappointed to learn this fact, as many fans anticipated the show would receive several nominations, given its popularity.
As such, many fans took to social media to discuss why the show failed to receive a single nomination, with the majority blaming it on racism and xenophobia. Some argued that the show was “robbed” because it was an Asian show featuring an Asian cast, accusing the Emmys of not allowing foreign shows to shine. This argument was reinforced by the rumours that “Squid Game” will receive an American spin-off.
However, analysts believe the reason why the show failed to secure a nomination was due to the lack of narrative closure. Since the story of Squid Game Season 2 continued in Season 3, which was released six months later, it may have affected nominations. Despite the disappointment with this year’s Emmys, the show’s third season could still be nominated for next year’s ceremony as its release date is within the eligibility period.
Meanwhile, Netflix has been releasing several videos to commemorate the end of the series. In one video, the cast of “Squid Game” from all three seasons bid farewell to the show by “returning” their uniforms and belongings. A recent post from the official “Squid Game” social media account also wrote, “Game over. Thank you for playing,” marking the official end of the global phenomenon.
While “Squid Game” may have gotten snubbed by the Emmys, the show remains one of Netflix’s biggest series and a fan favourite. Here’s a look at some of the show’s recent social postings, celebrating the show’s end and success:
