The Squid Game fanfare has spread to the Toon, with the iconic Millennium bridge transformed into a giant jump-rope game to celebrate the release of season three of Netflix’s hit show.
The two iconic dolls appeared on the Quayside last week and caused much speculation, but eagle-eyed fans quickly connected the dots.
This stunt came ahead of the much-anticipated release of the final season of the show that has engrossed viewers since its debut in 2021.
Over the weekend, fans and confused passers-by were able to engage with Newcastle Squid Game inspired activities (though not as deadly), enjoy some photo opportunities and, of course, grab some freebies on the Gateshead side of the Tyne.
Similar promotional pop-ups have been spotted around the world including Squid Game experiences in New York and London, as well as a live parade through Seoul that hosted more than 38,000 people to celebrate the shows release. This signifies the global reach of the show with season three already breaking Netflix’s viewership record with 60.1 million views in just three days.
Geordie reactions to the campaign have been mixed with many users taking to TikTok to posting videos of the harrowing pink guards patrolling around the Quayside. One user complained “It was pretty lame really,” whilst another user mused “imagine leaving the club and seeing this in the wee hours.” However, the overall tone seemed to be excitement, and no one actually tried to jump over the rope.
The final instalment of the Newcastle Squid Game was released on Friday 27th June and joins season one and two as Netflix’s most watched show. The dystopian thriller follows contestants competing for a life changing prize, but the stakes are high. Indeed, many fans have been left heartbroken with the losses suffered in season three.
Though season three has received the series lowest rating on Rotten Tomato, 79 per cent on the Tomatometer and 50 per cent on the Popcornmeter, these figures are still impressive. Some critics have defended the show: “As taut, startling, and unhinged as ever.” Though others are not so positive and question the loss of the anti-capitalist critic that made the earlier seasons so laudable.
Nonetheless, it is great to see Newcastle play stage for this global phenomenon.
