Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game has added another prestigious honor to its legacy, winning Best Foreign Language Series at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, reaffirming its lasting impact on global television.
A Major Win at the Critics Choice Awards 2026
The South Korean survival thriller Squid Game secured the Best Foreign Language Series award at the Critics Choice Awards, held on January 4, 2026. The victory further strengthens the show’s reputation as one of the most influential non-English-language series in television history.
Streaming giant Netflix celebrated the achievement, as Squid Game beat strong international contenders including Acapulco, Last Samurai Standing, Mussolini: Son of the Century, Red Alert, and When No One Sees Us.
From Korean Drama to Global Cultural Phenomenon
When Squid Game first premiered, few expected it to redefine global entertainment. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series combined childhood games with brutal survival challenges to explore themes of inequality, debt, desperation, and morality.
The show quickly transcended language barriers, becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched series worldwide and sparking conversations across cultures. Its Critics Choice win confirms that its appeal goes beyond popularity, earning critical recognition as well.
Season 3 Marked the End of the Saga
The award arrives months after Squid Game concluded its story with Season 3, which premiered on June 27, 2025. The final season wrapped up the intense journey of its characters while expanding the moral and psychological questions raised since the beginning.
Season 3 followed contestants trapped in deadly games orchestrated by powerful elites, closing the arc of the mysterious organization behind the competition. While reactions varied, many viewers praised the ambition and emotional weight of the finale.
Iconic Performances That Defined the Series
At the heart of Squid Game’s success are its performances. Lee Jung-jae, who played the struggling yet determined Seong Gi-hun, became an international star through the role. His portrayal of an ordinary man pushed to moral extremes resonated deeply with audiences.
Equally impactful was Lee Byung-hun as the chilling Front Man, whose complex motivations added depth and mystery to the narrative. Lee Byung-hun’s presence brought gravitas to the series and elevated its psychological tension.
Mixed Reactions to Season 2, Strong Praise Overall
While Squid Game has been widely celebrated, not every season received unanimous praise. Season 2, in particular, sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics. Some viewers felt it struggled to match the shock and originality of the first season, while others appreciated its deeper world-building.
Despite those debates, the overall consensus remains that Squid Game stands as a landmark series. The Critics Choice Award win suggests that the show’s complete body of work, rather than any single season, earned the recognition.
Fans Celebrate the Award Win
Following the announcement, fans across social media celebrated the victory as a well-deserved honor. Many highlighted the show’s bold storytelling, unpredictable twists, and powerful performances as reasons it continues to stand out in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.
Viewers also noted that Squid Game paved the way for greater acceptance and popularity of non-English series on global platforms, encouraging audiences to explore stories beyond Hollywood.
Star Presence Lights Up the Ceremony
Adding to the excitement, Lee Byung-hun attended the ceremony, drawing attention on the red carpet. The event was hosted by Chelsea Handler, and Lee’s appearance was widely shared online as a proud moment for Korean cinema and television.
His presence symbolized how far the show and its cast have come from a local Korean production to global award stages.
Why This Win Matters for Global Television
The Best Foreign Language Series win is significant not just for Squid Game, but for international storytelling as a whole. It reflects a shift in audience preferences, where compelling narratives matter more than language or origin.
Industry experts believe Squid Game has helped redefine what global success looks like for television, proving that local stories can achieve worldwide impact when told authentically.
Netflix’s Continued Success with International Content
For Netflix, the award reinforces its strategy of investing heavily in international productions. Squid Game stands as the platform’s most prominent example of how regional stories can become global sensations.
The streaming service has since expanded its focus on Korean, Spanish, and other non-English-language series, inspired by the success and recognition achieved by Squid Game.
Legacy of Squid Game
With its story now complete and accolades continuing to arrive, Squid Game has secured its place in television history. Beyond awards and viewership numbers, its real legacy lies in how it changed conversations around inequality, entertainment, and global storytelling.
The Critics Choice Award win serves as a final seal of approval, honoring a series that challenged norms and captivated audiences worldwide.
Final Word
Squid Game’s victory at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 is more than just another trophy it is a celebration of bold storytelling and global creativity. As fans reflect on its intense journey and unforgettable characters, the series stands as a reminder that powerful stories can come from anywhere and speak to everyone.
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