Squid Game Season 2 Snubbed at the Emmys 2025

OTT Ranking
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Squid Game Season 2 failed to secure a single 2025 Emmy nomination
The season faced tougher competition and losing out to fresher hits like The Last of Us and The White Lotus.
With Season 3 eligible for the 2026 Emmys, the door remains open for the series to reclaim its award-winning legacy.

Fans were left stunned when Squid Game Season 2 failed to secure a single nomination at this year’s Emmy Awards—a sharp contrast to the groundbreaking success of its first season.

The Emmy Awards remain one of the most prestigious honors in television and streaming media.

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Source:Netflix

On July 15, 2025, The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences unveiled the nominees for the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, and Squid Game Season 2 was noticeably absent from every category, including Best Drama Series.

This comes as a major surprise, especially when looking back at Squid Game Season 1’s historic run in 2021.

As reported by Chosun on July 16, 2025, the first season racked up an impressive 14 Emmy nominations, including Best Series, Best Director/Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. Out of those, it took home six wins: Best Director (Hwang Dong-hyuk), Best Actor (Lee Jung-jae), Best Guest Actress (Lee Yu-mi), Best Visual Effects, Best Stunt Performance, and Best Production Design.

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Source:Netflix

Expectations were sky-high for Season 2, especially after its explosive trailer drop and record-breaking viewership. Many assumed it would follow in its predecessor’s footsteps, but the Emmy snub has left fans and critics scratching their heads.

This year’s Outstanding Drama Series category was dominated by heavyweights like Disney’s Andor, Netflix’s The Diplomat, HBO Max’s The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Hulu’s Paradise, and Apple TV+’s Severance and Slow Horses. Squid Game 2’s absence didn’t go unnoticed—Forbes even called it "disappointing," especially considering the show’s massive global audience.

https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1945146725154320805

But all hope isn’t lost. Squid Game Season 3 could still make waves at next year’s ceremony, as it’ll be eligible for the 2026 Emmys.

Meanwhile, the 77th Emmy Awards are set to take place in Los Angeles on September 14, 2025. Whether the Squid Game cast will attend remains unclear—but one thing’s for sure: the show’s Emmy journey isn’t over yet.

Before that, check out the Squid Game season 3 trailer below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgGTVaG2UiQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgGTVaG2UiQ
Squid Game Season 3 Trailer
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Typical. American awards only cares about hype, not quality. S2 had better cinematography than most nominees. Bet they regret this next year when S3 wins big :trophy:

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First-timers here don’t get it. Squid Game changed TV forever! My book club switched from rom-coms to K-dramas because of it. Emmys, do better :face_with_steam_from_nose:

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Honestly, The Last of Us was tough competition. But Squid Game S2’s action scenes were insane! Hope S3 brings back the Emmy glory :fire:

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That’s okay, what matters is that we all know Squid Game is totally worth watching. My friends and I love watching it on the weekends while munching on popcorn in my room🤭

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But honestly, just my personal opinion. I liked season 1 better, ’cause my bae Sae Byeok was in it :heart_eyes:

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How are they even judging this? I thought it was totally fine when I watched it. Ah, whatever, as long as I like Squid Game, that’s all that matters!:relieved_face:

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The Last of Us? So this is the one that supposedly beat Squid Game? Alright then, thanks for the Korean drama recommendation! :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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Right?? I’m confused too why it didn’t win. It was actually really good overall and totally deserved it.

Ah, I don’t know… I’m no expert anyway. :sweat_smile:

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I don’t know why, but I have a feeling season 3 will make up for the pain of season 2. Let’s keep supporting them! :flexed_biceps::sparkles:

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Emmy winners aren’t chosen based on popularity or viewership. They’re judged by members of the Television Academy, which includes professionals like writers, directors, and actors. Each category is voted on by experts in that specific field, so the awards focus more on artistic and technical quality than hype. So yeah, it’s not that surprising that Squid Game didn’t win. Still, it’s kinda sad😔

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Agree with @NaRi_Min voters chase trends. S2’s symbolism was masterful. Maybe subtitles are still a barrier? Either way, S3 will shut the doubters up :relieved_face:

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Streaming S2 tonight out of spite :face_with_steam_from_nose: Let’s trend #SquidGameSnubbed! And S3’s trailer looks even crazier—Emmys 2026, we’re coming! :collision: