Stranger Things is returning for a fifth season, and it will also be the series’ final season. Stranger Things season 4 has been awaited by fans for more than two years, with the show’s fourth season originally scheduled to premiere in the first quarter of 2021. Production was significantly pushed back by the coronavirus outbreak throughout 2020, and as a result, Netflix was forced to move the anticipated launch date to the current year. This has only served to pique fans’ interest even further as they guess about what will happen to Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Hopper (David Harbour), and the rest of the Stranger Things ensemble in the coming episodes.
Although the wait for season 4 took longer than expected, many fans began to look ahead to what was to come in the coming season. Last summer, Harbour made it clear that Stranger Things season 5 was on the way, which in and of itself wasn’t too shocking given the show’s continued popularity as one of Netflix’s most popular shows. However, the controversy of season 5 began to morph into speculation about whether or not it would be the final season of the program. According to Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have an endgame planned, but he would not disclose whether or not that ending would be revealed in season 5.
This week, it was disclosed, not only has Stranger Things been extended for a season 5, but that this season will also serve as the series’ last season. It was confirmed at the same time as the premiere of Stranger Things season 4 on Netflix, with the Duffer Brothers confirming in a statement that the series will finish with season 5. Stranger Things season 5 will premiere on Netflix.
While this is unfortunate news for big Stranger Things fans, it also makes sense. For years, the Duffers have been methodically building toward their desired denouement, and all indications were that season 5 will include that endgame. While some series may carry on for years and years, a serialized tale like Stranger Things is best served with a predetermined ending, and the Duffers are wise to maintain that despite their fanbase’s likelihood to watch for years to come. 5 is an excellent number for a show, and this has been an incredible run. The positive aspect of the Stranger Things season 5 announcement is that fans know that this year’s episodes are the beginning of the end. Captivated by the mysteries of the Upside Down, Stranger Things fans have enthusiastically immersed themselves into the universe of the show since its release in 2016. Having a sense of closure about the show’s finale will allow fans to enjoy the upcoming episodes while also getting ready to say their goodbyes. Fans will have to wait and see how Stranger Things season 5 concludes. Season 4 may shed some light on this mystery.
