Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
K-thriller has extreme violence, sex, some moral lessons.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Squid Game
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 165 parent reviews
Based on 507 kid reviews
Kids say the show is both loved and criticized, with many viewers appreciating its thrilling elements while also noting the excessive violence, gore, and mature content that make it unsuitable for younger audiences. Most recommend it for older teens, emphasizing that the viewer's maturity level plays a crucial role in whether they can handle the intense themes presented throughout the series.
- maturity matters
- intense violence
- recommend 15+
- mixed reviews
- thrilling but disturbing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SQUID GAME, 47-year-old Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) lives with his mother and sometimes works as a chauffeur. After stealing his mother's debit card, withdrawing her savings, and taking it to a gambling den, he's hunted down by debt collectors who threaten to take his kidney and his eye if he doesn't come up with the money he owes within a month. His 10-year-old daughter is living with a wealthy stepfather, who may be moving far away, and things look pretty bleak. Then a mysterious stranger with a briefcase approaches Gi-hun in a subway station, enticing him to play a child's game for serious money. When he loses, he is slapped. When he wins, he makes good money. The stranger gives him a card, inviting him to join a bigger game for really good money. Will Gi-hun call? Will his life be the same if he does?
Is It Any Good?
Though too violent for young teens, there are some moral lessons peeking out behind the lines in this series. In Squid Game, the play between the clownish, down-on-his-luck main character, Gi-hun, and the cold killer behind the game he's lured into creates an intriguing tension. The characters are nicely developed, and the production value of the series is extremely sleek. The human element lends depth.
But there is a lot of torture and murder to endure—no subtlety there—and the violence can come off as gratuitous. Some predictable plot points distract from the fine acting and the high-minded concept. Fans of dystopian thrillers will enjoy this series. Sensitive or younger viewers should avoid this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about intense violence as seen in Squid Game. A character enjoys seeing people in pain. How does seeing violence like that influence how you think of human nature?
Characters in this series are in debt, often because they're addicted to gambling. Are there addictions that are of concern to you?
Characters in this series smoke. What can you do to help keep your friends and family from smoking?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 17, 2021
- Cast : Lee Jung-jae , Jung Ho-yeon , Wi Ha-jun
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- TV rating :
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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