Stranger Things has returned with its final season, and fans have strong reactions.
The Duffer Brothers dropped Season 5 Vol. 1 on Netflix, and social media lit up within minutes. The story takes viewers back to Hawkins for one last fight against Vecna and his army of flying Demogorgons.
The season revisits the night Will Byers vanished, and the Upside Down opened. It sets the stage for the final battle between Vecna and the people he has hunted for years. Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, leads the fight again. Her journey remains the emotional centre of the show.
The core cast is back. Finn Wolfhard returns as Mike. Noah Schnapp plays Will. Gaten Matarazzo plays Dustin. Caleb McLaughlin plays Lucas. David Harbour continues as Chief Hopper. Sadie Sink returns as Max. Winona Ryder remains a strong presence as Joyce Byers. Their bond and shared history keep the story grounded.
Stranger Things Season 5 Vol 1 Review: Check What Netizens Are Saying
As soon as Volume 1 began streaming, fans posted their first reactions. Many praised the emotions and character moments, while others pointed out issues with pacing and dialogue.
One user wrote, “Jancy is definitely endgame!!! Their emotional scene in ep6 will destroy us in the best way possible.” He rated the season 9.5/10 and added, “Honestly thought it was a little slow in the beginning, but picked up fast at episode 3. Probably the only reason it’s not – 10/10. Hopper is definitely the best character in the show. The kid actors were amazing.”
Another viewer complained, “Sorry kids, but #StrangerThings5 is off to a rough beginning of the end. The final season of the hit Netflix series has the longest episodes, but also the most painfully clunky dialogue. It only makes one nostalgic for its beginning nearly a decade ago. Review in the first reply.”
A third user added, “literally 10 minutes in and we have some of the worst forced exposition info dump dialogue happening, I forgot how bad the writing had gotten in the later seasons.”
Check out some more reactions below:
Strong Performances Impress Viewers
Still, several fans praised the cast. Many highlighted Steve Harrington’s growth and Noah Schnapp’s emotional work as Will Byers. These arcs remain major strengths in a season filled with tension and heavy stakes.
For those unaware, Stranger Things Season 5 will release in three parts. Volume 1, with four episodes, is now streaming. Volume 2 will drop on December 25 (Dec 26 in India). The final part will arrive on December 31, 2025 (January 1, 2026 in India). The series will then close its eight-year journey as one of Netflix’s biggest cultural hits.
