6 TV Shows to Stream When You’re Done Watching “Squid Game”
On Sept. 17, Netflix dropped “Squid Game,” and the internet has not been the same. Within weeks of being released, the series became one of the most watched series on the streaming platform — partially due to it blowing up on social media.
The show has been a sensational hit, but those who are fluent in Korean have revealed the imperfections with the subtitles that compromise the way the show is understood by non-Korean speaking watchers. While there’s no doubt that “Squid Game” is worthy of a watch, it’s a good reminder to do your research and read up on the accurate takeaways when it comes to shows that have English subtitles.
With all that being said, if nine episodes weren’t enough for you, consider watching one of these shows while keeping your fingers crossed for a Season 2 of “Squid Game.”
“Alice in Borderland” is the live-action series adaptation of the popular Japanese anime by the same name. The show follows Japanese teenager, Arisu (Kenton Yamasaki), and his friends who get transported to a vacant version of Tokyo where they’re forced to take part in games with deathly high stakes. Violence, action, and suspense are all here in this wild ride.
Available to watch on Netflix.
“3%” is a Brazilian series that tells the story of struggling young people competing in a series of extremely complicated games to try to live a better life. Inland inhabitants are poor and get one shot to make it to the paradise called Offshore, but the only way to get there is to make it through “the Process” — and only 3 percent of participants typically make it to the other side. If you’re a bit averse to gore, this series is less graphic than “Squid Game” but no less entertaining.
Available to watch on Netflix.
Following the popular movies, there’s now a series that’s equally riveting. “The Purge” is set in an alternate reality in the U.S. where crime, including murder, is made legal for a 12-hour period every year. The series follows a group of characters as they try to stay alive during the night’s events. “The Purge” stars Derek Luke, Max Martini, Paola Nuñez, and Rochelle Aytes.
If you enjoy the blood and gore of “Squid Game” but want something on the funnier side, “Santa Clarita Diet” will be perfect for you. It follows Drew Barrymore as Sheila Hammond, who suddenly becomes a flesh-eating zombie. She leans on her husband and fellow real estate agent, Joel (Timothy Olyphant), and their daughter (Liv Hewson) to figure out how step into her new life. The family ends up on a wild adventure that includes nosy neighbors, talking heads, murder, and so much more.
Available to watch on Netflix.
“Snowpiercer” is set in 2026, almost a decade after the world has become a frosty wasteland. The series follows the survivors who find refuge on a gigantic, luxury train that’s perpetually moving around the Earth. Like “Squid Game,” the series explores issues of class, social injustices, and the politics of survival. It stars Daveed Diggs, Jennifer Connelly, Mickey Sumner, Annalise Basso, and a host of other familiar faces.
Available to watch on HBO Max.
“Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor” could easily be considered the anime version of “Squid Game.” Both shows follow a main character who’s seriously in debt and desperate for a way out. In “Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor,” the protagonist, Kaiji, learns that he’s on the hook for the repayment of a loan he co-signed for a friend. In order to get the money, he enters a high-stakes gambling event that’s taking place on a ship called Espoir.
Available to stream on Crunchyroll.