Lucas Shaw, a media and entertainment editor at Bloomberg, dives into the explosive success of 'Squid Game', sharing how it became Netflix's biggest hit. He reveals the near-miss of its creation and discusses the innovative ways Netflix is transforming the series into a global franchise. The conversation covers strategic marketing, the anticipation surrounding season two, and plans for reality shows and video games. Shaw also examines how to keep a franchise fresh, drawing comparisons to iconic series like Marvel and Harry Potter.
Squid Game's unprecedented success on Netflix, earning around $900 million, has catalyzed an expansive marketing strategy for a global franchise.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk's initial doubts about a second season transformed into a realization of its financial potential and audience anticipation.
Deep dives
Delta Airlines Enhances Customer Experience with 5G Technology
Delta Airlines has adopted 5G technology from T-Mobile for Business to improve its operational efficiency and customer service. This technological integration enables ground staff to access real-time information, allowing them to assist travelers more effectively as they navigate the airport. By utilizing 5G, Delta aims to streamline processes from the Sky Club to the jet bridge, creating a smoother travel experience for passengers. This upgrade not only enhances customer satisfaction but also signifies a shift towards leveraging advanced technology in the airline industry.
The Global Impact of Squid Game
The South Korean series Squid Game exploded in popularity after its release, becoming a global phenomenon that earned Netflix approximately $900 million in value. The show's success prompted an unprecedented promotional campaign from Netflix, with live events and marketing strategies aimed at sustaining viewer interest beyond its initial release. The engaging storyline revolves around desperate characters in dire situations, which resonates with audiences, enhancing its appeal worldwide. The show's unique premise and cultural commentary on capitalism have set the stage for developing a lasting franchise.
Director's Journey and Future of Squid Game
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk's journey in creating Squid Game reflects both personal and societal struggles, particularly stemming from the financial crisis of 2008. Initially doubting the viability of a second season due to the intense experience of filming the first, he later recognized the financial implications and potential for team compensation that a sequel could offer. The anticipation builds for Season Two, promising new storylines and characters while maintaining the show's thrilling essence. As Netflix plans to capitalize on Squid Game's success, various spin-offs, including a reality show and video games, indicate a strategy aimed at sustaining engagement with the franchise.
The gory, dystopian South Korean thriller Squid Game is the most popular series Netflix has ever released. This week, it drops season two — in the midst of the company’s efforts to grow the show beyond the screen.
On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host Rebecca Choong Wilkins talks to Bloomberg’s Sohee Kim and Lucas Shaw about the new season, the story of how the show was nearly never made and all the ways Netflix is trying to expand Squid Game into a global franchise — from reality TV and video games to in-person fan experiences.