Netflix has kicked off the long-awaited season 5 of Stranger Things, releasing the first four episodes, which are distributed in three batches. This approach allows the platform to maximize the anticipation for the series, marking the end of an era for fans of this cultural phenomenon. However, the criticism has been harsh: many consider it the weakest season to date.
Strange Reviews
Currently, season 5 has an 88% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable figure in itself, but it plummets when compared to previous seasons. The first season, which premiered in 2016, remains the most acclaimed, with an incredible 97% positive reviews, while the second season has a 90%, the third an 86%, and the fourth an 89%.
Despite its mixed reception, it should be noted that season 5 has only accumulated 56 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, which suggests that its rating could change as more critics and viewers weigh in on it. Season 1, for example, has 92 reviews and season 4 reached 199, which reinforces the importance of the number of opinions when establishing a consensus.
A key factor that will influence the global perception of the new installment will be the final episode, scheduled for January 1, 2026. The wait will be long, but it will be crucial in defining the legacy of Stranger Things as one of the most influential series of the last decade. In a landscape where expectations are always high, it remains to be seen whether this final season will successfully wrap up the story of Hawkins and its beloved characters.