In 2016, Stranger Things debuted on Netflix, giving the streaming service one of its first true breakout hits. Enamored by the lovable cast of child actors and the show’s blast of 1980s nostalgia, audiences quickly became hooked as they tried to solve the mysteries of the Upside Down. Nearly a decade later, Stranger Things is finally reaching its endgame with the release of its fifth and final season this fall. It’s taken a long time to get to this point, as fans have had to frustratingly wait several years between seasons (Season 4 came out back in 2022). It’s led to some discussion about whether or not this is truly the best model for TV shows, but Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Speaking with Variety, the Duffers explained why they prefer to stay away from traditional yearly season releases. “If TV shows come out every year, it’s diminishing return,” Matt Duffer said. “I like the buildup.” As the brothers prepare to start their new partnership with Paramount, they’ll aim to make what Variety called “event series” that have shorter seasons ranging from eight to 10 episodes and have breaks between seasons.
Did the Stranger Things Release Strategy Backfire?
In some cases, the gaps between Stranger Things seasons were caused by things outside of the creative team’s control. Production on Season 4 was shut down for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and filming resumed as the entertainment industry was still learning how to navigate a landscape with health and safety protocols. Season 5 was severely impacted by the 2023 Hollywood labor disputes and strikes. Still, even if everything had proceeded normally for the duration of Stranger Things‘ run, it sounds like there still would have been gaps between seasons. That approach has pros and cons.
On the positive side of the spectrum, patience is usually a preferred alternative to rushing when it comes to movie and TV production. It’s better to take the necessary time to ensure everything is being done right and is as great as it can be. That’s doubly true for a show like Stranger Things, which has always boasted an impressive scale and scope. Visual effects artists need a proper amount of time to tackle post-production responsibilities so the episodes deliver what fans are expecting. Streaming is also an ideal venue for an ambitious project like Stranger Things; with no traditional broadcast TV slots to adhere to, the creators can let their imagination run wild, crafting feature-length episodes if that’s what the story calls for. That gives the showrunners room to give story arcs and plot threads necessary time to breathe.
Still, the gaps have a downside. If it takes too long for the next season, fans can lose interest in seeing the story continue. Earlier this year, Stranger Things fans voiced their frustrations about the extended wait for Season 5, with some saying they “don’t care” about the series’ impending return. When dealing with a serialized narrative like Stranger Things, maintaining a sense of forward momentum is a must. A case can be made that Stranger Things has struggled to do that; there are always new shows vying for audiences’ attention, and the longer new episodes of Stranger Things are absent, the greater the chance some people just move on.
Interestingly, Marvel is doing the opposite from the Duffers and embracing annual season releases for fan-favorite shows like Daredevil: Born Again (which has already been greenlit for Season 3) and X-Men ’97. It’s part of the studio’s evolving strategy to keep viewers engaged with long-form narratives that evolve each year, giving viewers something exciting to look forward to. It’ll be interesting to see which model proves to be more successful. It could vary on a case by case basis, but there’s a compelling argument for annual releases, hooking viewers and keeping the foot on the gas so you don’t lose momentum. Stranger Things Season 5 will be a huge hit for Netflix when it finally arrives, but hopefully it’ll be worth the wait.
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