Hellbound: New South Korean horror beats Squid Game as Netflix’s most popular global series

New Netflix fantasy horror series Hellbound has become an overnight success, outperforming Squid Game as the most-watched show.

According to data obtained by FlixPatrol, the South Korean drama became the world’s most-watched television series on November 20, just 24 hours after its release, topping the ratings list in over 80 countries.

Taking place in a fantasy version of Earth, Hellbound sees supernatural creatures drag humans to hell.

‘Bound to a metaphysical approach, it exposes the duality of not allowing your light to come forth and only slowing your dark to expose itself,’ the synopsis teases.

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, the first three episodes follow detective Jin Kyeong-hoon (played by Yang Ik-june), who investigates the happenings, while the remaining two chapters take place five years later and focuses on a man who struggles to come to terms with the news his newborn is destined for hell.

In October, Squid Game was branded Netflix’s ‘biggest show’ after being watched by a ‘mind-boggling’ 142 million households around the world.

Hellbound was released on Netflix on November 19 (Picture: Netflix)

The hit dystopian Korean drama, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, follows desperate people who are invited to take part in a mystery game for a massive sum of money.

In a letter to shareholders, the streaming giant said: ‘Released on September 17, it has become our biggest TV show ever.

‘A mind-boggling 142 million member households globally have chosen to watch the title in its first four weeks.

‘The breadth of Squid Game’s popularity is truly amazing; this show has been ranked as our number one programme in 94 countries (including the US).

‘Like some of our other big hits, Squid Game has also pierced the cultural zeitgeist, spawning a Saturday Night Live skit and memes/clips on TikTok with more than 42 billion views.

‘Demand for consumer products to celebrate the fandom for Squid Game is high and those items are on their way to retail now.’

Hellbound follows supernatural angels appearing out of nowhere to condemn people to hell (Picture: Netflix)

Squid Game, which debuted in September, consists of nine episodes.

It is Netflix’s first Korean programme to become the most popular series in the US and follows the company’s efforts to increase its offering of international shows.

Squid Game season two was confirmed earlier this month, with creator Hwang Dong-hyuk announcing the news.

Squid Game was named Netflix’s ‘biggest TV show ever’ in October (Picture: Netflix)

Speaking to the Associated Press, he said: ‘So there’s been so much pressure, so much demand and so much love for a second season.

‘So I almost feel like you leave us no choice! But I will say, there will indeed be a second season.’

More: Netflix

‘But I do think it’s too early to say when and how it’s going to happen. So I will promise you this… Gi-hun will come back, he’ll do something for the world.’

Hellbound is available to stream on Netflix.

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