Stranger Things Creators Defend Extended Gaps Between Seasons: Annual TV Has “Diminishing Return”

by

When *Stranger Things* premiered on Netflix in 2016, it quickly became one of the platform’s biggest successes. Viewers were captivated by the charming young cast and the show’s strong 1980s vibe, eagerly following the mysteries of the Upside Down. After nearly a decade, the series is wrapping up with its fifth and final season, set to release this fall. The wait between seasons has been lengthy-Season 4 arrived in 2022-sparking debate about whether this release model is ideal for TV. However, the show’s creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, are committed to this approach.

In an interview with *Variety*, the Duffer brothers explained their preference for releasing seasons less frequently. Matt Duffer noted that yearly releases can lead to diminishing returns and that he prefers to create anticipation. As they begin a new collaboration with Paramount, they plan to produce limited-run series – often eight to ten episodes – with longer gaps between seasons, creating more of an ‘event’ feel.

Did the Stranger Things Release Strategy Backfire?

As a huge *Stranger Things* fan, I’ve definitely noticed the long waits between seasons, and it wasn’t always the creators’ fault! Production on Season 4 ground to a halt because of COVID-19, and getting things going again was tricky with all the new safety rules. Then, the strikes in Hollywood in 2023 really threw a wrench into Season 5. But even if all that hadn’t happened, it sounds like the showrunners always planned for breaks between seasons. I guess there are good and bad sides to that approach – it lets them really craft the story, but we fans are always left wanting more right away!

Generally, taking your time is better than rushing when making movies or TV shows. It’s important to ensure everything is done well and reaches its full potential. This is especially true for a show like *Stranger Things*, which is known for being large and complex. Visual effects artists need enough time for post-production to meet fans’ expectations. Streaming services are also perfect for ambitious projects like *Stranger Things* because creators aren’t limited by traditional TV schedules. This allows them to create longer episodes and give storylines the time they need to develop properly, giving showrunners creative freedom.

While breaks between seasons can be beneficial, they also carry risks. Long delays can cause fans to lose interest in the story. We saw this earlier this year with *Stranger Things*, where some fans expressed frustration and said they were no longer excited about the upcoming season. With ongoing series like *Stranger Things*, it’s crucial to keep the story moving forward. The show has faced challenges in this area, as there’s always competition for viewers’ attention, and the longer it takes for new episodes to arrive, the more likely people are to find something else to watch.

Unlike the creators of *Stranger Things*, Marvel is choosing to release new seasons of popular shows like *Daredevil: Born Again* (already renewed for Season 3) and *X-Men ’97* every year. This is a shift in strategy designed to keep fans consistently engaged with ongoing stories and give them something to anticipate. It remains to be seen whether this yearly approach or the longer wait for a season like *Stranger Things* Season 5 will prove more effective – it might depend on the show itself. However, releasing seasons annually could be a great way to maintain excitement and prevent the story from losing momentum. While *Stranger Things*’ final season will likely be a big success for Netflix, fans are hoping the extended wait will be worthwhile.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/7-sci-fi-shows-for-people-who-usually-prefer-fantasy-and-no-1-isnt-stranger-things/embed/#

Read More

2025-09-26 20:40