Stranger Things return gives some critics chills and thrills but leaves others lukewarm

The first half of the final season of Stranger Things has finally arrived, sending fans rushing to Netflix and critics racing to share their thoughts. After years of anticipation, the hit series has returned with four new episodes, each packed with intense moments, emotional stakes and the familiar dark charm the show is known for. Yet despite the excitement surrounding its release, reactions from critics have been far from unanimous. Some believe the series has regained its spark, while others argue it may have stayed on screen a little too long.

High praise from those who feel the magic is still alive

Several reviewers were quick to applaud the new season for delivering the dramatic weight and emotional depth fans have come to expect. In the Times, Ed Potton awarded the episodes a glowing four star review, calling them richly entertaining with real jeopardy and plenty of emotion. He described the storytelling as confident and the performances as some of the strongest in the show’s history. Jack Seale from the Guardian shared similar enthusiasm, also offering four stars. He called the new episodes a luxurious final run that could have viewers leaping from their seats with excitement. For critics like these, Stranger Things has returned with enough energy and heart to remind audiences why it became a cultural phenomenon in the first place.

Others say the series feels weighed down

Not all critics were as charmed by the latest instalments. Some felt the show struggles to maintain the freshness and creativity that defined its early seasons. Kelly Lawler of USA Today said the episodes swing between thrilling and frustrating, suggesting that while some sequences capture the suspense and nostalgia fans love, other parts feel repetitive. She noted that certain scenes drag and that the pacing occasionally falters. Sophie Gilbert of the Atlantic was even more critical, describing much of the new season as joyless and grim. Although she acknowledged that the production values remain strong, she argued that the spark of fun that once defined Stranger Things has faded.

A debate shaped by expectations and nostalgia

The divided reaction reflects how deeply Stranger Things has embedded itself in the cultural landscape. Viewers and critics alike have grown attached to its characters and its blend of horror, humour and heartfelt storytelling. The final season carries a heavy burden of expectation. Some critics seem to feel the show has matured in a way that matches its older cast and darker storyline. Others believe the tone has shifted too far from the playful energy that made the show stand out in the first place. This tension between past and present may be contributing to the mixed reviews.

Production scale impresses even the sceptics

One area where critics generally agree is the scale and ambition of the production. The new season features elaborate sets, striking visual effects and carefully choreographed sequences that highlight Netflix’s investment in giving the show a memorable send off. Even reviewers who were not fully convinced by the storytelling admitted that the series remains visually powerful. The technical achievements, combined with strong performances from the ensemble cast, show that the creators aimed to deliver a cinematic experience for the final season.

Fans take centre stage as final episodes approach

As always, the true test will come from the audience. Stranger Things has often succeeded in winning hearts even when critical reactions are mixed. Viewers will soon determine whether the emotional arcs, surprises and darker tone resonate. With the second half of the final season still ahead, anticipation is likely to build further as fans prepare to say goodbye to characters they have followed for nearly a decade. Whether the show’s finale can satisfy both its biggest supporters and its sceptics remains to be seen.

A return that sparks both excitement and debate

Stranger Things has never been a show that leaves people indifferent, and the latest reviews make that clear. Some critics believe the series has reclaimed its thrilling edge, while others feel it has drifted from what made it special. What all can agree on is that the final season marks the end of a major chapter in modern streaming history. As the story moves toward its conclusion, the conversation around Stranger Things remains as lively and divided as ever.