“Stranger Things” Season 5 final episodes spark major online backlash from fans

The final season of “Stranger Things” is facing criticism from viewers who feel the show has lost its magic, as Forbes reports, due to declining audience ratings. The latest season scored only 56% on Rotten Tomatoes, a sharp drop from season four's 89% rating. One major complaint centers on the overcrowded cast, with fans believing the show has strayed from its original focus on the core group of friends. Many scenes feel unnecessarily packed with characters, which Forbes notes has reduced the emotional impact of important moments.

For instance, when Will reveals his sexuality to his friends, the presence of too many background characters makes the intimate scene feel awkward and diluted, Forbes added. Another controversial element involves the Upside Down twist, where the Duffer brothers revealed it connects to another dimension called the Abyss, which some viewers found confusing and poorly timed.

Conspiracy theories about cut content emerge

USA Today reports that rumors have spread online claiming significant scenes were removed from Season 5, sparking a petition movement. Actor Randy Havens, who plays Mr. Clarke, dismissed these theories on Instagram, stating no secret director's cut exists and warning fans against believing unverified internet claims. Despite this clarification, a Change.org petition demanding unreleased footage has gathered nearly 300,000 signatures.

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The conspiracy gained traction after some fans noticed longer episode runtimes listed on IMDb, though these were never officially confirmed. USA Today explains that much of the frustration stems from dissatisfaction with episode seven, titled “The Bridge,” which received the lowest rating in series history at 5.5 out of 10, partly due to Will's coming-out scene that viewers found awkwardly executed.

Series finale arrives on New Year's Eve

The wait is almost over, according to Esquire, which confirms the supersized finale episode drops Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 8:00 p.m. EST. Titled “The Rightside Up,” this final installment concludes a journey spanning over 3,000 days across five seasons. Netflix released Season 5 in three parts throughout the holidays: Volume 1 on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Volume 2 on Christmas Day, and now the finale. Esquire highlights a special theatrical release in approximately 500 cinemas from Wednesday, Dec. 31, to Thursday, Jan. 1, offering fans an immersive viewing experience.