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It’s time for fans, alongside a staggering three hundred thirty-five million others, to acknowledge the increasingly toxic dynamic they have with Stranger Things. Each time we hope for a commitment, the show seems to pull away, leaving us in a state of uncertainty.
There is quite a difference between a show keeping its audience engaged and simply stringing them along for years without resolution.
The anticipation for Stranger Things Season 5 has turned into an exercise in frustration, with a staggering wait of three years since the last season premiered. THREE. FREAKING. YEARS.
The sheer boldness of this situation is hard to ignore. Fans have endured this prolonged absence, despite the show’s origins dating back to 2016 with its first season. An almost decade-long journey lies before us, which makes one wonder why the excitement for this concluding season hasn’t dimmed despite the lengthy delays.
In the Beginning, Everything Was Great with Stranger Things, and Then Netflix Saw How Good We Had It
On July 15, 2016, a fresh and innovative television offering emerged, blending ‘80s nostalgia, striking sci-fi elements, and poignant coming-of-age narratives into a compelling storyline.
Stranger Things marked a pivotal moment for Netflix, propelling the streaming platform into a new era of popularity. Initial success for Netflix had been gradual, but this show accelerated its growth significantly.
The subsequent season was promptly produced and aired a little over a year later, on October 17, 2017, much to the delight of eager fans.
During this period, the cast engaged in extensive promotional activities, while Winona Ryder’s portrayal of Joyce Byers rejuvenated her career, marking a notable comeback.
The first two seasons were celebrated widely, dominating award ceremonies and collecting accolades across the board.
However, it soon became evident that this would be the onset of a troublesome pattern.
It’s Mind-Blowing to Realize How Much Has Changed Since the Last Season of Stranger Things
Rewind to 2017 — you’ve just indulged in a binge-watch of Stranger Things Season 2. What’s next on your agenda?
If you’re like many fans, you likely revisited those earlier seasons multiple times, trying to fill the gap while waiting for the next installment.
Fast forward a year, and the anticipated season isn’t gracing your screen. Little did we realize back then how fortunate we truly were.
The multi-year hiatus escalated, turning what seemed like a lengthy wait into a much longer ordeal. The time between Season 2 and Season 3 was two years, and the hope was that things wouldn’t get worse from there — but they did.
A global pandemic led to an extended wait, as audiences faced the harsh reality that by the time Season 4 released, life had transformed dramatically. We found ourselves on our second presidential administration since Season 4’s debut, and our fourth since the show’s inception.
Fans Are Frustrated with the Need to Revisit the Entire Series to Recall Plot Points
Now, approaching a decade since the show began, we find ourselves amidst the fifth season. Millie Bobby Brown was merely a child at the series’ onset.
This scenario isn’t akin to sitcoms like Modern Family, where characters aged over two decades. Here, we have five seasons—mixing approximately 8 to 9 episodes every three years.
While undeniably a stellar show, it stands out in its deep need for viewers to continuously refresh their memories before diving into new content.
Rewatching Stranger Things Season 4 might seem straightforward, but after so much time, one often finds it essential to revisit earlier seasons for clarity.
If you’re fortunate enough to recall every episode, that’s fantastic; for others, it can feel as though their memory simply lacks the necessary capacity.
Adding to the complexity, the cast has ventured into various projects as they’ve matured, raising concerns that they may only be involved out of contractual obligations.
The extended gaps between seasons have taken a toll on viewer enthusiasm, evident in the way fans now discuss the series.
Many feel drained. While Season 4 received much acclaim, excitement waned once viewers anticipated another tedious wait. This diminished anticipation could lead some to disengage entirely from the show. As for Season 5, fans might feel their interest has considerably faded.
It’s almost humorous to ponder if every Netflix subscriber concurrently decides to wait three years before watching Stranger Things Season 5.
Though unlikely, it’s an amusing thought, yet it’s one that speaks to the changing dynamics between content creators and their audience.
At the very least, one silver lining is that this upcoming season will mark the conclusion of the Stranger Things era, which has held fans in suspense long enough.
Have you been following Stranger Things since its inception? Are you planning to watch the fifth season?
It sometimes feels like we’re shouting into the void — if you’re listening, feel free to respond.
Engaging discussions and shared experiences help keep this narrative alive. Thank you for joining in.
Source
www.tvfanatic.com