When a single series becomes more than just a show and transforms into a global obsession, it not only changes audience habits but redraws the landscape of streaming entertainment. Netflix’s Squid Game has now accomplished what few titles could imagine: inspiring entire generations, dominating pop culture, and, incredibly, accounting for years of viewer attention.

While the enormous amount of views that the show has accumulated has been news since season one, the latest twist is counting the time spent by viewers watching the show in years, more than numbers. 

Squid Game has cemented its place as Netflix's most valuable international franchise, setting extraordinary records since its debut. In 2025 alone, subscribers watched an astounding 1.627 billion hours of Squid Game, accounting for approximately 230.8 million views. But more importantly, this translates to over 601,602  in years. This demonstrates not only ongoing enthusiasm for the show but also its lasting appeal across numerous regions and demographics.

Looking beyond yearly numbers, the collective impact is even more impressive. Since September 2021, subscribers have logged 5.27 billion hours streaming Squid Game, the equivalent of 697.7 million views. The first season alone is responsible for more than half of these views, highlighting the initial runaway sensation. The world has spent over thousands of years immersed in this K-drama phenomenon, an achievement unmatched by any other non-English language series.

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As the numbers are touching the sky, the question arises: What factors make viewers return for more, and is the persistent buzz actually justified?

Squid Game’s success cannot be attributed to numbers alone, but cultural relevance, compelling storytelling, and international intrigue have all played a role in maintaining its momentum. The latest season became the first non-English series to top viewership charts in every Netflix market. This attention goes beyond brief novelty; its gritty social commentary, unpredictable stakes, and visually striking style have driven ongoing debates and engagement, breaking unexpected records, especially as the new season arrived.

The show’s staying power comes from how it tapped into universal themes of desperation and hope, blending them within a game-show framework that audiences worldwide found relatable and addictive. Netflix’s ability to localize the series with high-quality translations and aggressive global marketing also explains why Squid Game maintains such a strong following years after its debut. These factors, combined with critical praises and sustained discussion on social media, ensure that the hype rests on more than shock value; it emerges from genuine artistic and cultural significance. 

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What do you think about these numbers? Let us know in the comments below!