Why ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Failed

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Spoilers for Stranger Things Season 5 are below!

The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers, had no idea how incredibly popular their show would become. The sci-fi series on Netflix quickly became a huge hit, attracting a dedicated fanbase who loved the characters and spooky storylines. Although it took several seasons to unfold, viewers consistently returned to Hawkins, Indiana, to unravel the secrets of the Upside Down.

After a long wait of nearly ten years, the fifth and final season of Stranger Things has arrived, offering one last story with the beloved characters. Fans eagerly tuned in to Netflix, eager to follow Eleven’s story, uncover the truth, and find out who would survive. Though many found the ending satisfying, the season as a whole had some noticeable weaknesses, and even those who enjoyed it pointed out flaws. In the end, the final season of Stranger Things didn’t quite stick the landing, with a few too many issues holding it back.

Season 5 Got Bogged Down in Exposition


Image via Netflix

A common criticism of the final season of Stranger Things, particularly in its second volume, is that it relies too much on characters explaining things. While the show had a lot of mysteries to unravel, some explanations, like Dustin’s detailed rundown of the Upside Down, felt drawn out and repetitive. Moments like the extended conversation between Holly and Max while they were trying to escape also drew criticism for prioritizing dialogue over action, and even became a source of online jokes.

As a huge Stranger Things fan, I think a lot of us were really excited for Season 5 and desperately wanted to know what was going on. We wanted the explanations! But honestly, it felt like the season spent way too long just setting things up. Instead of a thrilling final ride, it felt like being back in school, forced to memorize details instead of getting lost in the story. It’s a shame, because even an episode that finally explained the Upside Down – episode 7, “The Bridge” – ended up being the lowest-rated one on IMDb with a 5.6/10. It just proves that there are better ways to give us the info we’re craving without making it feel like a chore.

The creators of Stranger Things hinted at heartbreaking moments and even character deaths leading up to the final season. However, the season often focused on characters simply explaining things, rather than showing intense conflicts or developing relationships beyond a select few. Many viewers felt let down, believing they’d seen a significantly altered version of what was intended. This led to a petition requesting Netflix and the creators release the original, unedited cuts of the season.

Fan-Favorite Characters Were Sidelined


Netflix

One of the biggest issues with Season 5 was how it shifted focus away from established, fan-favorite characters to introduce new ones. While characters like Holly and the charming Derek were welcome additions, others didn’t get enough screen time. Joyce, in particular, was reduced to a supporting role, mostly offering support to other characters, leaving fans wanting to see her take on a more substantial storyline, as she’s become a strong and interesting character throughout Stranger Things.

The show suffered from having too many characters, which meant some didn’t get the attention or satisfying conclusions they deserved. While a few, like Joyce and Nancy/Eleven, had strong moments – Joyce defeating Vecna, and Nancy and Eleven battling the Mind Flayer – others, like Mike and Lucas, felt sidelined. Though Will and Eleven had well-developed storylines with emotional impact, characters like Steve and Hopper weren’t used enough. As the final season, this was a chance to give these beloved characters proper goodbyes, but Stranger Things unfortunately shortchanged several of them, disappointing fans who wanted more.

Ending ‘Stranger Things’ Posed an Impossible Task


Netflix

It was always going to be incredibly difficult to create a Stranger Things finale that pleased everyone. Ending any show is tough – balancing what fans want with the creators’ vision is a constant challenge, and social media makes reactions immediate. Considering how popular Stranger Things was, giving every character a meaningful conclusion while also providing a satisfying and emotional ending was probably impossible for the Duffer brothers. However, they did attempt it, and even that effort came with its own set of problems.

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The fifth season finale, “The Rightside Up,” had some issues despite finally delivering the long-awaited battle with the Mind Flayer. While fans appreciated the epic scope of the fight, many felt it was resolved too quickly and easily. The military’s role, which had been a recurring problem, felt unnecessary, seemingly only existing to eliminate Kali. The episode also teased Eleven’s death but ultimately left her fate ambiguous, which frustrated many viewers. Instead of taking the story to a natural, darker conclusion, the finale relied on emotional manipulation without providing clear answers, feeling like an unsatisfying evasion of a crucial narrative beat.

The final season of Stranger Things received a 7.9/10 on IMDB, which is lower than the show’s usual high scores, and many fans have expressed their dissatisfaction. Though not everyone disliked the ending, the season generally fell short of expectations. It didn’t give enough focus to all the characters and prioritized lengthy explanations over the exciting suspense viewers were hoping for. Despite some enjoyable moments, like the final Dungeons & Dragons game, the season ultimately missed the mark.

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2026-01-04 22:20