After a long wait, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things is here! The first four episodes, released as Volume 1 on Netflix, are generating huge excitement. With over three years since the last season and as Netflix’s most popular show, expectations are incredibly high. Add to that all the fan theories and rumors, and the fact that this marks the beginning of the end – Season 5 will be released in three parts, bringing the story to a close – and you have a truly anticipated TV event.
Does the fifth season of Stranger Things live up to expectations? It’s close, but it would be incredibly difficult for any show to meet such high hype. Reviews are still positive overall, though not as overwhelmingly so as previous seasons. Currently, Rotten Tomatoes gives the new season an 86% score from critics – the lowest it’s received so far. Viewers seem to love it even more, with a 92% audience score, making it the best-received season since the very beginning.
| Season | RT Critics Score | RT Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 97% | 96% |
| 2 | 94% | 90% |
| 3 | 89% | 86% |
| 4 | 89% | 89% |
| 5 | 86% | 92% |
| Overall | 91% | 91% |
Why Stranger Things Season 5’s Reviews Are Less Positive Than Previous Seasons
Issues with the upcoming fifth season of Stranger Things have been building for a while, and now, as the show nears its conclusion, they’re becoming more noticeable and problematic. One major concern is the show’s large scale – with so many characters split into separate storylines, it feels stretched too thin. As Marco Vito Oddo pointed out in a review for ComicBook, the series keeps repeating past mistakes, like dividing the characters too much, avoiding real danger for the main characters, and not trimming the length of its episodes.
Many critics have pointed out that the show’s multiple storylines are confusing, with ScreenRant stating they make the show overly complicated. Several reviews also note a lack of character development. Variety observes that the actors have matured, but the show hasn’t reflected that growth with more complex characters, and Slate describes it as stuck in a rut with unchanging characters and confusing backstory. These issues tend to worsen throughout the season, becoming more prominent without necessarily improving the show – a pattern that many feel applies to the series as a whole, with the first season remaining the strongest.
Despite some disappointment, the show isn’t a failure. Most reviews are positive, just not as overwhelmingly so as fans expected. The first episode is genuinely fun, and the show continues to excel at portraying the emotional connections between characters we’ve known for years – something it’s always done well. The performances are also strong. As Decider points out, the show works because, despite its increasingly outlandish plot, it remains grounded in relatable human experiences. Our review also highlights the show’s impressive world-building, mythology, and continued visual flair.
Despite some expected sadness about the show ending, viewers are largely enjoying it and offering a lot of praise. Without giving away any spoilers, the storyline involving Will Byers is particularly well-received, especially towards the end of the season. Fans are also appreciating the development of supporting characters like Karen Wheeler. Because everyone loves these characters, there’s a strong emotional connection as the series nears its conclusion, and it’s delivering some really memorable scenes.
Keep in mind, we’re only halfway through the season. Many of the story lines, character motivations, and plot twists haven’t been fully revealed yet. Once we have more answers and a better understanding of those choices, they should hopefully make more sense and feel more impactful overall. It will be fascinating to see how reviews and the Rotten Tomatoes score for Stranger Things Season 5 change as the season progresses, and whether the ending successfully ties everything together.
The first part of Stranger Things Season 5 is available to watch on Netflix now. The second part will be released on Christmas Day, and the final part on New Year’s Eve.
What are your thoughts on Stranger Things Season 5? Share your opinions in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
Read more of ComicBook‘s essential Stranger Things Season 5 coverage:
- Stranger Things Season 5, Vol. 1 Ending Explained: Will & Vecna, All Twists & What’s Next?
- Stranger Things Season 5: All the Confirmed New & Returning Cast & Characters
- Max’s Fate in Stranger Things Season 5 Explained: How She’s Alive & What It Means
- Stranger Things Season 5’s Surprising Returning Character After 8 Years Away, Explained
- Stranger Things Season 5 Timeline: How Much Time Has Passed Since Season 4
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2025-11-27 16:14