Stranger Things finale divides critics as some think the Netflix hit ‘lost its way’ while others believe it was a ‘bittersweet goodbye’

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The final episode of Stranger Things is now available on Netflix, and the response from viewers has been quite varied.

Stranger Things, a science fiction series created by The Duffer Brothers, premiered in 2016 and has enjoyed five popular seasons over the past decade.

The newest release was split into three parts – the first volume in November 2025, the second volume shortly after, and the final installment between December 2025 and January 2026.

The first four episodes became available on November 26th. Episodes five through seven were released on Christmas Day, and the final episode aired in the US on January 31st and in the UK on January 1st, 2026.

A town is shaken when a young boy disappears, revealing a mystery filled with hidden experiments, frightening supernatural events, and a peculiar young girl.

Viewers of the popular horror series have been eagerly waiting to find out if Eleven, Mike, and their friends were successful in defeating Vecna.

The two-hour finale finally answered some long-standing questions, but, as with many popular shows, the ending has sparked a lot of debate among viewers and critics.

Many critics have taken online to share what they think. 

Let’s take a look at what they’ve said… 

The Telegraph’s Ed Power headline states: ‘This big, weepy send-off justifies the hype.’

The final episode of the show almost didn’t live up to expectations. It stumbled a bit towards the end, and could easily have been a disappointing finish to a series many people loved.

‘But ultimately it delivers a sucker punch of emotion, as all proper goodbyes should.

After ten years of disappointing TV series endings, this finale finally lives up to the excitement.

Nick Hilton of The Independent lists fantastical concepts like wormholes, parallel universes, collective consciousnesses, alternate dimensions, portals, and rifts.

Let’s be real, amidst all the supernatural buzz, Stranger Things is fundamentally a story about growing up in a small, unremarkable town. As the creators, the Duffer brothers, have said, they were really inspired by classics like The Goonies and E.T., and they’ve brilliantly updated that classic coming-of-age vibe for a modern audience. It’s a story we can all relate to, even with the monsters and mysteries thrown in!

Though it gets bogged down in confusing science fiction, this work will likely inspire viewers for years to come, much like Steven Spielberg’s films inspired a pair of brothers twenty years ago.

According to Alex Zalben of GamesRadar, it’s too early to say whether “The Rightside Up” will be viewed favorably in the long run. He anticipates debate and scrutiny, particularly regarding the events surrounding Eleven’s story.

‘But the finale also left us with the best of Hawkins, even if it started with some of the worst. 

It’s not flawless, but when Dustin praises ‘Chaotic Good’ in his graduation speech, it perfectly captures the heart of what made this show special.

This last episode was especially chaotic. And especially as it neared the end…

‘It was also very, very good. destiny, in a plotline cribbed right from Return of the Jedi.’

Cinema Express’s Jayabhuvaneshwari B describes the ending as a touching farewell that feels both satisfying and secure.

In a recent article, Nerdist’s Michael Walsh questioned whether the final episode of Stranger Things wrapped things up a bit too quickly, specifically regarding the defeat of Vecna, the Mind Flayer, and the destruction of the Upside Down. He suggests it might have been a little too easy.

Despite its flaws, the final episode of Stranger Things was still enjoyable and ultimately successful. It wasn’t perfect, but it wrapped up the storylines and character development in a satisfying way, delivering the emotional impact the show is known for.

The series was also visually stunning, thrilling, frightening, and surprisingly funny. But above all, it gave me what I crave most from a finale: a satisfying conclusion.

‘And in the end, it’s okay if a farewell isn’t great so long as its still a good bye.’

According to Lili Loofbourow of The Washington Post, viewers hoping for a neatly explained ending to the show likely found the finale disappointing. She believes the creators, the Duffer Brothers, were essentially improvising the show’s complex backstory as they went, much like the unpredictable nature of a Dungeons & Dragons game, and that was part of what made it enjoyable.

Okay, it might make the overall story feel a little less important, but having so many different ideas and familiar themes actually adds to the enjoyment.

‘No one expects different campaigns to merge into one mega-story that makes perfect sense. 

Why introduce elements from the Freddy Krueger films into the creepy, water-themed horror that originally defined the Upside Down?

As a huge fan, I think what really got to me was how brilliantly they tapped into everything we’ve felt watching the show for nine years. It wasn’t just about ’80s nostalgia; they used flashbacks, montages, and iconic songs like “Heroes,” “Purple Rain,” and “Landslide” to really hit us right in the feels.

‘Dustin and Steve hugging? Tears! Mrs. Wheeler’s scars. Even Nancy’s new hair.

And then there was Mike’s sad attempt to cheer people up with a great story.

‘Of course the show ends with Holly and Derek starting their first D&D campaign.

‘It’s exactly the right move for that moment. 

‘Like Eleven, “Stranger Things” can still pack a punch — even if it isn’t hitting on all cylinders. 

Leila Latif from Empire concludes that the show delivered on its promise of a satisfying and conclusive ending, living up to expectations that it would feel truly final.

Despite having very different levels of acting skill, the main actors generally came together and performed well in the final scene.

The situation in Hawkins, Indiana, could have been handled more decisively and with greater insight, but ultimately, a major crisis was avoided.

Vicky Jessop from The Standard reports that the main part of the event concluded after just one hour.

The Duffer brothers really went all out with this season, packing it with explosions, a giant spider monster, the group working together, and a climactic battle between Eleven and Vecna. However, the finale felt a bit rushed, and I almost expected the villain to reappear for a more substantial final act.

The finale highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of this massive show. However, it doesn’t create a real feeling that the characters are ever truly at risk.

The story feels off – either things don’t connect at all, or they fall into place too easily. Challenges are overcome instantly, even the most difficult problems have simple solutions, and the promised disaster never actually threatens anyone.

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2026-01-02 02:22