But the hit Korean-language Netflix series is already facing criticism for failing to live up to the promise of its powerful original run. Media experts say it shouldn’t come as any surprise: Call it the curse of round two.

After a three-year hiatus, Squid Game finally returned to Netflix with season 2 on December 26. For those who already binged the new episodes, season 2 ends on a cliffhanger, which is no surprise considering the series will return for a third and final season in 2025.