After a nearly three-year hiatus, Netflix’s Stranger Things has returned with its highly anticipated fifth and final season, bringing the Duffer Brothers’ sci-fi horror series toward its conclusion. However, early reactions show the internet is deeply split over whether the long-awaited final chapter lives up to the massive hype.
The Beginning of the End
Stranger Things Season 5 reunites the core cast for a final confrontation. The returning ensemble includes:
- Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)
- Finn Wolfhard (Mike)
- Noah Schnapp (Will)
- Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin)
- Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas)
- Sadie Sink (Max)
- David Harbour (Chief Hopper)
- Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers)
Teasers promised a darker, more emotional tone with powerful farewells, and early reviews suggest the season delivers on both aspects, albeit to mixed critical reception.
Netizens’ Mixed Feelings
The online discourse reveals strong opinions on both sides:
👍 Enthusiastic Praise
Many fans are calling the season perfect, highlighting the successful execution of the final-season tone.
“The acting, the music, the cinematography, how the scene is delivered, EVERYTHING IS PERFECT EVERYTHING IS ABSOLUTELY AND TRUELY AMAZINGLY PERFECT.”
- One reviewer particularly praised the series for nailing the final-season tone, calling it “more mature, more intense, but still keeps that classic ST humor alive.”
- Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) is frequently cited as the standout character of the volume, with “unreal” development and conviction.
👎 Critical Disappointment
Conversely, others found the season overhyped, bloated, and lacking momentum.
- One viewer felt the show “struggles with its large cast,” leaving most characters with little meaningful action and creating a “weird lack of momentum.”
- Complaints were also directed at the length of the episodes and what some perceived as “painfully clunky dialogue.”
- A few critics even took issue with the technical execution, citing “terrible” camera work and CGI in the final, long-awaited season.
Verdict: With its immense fanbase and high expectations, the final season of Stranger Things was destined to spark controversy. It offers a satisfying, emotional payoff for some, while others view it as an uneven and overhyped conclusion.