Stranger Things

:

Season 2
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 15, 2016
Season #: 5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 892 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 758 out of 892
  2. Mixed: 63 out of 892
  3. Negative: 71 out of 892

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  1. Kenmei
    Nov 2, 2017
    9
    While not as appealing to the general public as the first season was, Stranger Things tried to do a few new things while moving on with the old. And, while I don't agree with ever decision here, it was still as good as it could have been considering the story. And, to be clear, the story does start out slow and it doesn't answer alot of the questions that the first season asked, nor someWhile not as appealing to the general public as the first season was, Stranger Things tried to do a few new things while moving on with the old. And, while I don't agree with ever decision here, it was still as good as it could have been considering the story. And, to be clear, the story does start out slow and it doesn't answer alot of the questions that the first season asked, nor some of the ones that the second season asked, but it did do a few things that alot of fans were clamoring for and helped along the general story of the show to continue on and try to succeed.
    The addition of Paul Raiser and Sean Austin for the series really helped out in a few ways, some more then others, but its the returning case, more specifically the side characters from the first season, that stand out. Eleven gets her own story away from the main group here, and that's kinda a bummer, but it works out for the ending and I don't think I'd change it. It's the side characters, Dustin and Lucas, as well as the new characters, Maxine and her brother Billy, that really did well in the development here. The problem is the pacing of the show. With a 9 episode season, the fact that it didn't really pick up till about episode 6 is a problem. The characters and the actors did everything they could to help with that but the it's the pacing that is the biggest problem here. With how the season ended, (no spoilers), it doesn't feel like a ton actually happened here. It's a shame that the season ended the way it did, even if it was actually a pretty good ending, it still had a ton they needed to get to that they didn't. I would have loved to have seen a few more episodes here, since it was actually a little shorter then expected. However, a season 3 is all but promised going to happen here. So it's all the more important that stuff continue. I'd still recommend it to people who enjoyed the first season but they really could have done more with the setup they were given here.    … Expand
  2. mzumerle
    Nov 1, 2017
    10
    What a good show! It's big and better, I think there's some little problems, but doesn't interfere on the final results! Can't wait to see Season 3! Unfortunately only in 2019.....
  3. muldjord
    Nov 1, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great season, but it felt rushed compared to season 1. Much of the mystery had gone which caused the show to focus more on character development. Which was great for the most part.

    But a lot of the dialogue was just silly and stupid. And Mad Max's brother was waaaay too unhinged. He just felt like the devil, and I could not find a reason for him to be that mean. So, I get it, his father is abusive, and there's some anger. But he was just mean beyond comprehension, all. the. time. How the hell does it make sense to take it out on your younger stepsister like that? I mean, to some degree maybe. But it was just waaaaay over the line. Didn't believe it, didn't feel it. It just made no sense to me.
    And Eleven's reaction to Max was also just waaaay over the top. And the guy's being against her from the group also felt too unbalanced. I'm not sure if it was the acting or the script. It just didn't work well in my opinion.
    And the complete betrayal of his friends for Dart? Just like that!? Nope, didn't work for me. Looking back I don't even understand the reason for it other than to drag out the show and maybe trying to create tension in the group. But it didn't work well.

    I think it basically comes down to only having a decent script. All the right stuff is there, it just needed a few more rewrites, which I guess they didn't have time to do.

    Bottom line. Season 1 was amazing! Season 2 was good. But it's been a long time since I've cringed so much over weird dialogue in a TV show. If they make a season 3, I hope they focus on this.    … Expand
  4. RyanGimeson
    Oct 30, 2017
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is a modern-day classic! Love Hopper, Eleven, Mike, Dustin, everyone really! Steve really grew on me this time around I liked his mentorship with Dustin.

    My one problem? This season is REALLY depressing.

    Mike and Eleven were such a joy together in season 1, and they kept the show light. They basically don't see each other or interact again till the very last episode. Hopper and Eleven were awesome together, and Harbour is still AMAZING as Jim Hopper, but past the first few episodes, there really is nothing optimistic about their relationship. It all ends well between them, however.

    Unlike Barb, Bob was a fully fleshed out character, and just a great guy. I get why he had to die, but did it have to be so brutal. Eleven "dying" last season was enough to convince me it wasn't a kids show, they didn't have to go Walking Dead on Bob and straight up just rip him to shreds at a pivotal moment.

    Basically every character cries at some point this season, too.

    Besides that, this is just as amazing as the first.

    9/10    … Expand
  5. trp2
    Oct 30, 2017
    6
    Starts strong but drops off about half way through. Story is too large and cumbersome, not much character development and not much pay off either. Important characters are tossed aside with weak stories that limp through the series. New characters are brought in, seem interesting but just fizzle out into a silly plot line. Overall it's a good series but they tried to tell far too much of aStarts strong but drops off about half way through. Story is too large and cumbersome, not much character development and not much pay off either. Important characters are tossed aside with weak stories that limp through the series. New characters are brought in, seem interesting but just fizzle out into a silly plot line. Overall it's a good series but they tried to tell far too much of a story in this season and ended up using a lot of cliches.… Expand
  6. panslabyrinth
    Oct 30, 2017
    8
    I was not fond of the first couple of episodes into this season. However, it paid off strong, with exciting additions to the mythology it has so successfully drawn to our attention. I will say this: Stranger Things might be one of the greatest, most enjoyable shows ever aired, and to say that I simply cannot wait for the next chapter is an understatement of sorts.
  7. QQVAMBB
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    The second season is amazing. It's dark and exiting. It shows how the characters changed after the events of the first season, how they experience it. New characters also did not disappoint. This was an excellent continuation of the first season.
  8. meenmeow
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    Stranger Things is a blessing and such masterpiece. I pretty much love all the characters because they're different in their own ways and its absolutely awesome. Its finger lickin' good! So excited for season 3 and season 4. Pronto.
  9. Kirkland
    Oct 30, 2017
    10
    Good..................................................................................................................................................
  10. Kamarr
    Oct 30, 2017
    7
    I loved everything about this but they should have had better character development for the new member and her douche brother. Like they could have so easily done that but had to make the whole season 9eps like come on. Let me guess season 3 will be 6eps? I understand Netflix is in a huge DEBT atm but you'd think they would have at least did some stronger character development for her..
  11. Deanomite
    Oct 29, 2017
    3
    It's ok if you need something on in the background while surfing internet or something. But there is no plot point until 1/2 through the season, no character progression no conflict or point or anything. That said, the music is excellent, the acting is very good for as thin as the characters are, the script is the weakness not direction or photography or editing. i am seeing this a lot lately.
  12. adventure2u
    Oct 29, 2017
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Characters make or break a TV show. When a show becomes popular due to character dynamics and fulfilled character arcs all done in eight episodes, it's expected that it would be a hard point to leap off of to continue the series. Stranger Things 2 confronts this problem, and instead creating a new goal and character arcs, they focus on fixing problems from the previous season. This is the bad kind of sequel, where instead of using the platform to explore new territory, they make the choice to the wallow in the first season.

    *Plot*
    The new plot introduced feels contrived, Instead of fighting a creature in a world it shouldn't be in, now they are fighting 'darkness'^tm. The story suffers from not having a clear goal, instead of fighting one out of place monster and finding Will, they are now fighting a lot of monsters and are trying to find Will figuratively.

    *Main characters*
    Every characters story arcs seem to have repeated, it's as if the characters haven't learnt anything from their past (season 1) Will is the victim once again, Joyce is grieving and fighting for her son, Steve is having relationship issues with Nancy, so on and so on.
    They have their moments but they seem to come to the same conclusion as season one.

    *New characters*
    Bob and Kali, both introduced in the season. They seem to be in a character state similar to the fairy godmothers from cinderella; they exist to help the other characters. Bob appears only to comfort and fix electronics, and Kali's role seems to be to show Eleven how to use her powers and distract her from the plot. These characters I feel have been brought in unfairly, they don't grow as a person through the story, they don't change. Which bring us to Max and dart (the baby monster) both characters were introduced the same way (the main characters were interested to them, then they feel sorry for them, then there are reasons the main characters can't interact with them, then they become friends again.) It's contrived and they don't feel like real characters, which to be fair is more important for Max. These characters feel like a loss of potential, more than anything else.

    *Overall*
    The season may be a rehash, but its still worth it watch. This season seems like a step to get plot points out of the way before actually making a new story. A Lot of questions were answered but only to make place for new ones. I'm excited to see where they take it.    … Expand
  13. avr50
    Oct 29, 2017
    8
    Even that season two is more satisfactory, I think season one is better. This doesn´t mean that this season is bad, because it is good. The performances are really good, the special effects are amazing, and the soundtrack is perfect. The addition of new characters is not unnecessary, it is appropriate to the story. There are moments of tension that really leave you cold when they´re over.Even that season two is more satisfactory, I think season one is better. This doesn´t mean that this season is bad, because it is good. The performances are really good, the special effects are amazing, and the soundtrack is perfect. The addition of new characters is not unnecessary, it is appropriate to the story. There are moments of tension that really leave you cold when they´re over. But, one of the issues of this season, is the bad use of “eleven” in the almost all of the episodes (mostly, episode 7) in the end, Stranger Things season two, is entertaining, funny, charming and addictive.… Expand
  14. rodericrinehart
    Oct 29, 2017
    10
    This is what amazing TV looks like. Enthralled from beginning to end. They really expanded on the universe of Stranger Things and the new characters were great. Cannot wait for seasons 3 and 4!
  15. MarsCorialanus
    Oct 29, 2017
    10
    I had read some negative reviews on here, and so I'm I was worried. But after three episodes I'm totally hooked again. Great tone, great writing, and my favourites Hopper and Eleven are just as loveable as last season. They've also drawn just as heavily on great scifi and great horror to create a really impressive and spooky horror series. Instead of a demogorgon, we have heptapod-esqueI had read some negative reviews on here, and so I'm I was worried. But after three episodes I'm totally hooked again. Great tone, great writing, and my favourites Hopper and Eleven are just as loveable as last season. They've also drawn just as heavily on great scifi and great horror to create a really impressive and spooky horror series. Instead of a demogorgon, we have heptapod-esque war of the worlds upside down creatures. Although I haven't finished this season, I can say without a doubt that it is as compelling as before.… Expand
  16. WillByers
    Oct 29, 2017
    10
    Love this show!!!
    Season 2 was great, the new characters were interesting, the new monster was cool and the kids were amazing. Only thing I didn't like was episode 7, it just didn't work for me at all, it was terrible. But besides that the new season was fantastic. 11/10
  17. Ankhthiel
    Oct 29, 2017
    6
    This show in season two was pretty good in most aspects. Was weaker than season one but that was to be expected with the surprise out of the box. The biggest let down was the liberal preaching that was way too prominent. Not interested in conservative bashing or liberal diversity carols in my entertainment. Sermon is for Sundays not for sci-fi shows 6/10.
  18. hels228
    Oct 29, 2017
    10
    For Russian community
    Сериал очень годный, хорошо снятый, с хорошими актёрами и отличным сюжетом.
    Смотреть сериал - одно удовольствие!
  19. Popcornpete
    Oct 29, 2017
    10
    This show is the reason I have Netflix and it's worth every penny.
    Superior storytelling, engaging characters and great soundtrack make this
    feel good sc-fi at its best. Thank you Netflix for this gem.
  20. scepticpurple
    Oct 29, 2017
    8
    Enjoyable as ever, but perhaps a little too hectic for it's own good - ST2 maintains the iron chemistry, wit and charm of the first season, but feels frantically overstuffed with new ideas and directions that, though well executed, compete disorderly for space. The result remains compelling and the conclusion feels genuine, but the journey to get there is often messy, and lacks theEnjoyable as ever, but perhaps a little too hectic for it's own good - ST2 maintains the iron chemistry, wit and charm of the first season, but feels frantically overstuffed with new ideas and directions that, though well executed, compete disorderly for space. The result remains compelling and the conclusion feels genuine, but the journey to get there is often messy, and lacks the enduring intrigue that the first season thrived off of.… Expand
  21. noirfx
    Oct 29, 2017
    2
    Waste of my time, just like the season 1. Almost every action characters make are stupid, the plot is garbage, acting is lame and the whole thing feels cheap and slow. The only good thing about this show is the mood and style of the 80s and the soundtrack. Everything else fails miserably.
  22. OpticalPrime
    Oct 29, 2017
    9
    Warning, Spoiler Review!

    Stranger Things was one of my favorite shows in a long time so to say I was hyped for season 2 is an understatement. Now that it has arrived, how did I feel about it? I would say this season actually ended up exceeding my expectations, surprisingly. Episode 1 was absolutely packed with surprises. From the opening scene with 008 to the ending scene where we    Warning, Spoiler Review!

    Stranger Things was one of my favorite shows in a long time so to say I was hyped for season 2 is an understatement. Now that it has arrived, how did I feel about it?

    I would say this season actually ended up exceeding my expectations, surprisingly. Episode 1 was absolutely packed with surprises. From the opening scene with 008 to the ending scene where we learn that Eleven has been with Hopper since the end of season 1, that blew me away. One of the main questions from the end of Season 1 was just what happened to Eleven, when would we see her again, would she be trapped in the Nether, etc. Seeing that she broke out and found Hopper and they had been forming a parent/child relationship was absolutely fantastic. The acting dynamic between the 2 within the first half of the season is some of the best TV of the year.

    The first half of season 2 is all about the characters, and that I love. You have Mike who is struggling due to the loss of Eleven, desperate to have her back again. 350+ days constantly on the walkie trying to contact her in the Nether. You have Eleven who is struggling learning how to actually be a kid with a parent. You have Hopper struggling to be a father figure, stern but loving but with sometimes taking that sternness too far which angers Eleven. Those fights between the 2 are amazing. You have Dustin being classic Dustin throughout.

    The real star of the first half is no doubt Will though. His performance is just amazing throughout the entire show but especially in the first half. His progression from a tortured and bullied kid whos been through hell to being possessed by the Mind Flayer and watching the slow progression of the Flayer taking over his personality and actions is masterfully done.

    The only portion of the story I struggled with was when Eleven, in the 2nd half, runs away to find Mama and learns of 008 and goes out to find her. Those scenes of them 2 together are very well done but just didnt like the jarring breaks from Hawkins to the city. Felt like she was away from the story a bit too long in that sequence, but man does it deliver when she returns to everyone near the end! When she walks through the door and stands in front of everyone, it was downright electric and emotional. Amazing.

    I have no qualms with any of the new characters to be honest. Billy was a perfect nemesis for this type of story. A cocky and overconfident teen who feels better than everyone else but also has a wicked mean streak. You get the sense throughout that he could go too far at any time either with Max or with anyone that crosses him and that theory rings true near the end. Maxine is also a fine additional to the cast and she mixes well with all the cast members she comes into contact with. Her sudden addition into the group does feel sudden, which is perhaps the point as the boys, minus will, are more than happy to have her around all the time as they are hoping to land her as a girlfriend. So you can actually feel Wills frustration at that particular section of the story as he feels she is being forced into the group and isnt truly a part of it all.

    And then you have Nancy, Steve, Joyce and all the older cast who are brilliant throughout. especially nancy early with her struggles in keeping what happened to Barb quiet. You can see that struggle and feel it and it is very well acted. As in season 1 the only character I really had issues with was Jonathan. That dude needs to grow a pair and it is shown once again in season 2 as he continually misses signals from Nancy and doesnt make any moves until its absolutely the last moment. His interactions with Will in later episodes is enthralling though and there are particular moments that are actually warm and heart wrenching.

    And what a finale! Fantastic. Far better than season 1 and I got a bit emotional to be honest. Overal though, a fantastic season full of fantastic acting from everyone just like Season 1 and full of surprises and suspense. This season was actually far more suspenseful than season 1 and it was the easiest binge watch I've had since Breaking Bad. Fantastic show. I really have no idea what some of these critic reviews are talking about tbh.    … Expand
  23. cassina4
    Oct 28, 2017
    8
    Stranger Things volvió ahora siendo terrorífico y con momentos mas emotivos. Me gustó la actuación de Noah (Will) creo que lo ha hecho bastante bien. Esta temporada fue mas de mi agrado.
  24. JLuis_001
    Oct 28, 2017
    7
    The hype was bigger than the quality delivered, certainly the expectations were huge and the truth is that being strict Stranger Things 2 was failure. Not a failure of being bad but a failure of proportions. This had to be huge and they settled with scratching the surface.

    Yes the new season is entertaining, although the first 3 episodes are just procedural, it gains traction later but    The hype was bigger than the quality delivered, certainly the expectations were huge and the truth is that being strict Stranger Things 2 was failure. Not a failure of being bad but a failure of proportions. This had to be huge and they settled with scratching the surface.

    Yes the new season is entertaining, although the first 3 episodes are just procedural, it gains traction later but although the threat is significant, the creators make a very serious mistake by separating all the people involved giving them different things to do when what it worked so well in the first season was the characters unity.

    The two new characters add nothing, seriously, a big misfire on that one.

    Even Eleven who was the most relevant character becomes secondary in this second part, it's true that they try to give her weight in argument towards the end but it does not work smoothly.

    I mean, it was good, it was entertaining, although it has very slow stretches in the first part, however it keeps you interested and the season finale is solid.

    ****I also had to mention, episode 7 was a huge filler.    … Expand
  25. Weeeeee711
    Oct 28, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bad stuff first:

    That 7th episode I read was polarizing..it wasn't that..it just wasn't required. You don't need a whole episode that tells you very little when there's only nine episodes to begin with. Jane ended up doing the right thing...which she would have done, anyways that was the main take-away. Great.

    Unless Kali is brought back in season 3 (which I hope she isn't) I didn't see the point of this episode or the beginning of the season when she mind tricks the cop (but just one of them, somehow).

    and if anyone ended up killing those kids..this review would have got a ZERO, btw.

    -the finale was a little too safe and the only major character I thought might die was Will.

    -I wasn't the biggest fan of Max. Seen her character about 20 times before.

    -Not enough of Mr. Clarke.

    That's about it as far as bad stuff!

    -I don't know about everyone else but Mike is kind of a son of a **** He just gets angry/defensive for no reason! Calm down, damn it.

    -Steve was more likable..was glad to see that!

    -Glad Nancy/Johnathan 'ended up together'. Hopefully it stays like that but I doubt it.

    -Hopper/Eleven did great, once again.

    -How does the smart one (Dustin) not know what presumptuous means?

    -Steve sure got over being hit in the head with a plate and 15 times in the face awful quick

    -Was anyone else waiting for the LOST sound effects of this versions smoke monster?!

    I thought it was good...but a little worse than last season.

    In the end....the whole season is about saving Will....kind of like the first season.

    I'll definitely watch it again, though!

    8/10    … Expand
  26. ajgseries
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    Generally, a tv series loses its essence with a second season, just like The Walking Dead or Heroes, but Stranger Things 2 is still terrifying, mind-blowing and intriguing. I'm speechless. This season conveys that nostalgia that we loved so much of the first season. The beginning of season two was quite curious and interesting. The visual effects are insane, very characteristic of StrangerGenerally, a tv series loses its essence with a second season, just like The Walking Dead or Heroes, but Stranger Things 2 is still terrifying, mind-blowing and intriguing. I'm speechless. This season conveys that nostalgia that we loved so much of the first season. The beginning of season two was quite curious and interesting. The visual effects are insane, very characteristic of Stranger Things. The series has an impeccable and splendid production. Thanks Duffer Brothers! 11 out of 10.… Expand
  27. MovieNerd_EP
    Oct 28, 2017
    10
    Stranger Things...but more 10/10, 'nuff said

    ...........................................(gotta make it 150 characters)...........................

    .
  28. batman500
    Oct 28, 2017
    8
    I just spend all last night watching all the episode of season 2, I love it just left off when season 1, I have to watch the last episode of season 1, to make sure that I did not miss anything, but I love season two.
  29. schamp007
    Oct 28, 2017
    9
    A great follow up to the first season. It gets really bigger in terms of both story and the stakes. Some episodes may seem a bit slow and one story may seem a bit forced, but it's not that much of a problem. I really liked the song choices in the movie, great new additions to my play-list. All the episodes are connected and it's really a 9-hour long movie. Really good show to binge watchA great follow up to the first season. It gets really bigger in terms of both story and the stakes. Some episodes may seem a bit slow and one story may seem a bit forced, but it's not that much of a problem. I really liked the song choices in the movie, great new additions to my play-list. All the episodes are connected and it's really a 9-hour long movie. Really good show to binge watch over a weekend.… Expand
  30. mikeasmith1234
    Oct 28, 2017
    2
    nothing really interesting about this season. felt very forced. eleven suddenly trains like a part x man slash jedi but is barely in the series, her whole story is irrelevant until the end. the rest is all very straightforward. 2/10 will not watch again
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best TV Season of 2017
5
#5 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
23
#23 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    Dec 15, 2017
    80
    As with last year’s introductory season, a Spielbergian sense of wonder and a John Hughes-like knack for underage anthropology invigorate the show’s approach to scary science-fiction.
    Read full review
  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Nathan Frontiero
    Nov 6, 2017
    75
    Stranger Things 2 ultimately feels less like a cash in on the success of the first season and more like its narrative complement, allowing the creators to fully explore the ramifications of the world they created.
    Read full review
  3. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Lauren Humphries-Brooks
    Oct 30, 2017
    80
    All in all, Stranger Things season 2 is ultimately more of the same, but still a very worthy sequel, which is good news for those of us (like me) who only hoped for the Duffer Brothers to manage to carry through the success of the original run with an affecting, and believable, continuation of the story.
    Read full review
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