Stranger Things

:

Season 3
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 15, 2016
Season #: 5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 448 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 320 out of 448
  2. Mixed: 62 out of 448
  3. Negative: 66 out of 448

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User Reviews

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  1. Kannibal
    Jul 5, 2019
    8
    Not the strongest season but still better than most things on TV. Overly heavy-handed with its message and the story is bloated but thoroughly enjoyable and Millie Bobby Brown's performance is commendable.
  2. srtafozex
    Jul 5, 2019
    8
    Thank you, Duffer brothers, for this science fiction masterpiece. This season, the screenplay comes more mature, with smart strategies and breathtaking moments. One of the best new seasons of american television, alongside Big Little Lies
  3. Voodoo123
    Jul 6, 2019
    7
    +Great cast
    +Excellent cinematography
    +Noticeable increase in production value -Screenplay services the bigger budget effects at the expense of higher quality writing. As much as I did enjoy watching S3, I couldn't help but feel the spectacle got in the way of the character development this time around... There were too many forced 'team up 80's style' moments and not enough of the    +Great cast
    +Excellent cinematography
    +Noticeable increase in production value
    -Screenplay services the bigger budget effects at the expense of higher quality writing.

    As much as I did enjoy watching S3, I couldn't help but feel the spectacle got in the way of the character development this time around... There were too many forced 'team up 80's style' moments and not enough of the slower paced dramas that made the first season so appealing to me. I get the feeling if the Duffers had moved to a different cast (maybe even location) more could've been done to serve a good horror / drama rather than service an audience with more of what worked last time. Don't get me wrong folks, the quality is superb and if you enjoyed the first couple seasons this is essential viewing.    … Expand
  4. darkside2922
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. spoiler: Aunque la temporada empieza como si fuese un drama adolescente pues no es así ya que al avanzar con los episodios nos damos cuenta que la historia no fresca pero da algo porque continuar episodio a episodio la historia es interesante ya que te da algo (no nuevo) pero interesante como que los villanos ahora son rusos y la nueva bestia (billy)apenas voy dos días y ya acabe la serie en fin yo le doy diez de diez ya que me apasiona la serie.… Expand
  5. asgard24
    Jul 5, 2019
    8
    This season starts very low on its first two episodes. The characters feel disassociated, and very disconnected, and there’s really no mystery or nothing interesting to see than the gang being jerks with each other. But after episodes 3 and 4 the season starts building that so called tension we all expected. There were still many plot fails and the season overall wasn’t good enough to beatThis season starts very low on its first two episodes. The characters feel disassociated, and very disconnected, and there’s really no mystery or nothing interesting to see than the gang being jerks with each other. But after episodes 3 and 4 the season starts building that so called tension we all expected. There were still many plot fails and the season overall wasn’t good enough to beat the first one, but overall, despite its awful start and its multiple errors, this season holds up to the hype it built, and for a good part, it was a step into the right direction after season 2, which could not give the series the sequel it deserved. Not saying this season is what season 2 should have been, but I can say it’s not as overwhelming as it’ predecessor.… Expand
  6. Cinos
    Jul 7, 2019
    9
    Strong season 3. Loved the addition of the new characters. Wish they would have done more (or anything) with the upside down realm. But towards the very end me and the wife got teary eyed over the emotional conclusion. Not a perfect season but out right enjoyable. Damn Russians!!
  7. ArturReview
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    The best season of the show, with outstanding effects, acting and emotional and powerful moments. The new characters are fun and a good addition to the show, the ones I loved the most were Alexei and Robin.
  8. Jdank
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    The Duffer Brothers hit another one out of the park and kept the Stranger Things train moving full steam ahead. The kids are older and the stakes are greater and we get some new great cast additions
  9. jneeley
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    What.A.Season.

    The writing is fantastic as are the characters we know and love. As of right now, this is the best Stranger Things season to date.
  10. Theghostgamebr
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Netflix now scoped for the fun, I wont say anything more. You just Must Watch it, it's whorth it believe me.
  11. Littlegizmo
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Its epic good scary fun crazy strange weird... wow .. i want more ... thank you
  12. weverson
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Stranger Things new season is brilliant and AMAZING. The best season yet .
  13. afaman
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    Amazing show! The season development is perfect and it's incredible what they have done to the show
  14. eagleeyeviking
    Jul 8, 2019
    7
    “Stranger Things” offsets a slow start with a triumphant, emotionally satisfying ending. The plot is fantastic, the characters are wonderful as usual, and the theme of growing up is handled well.
  15. namon295
    Jul 7, 2019
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Was good but didn't love it like I did the first two seasons. The best part of previous seasons were the kids and the chemistry they shared, and things were just too frantic for the personal moments to come out in 3. Hop and Joyce were reduced to Starsky and Hutch.

    It was one thing to relive the 80s in a subtle way that felt natural, versus product placement with an 80s paint job every five seconds and thrust into your face. The whole Russian story line was just too absurd, even for a show whose foundation is built on crazy. And most of all the innocent and sweet relationship between Mike and Eleven as well as Eleven and Hopper's relationship was lost this time around in the name of manufactured angst filled drama.

    It definitely wasn't as bad as the latest seasons of Walking Dead or Game of Thrones season 8 by any means, but I can't help but be a little let down either.    … Expand
  16. RogueExperience
    Jul 7, 2019
    10
    Best season of Stranger Things yet! New characters, new interests, more action, more drama!
    Great show that only gets bettter!
  17. ROAR11
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    I thought this was better than all the previous seasons. No wasted episodes, great story, great characters. Just a fun summer horror. It's always borderline cheesy, but it's really not at all. Its ridiculous, but don't take it too seriously and you have a fun 10 episodes to watch. Every bit as good as the previous seasons if not better.
  18. pablo_delRey
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooved it it was super good thanks netflix
  19. Hackattaque
    Jul 7, 2019
    7
    Stranger Things Season 3 does a pretty solid job of squeezing more thrills and spills out of a group of characters and an 80s setting that we have become VERY familiar with by now. But despite excellent plotting and some chilling scenes, the final act is predictable and the retro references veer very close to self-parody.

    Almost all the action takes place in the outside world this time    Stranger Things Season 3 does a pretty solid job of squeezing more thrills and spills out of a group of characters and an 80s setting that we have become VERY familiar with by now. But despite excellent plotting and some chilling scenes, the final act is predictable and the retro references veer very close to self-parody.

    Almost all the action takes place in the outside world this time around, which allows for some bright and colourful sets like the new Starcourt Mall and the spooky Soviet military base. It also allows for the full horror of the Mind Flayer to get a lot of screen time: After initially seeing shadows and shots of icky tentacles, we get some full-on action/sci-fi fights with it in frame.

    I have to admit I kind of missed the Upside Down, even if for plot reasons it makes complete sense to not have it play a big part. Without spoiling too much, this season is all about the demon’s attempt to take over Harcourt, now that his own world is barred. It’s a real joy to watch the horror side of things build up, as some nasty and unsettling incidents around town alert the gang to danger. But it’s a shame the most unique visual and narrative part of Stranger Things is minor here.

    As great as the first half of the season is, by the time the inevitable confrontation rolls around, you’re left pining for the one major thing missing: hair-raising emotional stakes. Winona Ryder really carried the first two seasons as a desperate mother on the edge, with her son Will in mortal danger. This time around that’s not the case; Will barely features. The only character who is personally right in the firing line is Billy, yet nobody seems to truly be fighting for him — not even his sister. Without that deep emotional core, you’re left with a solid horror/sci-fi tale that tries to balance the gloom with ‘zany’ 80s antics. This show has never quite so shamelessly gone for a “Goonies” tone: sometimes it’s bearable, such as when teenagers high on laughing gas are interrogated by a Bond-movie-level Russian general, but too many times I was rolling my eyes. The finale’s singalong of a certain classic kids anthem was excruciating.

    After Season 1 rocked my world, and Season 2 unexpectedly impressed me almost as much, Season 3 feels like a merely competent follow-up that narrowly avoids ruining the franchise. It’s enjoyable, but any attempt at a Season 4 should come with a lot of work beforehand.    … Expand
  20. ParsiGame
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. so very good. and Millie bobby brown is the best. and i love it. and season 3 better than season 2.… Expand
  21. Reed618
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    I'm surprised this season hasn't got a higher score. I thought they handled the characters aging in a really fun way.
    The 80's vibe is still super fun and the whole group of plucky kids taking on dangers far beyond them thing works as well as ever.
    There are some new elements which may seem kind of cliched I guess but as long as the characters remain so lovable and tensions stay high    I'm surprised this season hasn't got a higher score. I thought they handled the characters aging in a really fun way.
    The 80's vibe is still super fun and the whole group of plucky kids taking on dangers far beyond them thing works as well as ever.
    There are some new elements which may seem kind of cliched I guess but as long as the characters remain so lovable and tensions stay high i'll keep looking forward to every episode the creators make :).
    I particularly enjoyed the addition of Robin. I'm also still a huge fan of Steve. The man was born to carry a scooper.    … Expand
  22. juniorcc27
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    the best season of the show. Great performances, incredible production, great quality photography. deserves several indications to emmys
  23. rodrigodsf
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    Breathtaking!
    This may just be the best show on Netflix. Everything is fantastic. The show is set in the 1980's, and that works well with the plot devices and really makes the show possible. The characters on this show are very well fleshed out, and they all feel like real people, even minor characters that are only present in 1 or 2 scenes. The pacing on the show is also fantastic. The    Breathtaking!
    This may just be the best show on Netflix. Everything is fantastic. The show is set in the 1980's, and that works well with the plot devices and really makes the show possible. The characters on this show are very well fleshed out, and they all feel like real people, even minor characters that are only present in 1 or 2 scenes. The pacing on the show is also fantastic. The show only tells the viewer little bits of information, enough that they know what is going on, but not too much that it just gives away the answers. This keeps the show interesting. The acting is great too... You have to watch it!    … Expand
  24. electricshaman
    Jul 7, 2019
    10
    It's good, not as good as the first but much better than the second. I say go for it.
  25. Underseamouse
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    The overall season is great. The season 3 is not better than previous seasons, the story is more primitive and simple. Some heroes are not necessary for the story (Will, Lucas) and overall there is nothing new for the world. But for now it's one of the best shows.Yep, season 3 didn't jump over his head, but overall it's great.
  26. AaronAction
    Jul 6, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I personally would give this a solid 8.5 or an B to B plus rating. The visual effects were pretty spectacular, and the settings like the fair were nistolgic of my own memories and childhood of watching the fireworks while riding a ferris wheel. The budget for this 8 chapter season is high and I would recommend that any one with Netflix watch this gem.… Expand
  27. Jakerbox
    Jul 7, 2019
    9
    First couple episodes are a little slower and definitely serve their purpose, which is to get everyone into the 1985 era again. There's some nice character building too, and Max and El go from frenemies to genuine friends which the series really needed. This season REALLY picks up the pace after those two episodes and the new threat against Hawkins becomes real and actually frightening.First couple episodes are a little slower and definitely serve their purpose, which is to get everyone into the 1985 era again. There's some nice character building too, and Max and El go from frenemies to genuine friends which the series really needed. This season REALLY picks up the pace after those two episodes and the new threat against Hawkins becomes real and actually frightening. Overall, the usual Stranger Things tropes (good old fashioned kid adventures, conflict in the friend group, and extremely creative solutions to problems WAY too big to be dealt with by kids) all make this season feel just the right amount of familiar while also expanding the world and magnifying the kids' impact on it. Also, Hopper keeps his place as the best Dad on television. Robin is the best new character. Easy recommendation.… Expand
  28. SKYs
    Jul 8, 2019
    9
    Ein bisschen schnell erzählt, hält aber die Klasse der letzten Staffeln. Und ich liebe dieses Russische Geheimversteck mit dem Aufzug...
  29. maxleresistant
    Jul 5, 2019
    10
    Best season yet.
    Epic, fun and the VFX are amazing. The characters keeps getting better and more interesting. Loved every minute.
    This could be an amazing finale, but thank god it's not over yet. A big thank you to the amazing cast, crew and Netflix for this show.
  30. roarfente
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    Amazing! Breathtaking! It's the best season yet. Everything is perfect and colorful. You must to watch it!
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Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best TV Season of 2019
4
#4 Most Discussed TV Season of 2019
97
#97 Most Shared TV Season of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. The Independent
    Reviewed by: Al Horner
    Jan 3, 2020
    80
    Stranger Things 3 practices what it preaches: instead of the pure nostalgia of previous seasons, the Duffer brothers break brilliant, terrifying new ground here.
    Read full review
  2. The Telegraph
    Reviewed by: Ed Power
    Jan 3, 2020
    60
    Over-familiarity is the biggest issue in an eight-part series that refuses to stray from the Goonies-meets-Stephen King formula. ... Stranger Things is on more solid territory addressing the growing pains its teenage protagonists.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    Reviewed by: Lucy Mangan
    Dec 4, 2019
    80
    It’s a real and joyful return to form for the show that has been taken fiercely to the hearts of people who weren’t there the first time round and, perhaps even more fiercely, by those who were. The brothers continue to play with, reference and occasionally lift all the things that made the Johns, Carpenter and Hughes, and the Steph(/v)ens, King and Spielberg, enduringly great and mash them into something equally fun, racy and frightening as hell for us all on the small screen. It’s almost like being young again.
    Read full review
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