“Squid Game” has officially become Netflix’s biggest series launch. The Korean drama drew 111 million viewers in its first 28 days, knocking “Bridgerton,” which had 82 million, off the top spot. According to Netflix’s vice president of programing for Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand Kim Minyoung, the show’s popularity is “beyond our wildest dreams.” Korean drama enthusiast Chloe Henry shares that “Squid Game” stands out among others. The show’s characters keep viewers engaged because of the actors’ passionate performance. Dr. Hye-Kyung Lee, who researches the evolution of K-drama and K-pop at King’s College London, says that some Korean dramas touch on societal, business, and political issues, but “Squid Game” has chosen a far more direct approach.

The nine-part series that first aired in September follows 456 adults in debt as they play a variety of children’s playground games. The reward is 45.6 billion Korean won (approximately $39 million); however, if the participants lose any of the games, they will be severely penalized. They were tricked—but later willingly return—into participating in a fatal children’s elimination game, knowing it was their last chance to win the money they needed to survive. Due to its violence, the show is not recommended for anyone under the age of 15.