Stranger Things Season 5 Best To Worst Episodes: Stranger Things Season 5 Faces Audience Backlash as Ratings Dip and Expectations Rise
Stranger Things Season 5 Best To Worst Episodes: Netflix released three episodes from the fifth and final season of Stranger Things on December 25, creating immediate buzz across social media and entertainment platforms. The long-running sci-fi drama, which has enjoyed massive popularity for nearly a decade, returned with high expectations. However, the response from viewers and critics has been far from unanimous. While some fans appreciated the surprises and darker emotional tone, many others felt disappointed, describing the new episodes as slow and lacking the intensity that once defined the series.
The mixed reception has now translated into measurable audience dissatisfaction, with ratings showing a noticeable decline. This shift has sparked conversations about whether the show, once considered one of Netflix’s strongest originals, is struggling to maintain its momentum as it approaches its conclusion.
Audience Ratings Show a Downward Trend
Stranger Things has historically enjoyed strong audience scores and critical acclaim, often praised for its storytelling, character development, and nostalgic atmosphere. From its debut season, the series set a high benchmark for sci-fi television. That reputation makes the recent dip in ratings particularly striking.
Following the release of the latest episodes, audience ratings for the second volume of season five reportedly dropped further. Viewers voiced concerns about pacing issues, extended dialogue scenes, and a perceived lack of urgency. For a show known for suspense and emotional stakes, these criticisms suggest that the new episodes may not have fully delivered on fan expectations.
Lowest Rated Episode in the Series So Far
Among the newly released episodes, Chapter Seven titled “The Bridge” has drawn the most criticism. With an audience rating of 5.8 out of 10 on IMDb, it currently stands as the lowest-rated episode in the entire series. This marks a new low for the show and has surprised many long-time fans.
Previously, the episode “The Lost Sister” from season two held the record for the weakest reception, with a rating of 6 out of 10. While that episode was controversial due to its standalone narrative style, it did not significantly damage the show’s overall reputation. In contrast, the reception of Chapter Seven raises broader concerns about the creative direction of the final season.
Noah Schnapp on Will Byers’ Emotional Arc
Despite criticism surrounding the season, the performances have continued to receive appreciation, particularly from the core cast. Actor Noah Schnapp recently spoke about filming one of the most emotionally demanding scenes of the series, focusing on Will Byers’ coming-out moment in season five.
According to Schnapp, the scene required intense preparation and endurance. He revealed that he spent nearly twelve hours in a single day filming the monologue, only to return later for additional reshoots. The experience tested him both emotionally and physically, making it one of the most challenging moments of his career on the show.
He also shared that he sought advice from co-star Maya Hawke to prepare for the scene, as the dialogue was longer and more complex than anything he had previously performed. His comments highlight the dedication of the cast, even as the show faces mixed public response.
Can the Final Episodes Redeem the Season?
With the series nearing its end, many fans are still holding onto hope. Stranger Things has built a loyal audience invested in its characters and storylines, and there is strong anticipation for meaningful resolutions. If unanswered questions are addressed and beloved characters receive satisfying conclusions, public perception of the season could still improve.
The final chapters carry the responsibility of tying together years of storytelling. A strong ending could reshape opinions and remind viewers why the series became a global phenomenon in the first place. As the journey concludes, audiences remain hopeful that the finale will deliver emotional closure, narrative clarity, and the sense of adventure that defined Stranger Things at its best.