The series that defined a generation and shattered streaming records is now wrapping up amid one of its biggest controversies to date. Stranger Things, which began as a nostalgic homage to 1980s classics and grew into Netflix's flagship hit, is facing intense backlash in its fifth and final season. Episode 7, titled "The Bridge" (released December 25, 2025, as part of Volume 2), has become the lowest-rated episode in the entire series on IMDb, currently sitting around 5.7–5.8/10 based on tens of thousands of votes—surpassing even the much-maligned Season 2 episode "The Lost Sister" (previously the series low at 6.0). On Rotten Tomatoes, the Season 5 audience score has plummeted into "rotten" territory, dropping as low as 56% (with critics holding at a more respectable 84–86%), marking the show's worst audience reception ever.
The Heart of the Controversy: Will Byers Comes Out
The primary flashpoint is the emotional scene in Episode 7 where Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) comes out as gay to his friends and family. After years of subtle hints—bullying in Season 1, heartfelt monologues in later seasons, and clear romantic feelings toward Mike in Season 4—Will finally declares, "I don’t like girls," explaining how he hid his true self to fit in. Noah Schnapp, who came out as gay in real life in 2023, described the moment as "perfect" and "important," especially in the context of 1987, when LGBTQ+ acceptance was rare and often dangerous.
Reactions have been deeply divided:
- Supporters praise it as authentic character growth and meaningful representation, closing a long-running arc for the show's most vulnerable member.
- Detractors call the scene "forced," "awkward," or poorly timed amid an apocalyptic threat. Some accuse it of "woke agenda-pushing," while others (including some in the LGBTQ+ community) criticize the execution as rushed or unconvincing. The episode has faced significant review bombing, with coordinated low ratings (including heavy 1-star votes from regions like Saudi Arabia) driving the scores down rapidly. Discussions on Reddit and X highlight this as a mix of genuine disappointment, shipper frustration (e.g., Byler fans upset the Mike/Will pairing isn't happening), and targeted backlash against queer inclusion.
Beyond the coming-out scene, broader complaints target the season's pacing: long dialogue-heavy stretches, sidelined main characters (like Eleven feeling underutilized), repetitive tropes, and production elements that some call "cheap" (visible green screens, uneven lighting).
The Overall Decline of Season 5
Stranger Things has had uneven moments before—Season 2 felt like filler, Season 3 was criticized for being too light—but Season 5 has amplified the issues. Volume 1 (Episodes 1–4, released late November) earned solid praise, with Episode 4 ("The Sorcerer") briefly becoming one of the highest-rated in series history (peaking near 9.8 on IMDb). Volume 2 (Episodes 5–7, Christmas release) reversed that momentum, dragging the season's audience scores to new lows. For the first time, Stranger Things is experiencing clear review-bombing territory, highlighting a growing divide between longtime fans and newer viewers.
What to Expect from the Series Finale (December 31)
All eyes are now on Chapter 8: "The Rightside Up", the two-hour-plus finale dropping Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on Netflix (simultaneous global premiere). It will also screen theatrically in over 500 cinemas across the US and Canada (starting December 31 and running into January 1, 2026).
The Duffer Brothers have promised an epic, emotional close, blending high-stakes action against Vecna/Henry Creel with heartfelt resolutions. Key expectations include:
- Major confrontations and potential sacrifices (though the creators have downplayed a "Red Wedding"-style massacre).
- Closure for the core group: Mike, Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, Max, Will, and the adults.
- Twists tied to Will's connection to Vecna, the Upside Down's "bridge" to another world, and lingering mysteries from Season 4.
- A nostalgic return to the show's roots—friendship, adventure, and 1980s vibes—while delivering the weight of a decade-long story.
If the finale delivers intense action, satisfying payoffs, and strong emotional beats, it could salvage much of the season's goodwill and cement Stranger Things as a lasting classic. If it falters, the perception of decline may stick—especially with spin-offs already in discussion.
Stranger Things revolutionized streaming, revived 80s horror nostalgia, and built a massive fanbase. But long-running sagas often struggle with endings. December 31 will decide whether it bows out triumphantly or as a cautionary tale of how even the biggest hits can stumble at the finish line.
Are you tuning in for the New Year's Eve premiere? What do you hope—or fear—for the final chapter?