Stranger Things returns with thrills, but critics split on final season

The first part of the final season of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things has drawn strong reactions from critics, with many praising its emotion and excitement while others say the show has lost some of its spark.

Several reviewers described the first four episodes of season five as highly entertaining. The Times said the new instalments are filled with “proper jeopardy and bags of emotion,” while the Guardian wrote that the series’ “luxurious final run” delivers moments that will thrill long-time fans.

Not all critics agreed. USA Today said the show shifts between “thrilling and annoying,” and The Atlantic described much of the new content as “largely joyless and grim.”

Netflix briefly crashed after the episodes were released in the United States on Wednesday and in the United Kingdom early Thursday. Three more episodes will arrive at Christmas, followed by the series finale around New Year.

The show is nearing its final showdown as the now-grown heroes of Hawkins, Indiana prepare to face Vecna in what could be their last battle.

Some fans woke up early to watch the new episodes as soon as they dropped. One viewer told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat that she was “gripped” throughout and glad she made time to binge-watch at dawn.

Many critics praised the series for staying true to its 1980s adventure style. The Standard called it classic entertainment filled with humour and heart. Empire wrote that the show “knows exactly what it is” and has not lost its sense of fun.

BBC Culture said the fourth episode is “Stranger Things at its best,” predicting a strong finish if the rest of the season follows the same direction. The Telegraph said the show continues to deliver “top-rank comfort viewing” and could still offer a satisfying ending.

Some reviewers, however, noted that the cast has aged while the story has struggled to grow with them. Slate wrote that the show feels stuck in place, and the Hollywood Reporter said it may be time for the teenage characters to “grow up and move on.”

Others argued that the new season packs in too many characters and plotlines. IndieWire and Nerdist both said the episodes are overly long, with too much happening at once to maintain focus.

Three additional episodes are set for release on Christmas Day in the United States and Boxing Day in the United Kingdom. The final episode will stream on New Year’s Eve in the US and New Year’s Day in the UK.