With “Stranger Things” airing season 5, that brings the show to a close. What began as a small-town sci-fi mystery evolved into a much bigger, action-packed franchise.
Looking over each season from worst to best highlights to the audience how things shift each season – the storytelling; what worked and what didn’t; and all the expectations fans had that reshaped the franchise for better or worse.
1.) Season 5
As the final season, season 5 faced the most challenges in concluding a running show over the running course of 10 years. During that time, there were years of fan theories that became very popular amongst the viewers, which led to high expectations from the writers.
A lot of the current discussion surrounding the season dials in on whether the ending delivered a satisfying ending. Some fans noted that the popular fan theories offered a more detailed and thought-out conclusion than what was filmed.
This season moves at a rapid pace and has many more large-scale moments and finality over dialing in on characters and the general ending. This approach led to some criticism involving unsolved plot points and lingering questions.
Additionally, as the younger actors now reached adulthood, many say the performances have shifted contributing to mixed reactions for the season.
2.) Season 3
Season 3 is where the show starts to shift gears. Set at the new colorful Starcourt mall in the series, the season leans heavily on comedy, bright visuals and some more dramatic character performances.
While the overall cinematography and production designs are more appealing this season, the lighter tone that this season brings minimizes the tension established in previous seasons and the original storyline.
Some characters, like Hopper and Eleven, seem less grounded than before and the Russia subplot that’s introduced stretches the credibility of the paranormal, mystery events that originally was focused on. Billy’s storyline adds genuine emotional weight, but overall, the season feels more flashy than the eerie mystery the show originated with.
3.) Season 4
Season 4 attempts to steer back towards that darker mystery aspect. The introduction of Vecna restores that sense of doom and horror the audience was looking for.
This season’s cinematography and atmosphere are among the best. However, with the split storylines of characters being in different areas and different plots going on for each created some pacing issues; some feel that not all the characters got equal attention. This season does a good job of setting the tone for what is to come and how the show will be shaped going forward.
4.) Season 2
Season 2 builds right off the back of the success of season 1. It is dark and mysterious, which establishes the show’s identity. This season expands more into what the viewers saw in season 1, by focusing on all the trauma and aftermath, mainly through Will’s character, expanding the impact of the Upside Down and what it is.
This season also adds supporting characters who develop better dynamics with the main characters that carry and set the tone for later seasons. Although some subplots received mixed reviews, season 2 preserves the balance between emotion and world-building that connect to the later seasons.
1.) Season 1
Season 1 is unparalleled; it is dark and mysterious and the unsettling tone is what makes Stranger Things. With respectable writing and pathbreaking performances, a set narrative formed the expectations for the show and created the fan base. Each episode built naturally on itself without any subplots and answered its own questions at the end. It only leaves just enough to suggest something bigger is happening, which leaves the viewer wanting more.
From a small town mystery to a Netflix sensation, Stranger Things constantly aimed higher across 5 seasons. Thesis reveals not just the highs and lows but how far ambition and drive shaped the series legacy.
Jacie Moore, reporter
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