Teh highly anticipated fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” is dividing critics, with initial reactions ranging from excitement over its nostalgic thrills to disappointment in its sprawling narrative. Volume One, consisting of the first four episodes, began streaming today, setting the stage for the show’s conclusion.
The series, a cultural phenomenon since its 2016 debut, faces scrutiny as its young characters age and the storyline expands. Some reviewers suggest the show would benefit from a more focused approach, while others praise its continued ability to deliver suspense and fan service. The remaining episodes will roll out in two volumes: the next three episodes arrive on Christmas Day in the US and Boxing Day in the UK, with the finale landing on New Year’s Eve in the US and New Year’s Day in the UK.
Critics have pointed to the show’s length and number of characters as potential drawbacks. “When you get bigger without going deeper, you end up stretched thin,” wrote Alison Herman of Variety. Ben Travers of IndieWire declared the season “leaves you wanting less,” and Michael Walsh of Nerdist agreed, stating, “The start of Stranger Things 5 is a lot… A lot, a lot.” Walsh further noted that while individual elements aren’t necessarily ”outright bad,” the sheer volume of story and complicated developments prevent Volume One from achieving greatness.
However,not all reviews are negative. Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter commented, “It’s time to let these adolescents do as adolescents are meant to do: grow up and move on with the rest of their lives,” suggesting the show is at a natural point for closure. The critical response highlights the challenge of concluding a beloved series that has captivated audiences for nearly a decade.
