Netflix survival thriller hailed ‘a masterpiece’ is finally returning after 3 years

After years of anticipation, Netflix has finally dropped the trailer and release date for one of its most buzzworthy shows – Alice in Borderland.

The sci-fi dystopian thriller – often compared to Squid Game for its life-and-death stakes and unapologetic gore – follows an ‘aimless gamer [Arisu portrayed by Kento Yamazki] in Tokyo’ who is ‘suddenly thrown into a survival game set in a parallel wasteland’

‘He has to use all his skills to win – or die trying,’ the synopsis ominously concludes.

The second season, which landed an impressive 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, came out in December 2022. Now, the streamer has confirmed the show will return almost three years later on September 25, 2025.

The trailer comes with the caption: ‘Arisu escaped Borderland once. It’s time to brave the games once again.’

‘Arisu and Usagi take on the life-or-death games once more. One card remains: the Joker. What secrets does it hold?’ the tagline reads.

The one-minute 35 second teaser which opens on a shot of the central joker card shows flashes of far-stretching death and destruction as Arisu says: ‘All of a sudden everything went quiet. I feel like I dreamed a journey ‘

As he continues to deliver his eerie testimony, returning and new characters graced the screen as ‘invisible threads’ seem to pull these characters together in the real world – with their memories of Borderland only resurfacing in ‘dreams and hallucinations’.

There are fiery explosions, an aflame arrow shoots through someone’s neck and more than one near-death scenario as Arisu races to save his beloved Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya) from the forces that threaten them.

New cast members include Koji Ohkura, Risa Sudou, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Tina Tamashiro, Kotaro Daigo, Hyunri, Sakura Kiryu and Kento Kaku.

This first look of the show, based on a Japanese manga series of the same name by Haro Aso, has fans absolutely buzzing.

‘Are you kidding me!!??? WOW. It looks absolutely incredible. I cannot put into words how excited I am!!! Counting down the days,’ Amanda Caliber wrote on X.

‘EVERYONE GET YOUR POPCORN THE BEST NETFLIX SHOW IS RETURNING,’ Bt7ever declared.

‘This is insane! I got goosebumps bro let’s gooooo,’ solasque added.

‘I’m so excited, season 1 and 2 was some of the best television.’ Jrmedford echoed.

The first two seasons have gained widespread acclaim from fans and critics.

‘Alice in Borderland is nothing short of a masterpiece, a perfect blend of heart-pounding suspense, deep emotional storytelling, and jaw-dropping visuals,’ Google reviewer Lalkrushna Purty.

Yeii Yeii described it as ‘awesome, emotional, and intense and Cecilia XU was ‘left speechless’ after giving it a five star review.

‘This series is filled with jaw-dropping plot twists and lovable characters each with intriguing backstories and character development. Though complicated, once you’re immersed in the depths of Borderland, you’ll find yourself binge-watching episodes at 3 a.m.,’ Rose W shared on Rotten Tomatoes.

One anonymous user promises ‘each episode will leave you wanting more’ while Jon F called it an ‘innovative story and a solid cast’.

After announcing the season three renewal, Netflix wrote: ‘With Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya reprising their roles as Arisu and Usagi in season three, fans can look forward to witnessing the evolution of their characters in the ever-dangerous landscape of Borderland.

‘Shinsuke Sato’s continued direction will also ensure that the series maintains its trademark intensity and cinematic excellence.’

Alice in Borderland seasons one and two are available to stream on Netflix now. The third season arrives on September 25, 2025.

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