X/@PopBase
The highly anticipated fifth and final season of the global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’ premiered after a three-year wait, marking a significant moment for fans of the science fiction series. The announcement from Pop Base sparked widespread interest and curiosity regarding the fate of Hawkins, as the show, captivating audiences since its debut in 2016, reached its conclusion.
Reactions from fans were immediate and enthusiastic. One user expressed their excitement succinctly with the message, “I’M SO READY FOR THIS,” accompanied by a celebratory GIF, capturing the collective anticipation. Another fan added, “AND WE ALL WILL BE WATCHING,” indicating a shared experience among loyal viewers as they prepared to witness the series’ finale. Many comments reflected on the lengthy wait between seasons, with one user summarizing the sentiment: “Finally after years of waiting.”
The premiere of the first episode ignited discussions about viewing preferences. A prevalent topic among fans was the airing format, with several expressing a desire for a change. One user suggested, “Weekly release would have been so cool,” which resonated with another who remarked, “Yeahhh imagine talking about every episode release each week with everyone too, pointing out details and trying to predict stuff together.” This sentiment highlighted the nostalgia for the speculative discussions that accompanied previous seasons, contrasting with the binge-watching approach. A more straightforward request came from another fan who stated, “Release all episodes at once plz.”
While excitement dominated the comments, some users raised concerns. One individual skeptically asked, “Who’s ready for how woke this is going to be?” suggesting a segment of the audience that hopes for innovative thematic exploration while remaining cautious about the content. Another fan humorously expressed mixed feelings, saying, “If this season is a flop, I am entering the Upside Down myself to file a complaint.” This comment illustrated the audience’s high expectations and the pressure on creators to deliver a satisfying conclusion.
The passage of time significantly influenced fan responses. One user shared a nostalgic image comparing the young actors in earlier seasons to their current selves, captioned, “The Hawkins team…. then and now..” This visual served as a poignant reminder of the long journey viewers have shared with the characters. Another fan pointed out the challenge of recalling previous seasons due to the extended hiatus, stating, “It’s been 3 years, I don’t remember seasons 1-4, work 65+ hours a week. No time for a rewatch,” a sentiment relatable to many busy professionals.
Amid the excitement, some comments offered a humorous perspective. One user quipped, “We got S5 of Stranger Things before GTA 6,” highlighting the lengthy wait for video game releases. Another individual humorously noted, “I just got fired from my job so now I can binge this😛😛,” turning a personal setback into a reason to immerse themselves in the series.
The final season of ‘Stranger Things’ should be viewed not merely as an additional set of episodes but as a cultural event capable of weaving a significant narrative conclusion. The diverse audience reactions—ranging from unrestrained excitement to nostalgia, and from debates about release formats to concerns about storytelling direction—reflect the show’s extensive and dedicated fanbase. With viewers eager for a satisfying conclusion, the ultimate challenge will be whether the final episode can meet nearly a decade of expectations and deliver a fitting ending to the journey from Hawkins to the Upside Down and back.
