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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  1. rolfmikkel
    Jul 10, 2019
    3
    Well, i really wanted to like this.. After two good seasons, that both held their own in form of quality- season 3 is merely a shadow of its predecessors ..

    -Hopper is a caricature of himself. He went from caring guardian that would do everything it takes to protect the town and the ones he loves. Now he is just loud, obnoxious and overall a horrible person. - Stranger things was    Well, i really wanted to like this.. After two good seasons, that both held their own in form of quality- season 3 is merely a shadow of its predecessors ..

    -Hopper is a caricature of himself. He went from caring guardian that would do everything it takes to protect the town and the ones he loves. Now he is just loud, obnoxious and overall a horrible person.

    - Stranger things was always inspired by other movies, but had their own twist that made things interesting. There is no more interesting twist, just the same old formula and blatant rip offs from other movies(Terminator, Alien, and tropes from previous seasons).

    Mindflayer infesting other people was cool, but often ruined by childish moments as the rest of the season was. Stranger Things was always childish but funny at the same time, now it’s just cringe because it’s implemented at the wrong moments( Dustin singing)

    - Characters screaming all the time and being excess versions of themselves.

    - Lucas’ sister, no comment needed here- but jesus christ...

    + Billie’s performance

    + Mindflayer and hosts

    + Sometimes more mature and more gory, but this is ruined by all the unecassary moments.

    Season 4 needs to be really good for me to give this show another shot.    … Expand
  2. kirkender
    Jul 4, 2019
    3
    "Regressive, Boring Things" is a more apt title. Its filled with rehashed tropes with zero commentary or evolution. Its nostalgia without applying a modern perspective to remove the problematic elements. 100% of the women characters have zero depth and Eleven is basically a mentally disabled "make-out" doll who speaks broken sentences but otherwise retains nothing from her previous lifes"Regressive, Boring Things" is a more apt title. Its filled with rehashed tropes with zero commentary or evolution. Its nostalgia without applying a modern perspective to remove the problematic elements. 100% of the women characters have zero depth and Eleven is basically a mentally disabled "make-out" doll who speaks broken sentences but otherwise retains nothing from her previous lifes trauma. The editing is choppy, derivative and frenetic. Scenes jump constantly with no tact or intent. Mild commentary on issues (small town business killed by big mall) is uninformed, and inaccurate. The worst offender - the "strange" - is such a hodgepodge of other better sci-fi / horror that all the tension and surprise is known at the beginning of scenes. Is this one based on Alien? Yes. Is this one Invasion of the Body Snatchers? Yes? Close Encounters? You betcha - without any building or even competent replication. Its soooo boring.… Expand
  3. EmperorZoltan
    Jul 15, 2019
    3
    Felt like a **** teen romance fan fic. Stranger things 3 Is haphazardly edited, over egged and far more concerned with trying to pull unearned nostalgia or emotional strings than tell a scary, interesting story

    There's an episode in season 2 that had a bunch of random characters from another city. Everyone hates that episode. And this season felt like a full show of nothing but that.    Felt like a **** teen romance fan fic. Stranger things 3 Is haphazardly edited, over egged and far more concerned with trying to pull unearned nostalgia or emotional strings than tell a scary, interesting story

    There's an episode in season 2 that had a bunch of random characters from another city. Everyone hates that episode. And this season felt like a full show of nothing but that.

    Character plots are all over the place and constantly stamp obtop of another as the worst editor I've ever seen tries to smash each disconeccted story arc into one another. But if that wasn't bad enough, just as things become interesting or tense, they cut away to a different set of characters, draining all tension with yet another 80s reference or emotional scene. I don't know who was in charge this season but something was definitely off.    … Expand
  4. liquefire
    Jul 12, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't write many reviews but when I do it's because what I watched was just so awful.

    Throughout this season there is feeling of filler content and dragging stuff out.

    This season centers around a mall.

    Also, it centers around a military complex under a mall.

    Worst of all, it centers around a Russian military complex under the mall which the US military has no clue about until the last few minutes of the series.

    Also, you have what amounts to a poop monster running around town on July 4 without anyone noticing it because....... everyone is at the fair, where a russian assassin walks around with a gun in plain sight and yet ... no one notices.    … Expand
  5. OmGemz
    Jul 15, 2019
    0
    I’m a huge fan of Stranger things... this season was awful. I’m sure youll watch it either way to see for yourself but if any person on the show sees this, just know I’m extremely disappointed with the story and dialogue. They should have stopped while they were ahead.
  6. dannyt986
    Jul 23, 2019
    0
    Seasons 1 and 2 had decent character development and the scary monster plot kind of fitted the 80's retro schtick. Season 3 really should never have been made is the nicest thing I can think to say about it.
  7. MFT
    Jul 11, 2019
    3
    I loved previous two seasons and im not sure what happened here but third season turned out to be incredibly, agonizingly boring. Plot barely chugs along with nothing actually changing. In fact entire seasons major event's and all of the plots could've been compressed in one episode and the rest is just a filler of usual mistrusts, misunderstandings and obnoxious kissing scenes. I can'tI loved previous two seasons and im not sure what happened here but third season turned out to be incredibly, agonizingly boring. Plot barely chugs along with nothing actually changing. In fact entire seasons major event's and all of the plots could've been compressed in one episode and the rest is just a filler of usual mistrusts, misunderstandings and obnoxious kissing scenes. I can't say that that the show is now bad but it was very boring. So much so that i found myself skipping some of the scenes and still nothing has been lost or changed.… Expand
  8. Berik
    Jul 14, 2019
    5
    Unfortunately Season 3 is quite a drop off in quality in comparison to the first two seasons. The show was never a work of realism, but it wasn't cliché... until now.

    The first red flags that come up are the overwhelming amount of characters. Most of the main cast from season 1 has become filler as only a few characters actually matter in this season. The stakes feel lower than before,    Unfortunately Season 3 is quite a drop off in quality in comparison to the first two seasons. The show was never a work of realism, but it wasn't cliché... until now.

    The first red flags that come up are the overwhelming amount of characters. Most of the main cast from season 1 has become filler as only a few characters actually matter in this season. The stakes feel lower than before, and a lot of potential from season 2 (the other psychic children) is completely thrown away in favor of a story about mind snatchers and teenagers who have become run of the mill whiny bastards.

    This time, Russians have decided to build a facility under a mall to open a portal to the upside down! And this enables the great monster from season 2 to return! And if that sounds underwhelming to you, than you are absolutely right! The Russians fit in the cold war theme of the 80's, but add nothing to the plot than being an irritating inconvenience. The monster, which had demon dogs in season 2, does basically nothing once it has emerged. It bites someone, walks around while growling, and is incapable of destroying a house... despite the fact it can literally tear massive trees out of the ground!? **** SO DUMB!

    Also, i was stunned by the amount of 'last minute saves when it appears someone will die.' It was so juvenile, so overwhelmingly often that you never actually believe someone will die anymore. In fact, all the main characters have Drogon levels of plot armor. So stupid.

    The amount of boring, unnecessary dialogue in this season is off the charts! It feels like this season was mostly made to increase Milly Bobby Brown's portfolio, rather than to actually make a good show.

    Watching this season was quite boring, and disappointing considering the first 2 seasons were so good. It was underwhelming. I give this season a 5/10.    … Expand
  9. Magic120
    Jul 14, 2019
    0
    More of the same, the series go downhill every new season... Tha singing part in the last episode is disgusting
  10. SolidSovereign
    Jul 5, 2019
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first few episodes start out very slow, after episode 4 the action picks up to a relative speed. The whole season is very predictable though allowing no room for surprises. The overall story of this season is the weakest out of all of the seasons. Far to much time was spent on characters that weren't established very well. Characters were forcibly separated to cause suspense and set up story dynamics that didn't make much sense in the first place. The forced separation caused a lack of interaction between fan-favorite characters. The antagonist of this season is the weakest and most uninteresting yet (even though technically its the same thing). The ending is weak and very cliche. Overall the season is very disappointing 1/10… Expand
  11. garmonbozia
    Jul 7, 2019
    5
    We’ve been down this road before. “Stranger things” season 3 is more of the same. It is entertaining at times, but mostly it recycles the same plot lines and the same events from previous seasons. It lacks originality. It moves too slow (it hasn’t got a story for 8 hour-long episodes). It has too much annoying product placement scenes. It lacks excitement and mystery. The Upside Down seemsWe’ve been down this road before. “Stranger things” season 3 is more of the same. It is entertaining at times, but mostly it recycles the same plot lines and the same events from previous seasons. It lacks originality. It moves too slow (it hasn’t got a story for 8 hour-long episodes). It has too much annoying product placement scenes. It lacks excitement and mystery. The Upside Down seems to be a dull place. For the third time characters are dealing with a slightly different, yet the same “monster”. The ending shows that the creators have even more of the same in store for season 4. Again a monster we’ve already seen and more Russians. Something strange happened with the actors (or is it bad writing?). Too much yelling (“It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia” style). A lot of dialog seemed unnatural, and some of the acting was odd – like you knew that actors were “acting” – which is never good. Noah Schnapp who was one of the best things and a true star of the second season (the worst season so far), in season 3 had nothing to do besides touching his neck and “feeling the presence of the monster”. Hopper was one of the most likeable characters in the first season – now he’s mostly annoying. Mike was also very mediocre. With puberty came bad acting? Or is it again - bad writing? Hawkins seems to be abandoned by all of its inhabitants – I get it - they were all at the funfair. And nobody worked in the mall, all of the people left within two minutes, because two Russians told them so. And all the **** that happened seemed to have zero effect on the people and the world around them. Yes, we saw a TV report, but still all of the people act like nothing happened. Loads of people died, a monster destroyed the centre of the town and three months later, people are OK with it. Where is the army? The FBI? the CIA? This town should be under 10 years quarantine and people removed from the area. Soldiers with guns on the streets. Two major characters “died”. The one that died for real (it’s a shame), the one that “died” (fake death) – was too obvious, and creators denied his emotional farewell with the end credits scene (5 minutes later). He’s dead, but not really – anybody surprised? Having written all of the above - this season was better than the previous one. It’s a popcorn entertainment, full of mediocre jokes, mediocre plot solutions, and a story that isn’t forth 8 hours of your life (six at best). It’s an OK season, but creatively stale. Time to stir things up Duffer brothers. Make The Upside Down Exiting and mysterious again. Ditch the flower-faced monster.… Expand
  12. mjl14
    Jul 6, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SPOILERS
    Stranger Things 3 had a sick opening scene and post credits scene that can push the narrative in a really cool direction but unfortunately, everything in between was a cheesfest. The first season was so eery and serious, with slight comedic effects.Season two got goofy and now Things 3 is just a straight up teen dramaedy, not a sci-fi horror.I wanted to see a serious, mature show, not this. It's too bad cuz there is so much potential with a cool plot like this but they just focus too much on corny character development.And I feel like the Mind Flayer stuff is just straight up randomness and the Duffer Brothers refuse to hint at what the Upside Down is all about.They should've made this an anthology series, would've been way better.    … Expand
  13. Captiosus
    Jul 6, 2019
    6
    I feel like I'm in my own personal Upside Down when I hear family and friends praising season 3. After watching it over the span of two nights, I was left wanting. The show feels like it's staining to remain fresh.

    The Russian plot point (a literal deus ex machina) was poorly set up, only tangentially linked by comments in the prior two seasons. It felt like they were struggling to come    I feel like I'm in my own personal Upside Down when I hear family and friends praising season 3. After watching it over the span of two nights, I was left wanting. The show feels like it's staining to remain fresh.

    The Russian plot point (a literal deus ex machina) was poorly set up, only tangentially linked by comments in the prior two seasons. It felt like they were struggling to come up with an idea to terrorize Hawkins a third time and "What about the Russians!" was the best idea they could come up with. Character progression is decent but predictable and full of typical teen tropes that they don't even attempt to hide. The 80's references have gone from being a background setting to being front-and-center, in-your-face - often feeling more like you're watching a commercial for 80s products than a show themed in the 1980s. And it took maybe 30 minutes to realize this entire season was "inspired by" Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Terminator, as they essentially lift the elements from these movies whole cloth and plug them into their own script like fan fiction.

    It's hard to fully articulate my feelings in words because they're just so "meh", so I can best describe my thoughts this way: Unlike season 1 and most of season 2 (which had a sophomore slump and some low points like Elle's solo adventure), I found the vast majority of season 3 utterly forgettable. Very little of what happened is consequential and literally the only thing that will matter going forward into season 4 will be elements of the epilogue.    … Expand
  14. flametail23
    Jul 13, 2019
    5
    This season was alright. Quite slow to begin with, with a few highlights sprinkled throughout and a predictable ending.
  15. HSM1
    Jul 6, 2019
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Every single scene is an advertisement for coke. There is even a point where it becomes part of the story.… Expand
  16. leopoldfrank
    Jul 6, 2019
    5
    If season 1 was the E.T. of TV series then this season was the Adventures in Babysitting of TV series.
  17. Satanski
    Jul 7, 2019
    0
    My god, what did they do to this series... This season is just unwatchable teenager crap. Also, i'm so fed up with political correctness. I'm done with it
  18. strangel0ve
    Jul 4, 2019
    4
    Further, if not at all necessary proof, that season one was a fortuitous event, its heavy reliance on themes and techniques of certain kind of movie masterpieces of certain era is what gave it its charm and emotional depth. It also mitigated all the inherent sillines. Now I don't even know whats going on in this show, nor do I care.
  19. RustyRhino
    Jul 4, 2019
    3
    If I was asked to sum up this series in one word it would be "Upsetting". The overtly political jabs they throw at capitalism and the current era we are in is so blatantly obvious it's ridiculous. I understand Netflix is getting "Woke" but come on entertainment is there to enjoy keep that **** out of it I don't give a damn about what side of the aisle you are on. The characters seem boringIf I was asked to sum up this series in one word it would be "Upsetting". The overtly political jabs they throw at capitalism and the current era we are in is so blatantly obvious it's ridiculous. I understand Netflix is getting "Woke" but come on entertainment is there to enjoy keep that **** out of it I don't give a damn about what side of the aisle you are on. The characters seem boring and kinda just dull now no growth what so ever. I was bored halfway through each episode and it started to drag on and on and on and on. I am also a little disturbed that they had KIDS make out that much on set could have done those scenes a little more tactfully.… Expand
  20. 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.
  21. ali_arkani
    Jul 7, 2019
    6
    This season was packed with thrill and excitement, but the story and setting was too used up. You can't make an unlimited number of shows with the same story, villains and heroes before you make your audience bored and Duffer brothers need to acknowledge this!
  22. greenisgood
    Jul 18, 2019
    6
    The Main Cast that we followed through 2 seasons are better even as teenagers in turn giving us satisfying character interactions, this was the high point for me through out the season. Unfortunately The main aspect of the show which was the most excellent in it's maiden outing 'The Season's Writing' seems to be deteriorating over the course of time.

    TL;DR - A disappointment compared to    The Main Cast that we followed through 2 seasons are better even as teenagers in turn giving us satisfying character interactions, this was the high point for me through out the season. Unfortunately The main aspect of the show which was the most excellent in it's maiden outing 'The Season's Writing' seems to be deteriorating over the course of time.

    TL;DR - A disappointment compared to Excellent S1 and almost on par to S2, my score is result of 'Overall Story Arc' Writing that seems to be slipping downwards and no furtherance of anything with the Upside Down other than closing another portal. Needs get back to the Amazing Lore and Tight Writing that propelled this show to its fame in the first place.

    The Good...
    Everyone from the past seasons along with the new additions to the team were well written, save Lucas's sister which we will get to later; but for the most part character writing/arcs was the best thing in this season. Murray Bauman's Straight to the point was my personal favorite as it is still refreshing this time around as well.
    The cinematography/VFX were polished akin to a nice new coat of paint and wax on your trusted ride... Even though I see a lot of people saying the Nostalgia Milking was overdone, this was not the case; thankfully not yet. In fact I was in awe at the level of detail that went into the creation of of 80's feel. In short Character Writing, Production Design as well as Music were the most positive parts of the season, and I did not mind the inspirations from The Blob and The Thing for our creature designs.

    Now The BAd...
    I Think it is safe to say Arnold's character from T2 is probably the most over used cliche across all forms of media period. Seeing it used to an extent of a parallel main antagonist was really getting to me. The fact that this decision was consciously taken makes me worried about the future of the show hoping we do not devolve from the excellent imaginative lore of S1, aka the Upside Down and its ecology does not get lost amidst generic money making cliches.
    Some of the teen drama, though understandable considering the age was bordering on being bad cliches. Thankfully it just about held itself from overdoing it and we got down to brass tacks before it got nauseating, they need to balance it out better for future seasons.

    As for weak characterizations Erica Sinclair really reminded me why I generally dislike super cliched characters of child actors, all the more surprising since S1 and S2 were primarily kids that I absolutely Wanted to be friends with because of how well they were written. She was so one note through out, it would have helped to see some kind of fear or any other emotion from her during the course of the season. Maybe being dialed to 11 considering her age seemed like a good idea, but that is exactly why it also was the sore thumb; everyone else was given complex and believable writing wonder why they left her out. I do not believe for a second it was just for humor, because the rest of the cast were pulling off humor as well as individuality pretty well.
    Hopper seemed a bit; for the lack of a better term dumb this time around. The side plot of an experienced police officer and father to a second female child unable to find a way to have a proper birds and bees conversation or a Man to Man with Mike; instead devolving into a 'Stay Away From My Daughter' meathead was jarring. After 2 seasons Hopper seems to have regressed rather than grow.

    This was a quite a disappointment compared to S1 and almost on par to S2, my score is a result of 'Overall Story Arc' Writing that seems to be slipping downwards and no furtherance of anything with the Upside Down other than closing another portal.
    Also Maybe find smarter ways to inculcate the Product Placement, because other than the 'New Coke' which was kinda a big deal at the time considering the history behind the 'New Coke Recipe' debacle; product logos seemed very IN Your Face this time around.
    Hopefully we get back to the Amazing Lore and Tight Writing that propelled this show to its fame in the first place.    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. UncleWillard
    Jul 7, 2019
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Criticism for this has been pretty spot on; the Duffer Brothers sacrifices story for action and effects. This was always a YA sci-fi/horror story slathered in 80s nostalgia, but the action and nostalgia were amped up at the sacrifice of story and character development. At times this is downright smarmy and disgusting (Dustin and Suzys rendition of Neverending Story for example).

    Newcomer Robin (Maya Hawke) is a welcome addition, as is more of Brett Gelman, but I really wish they would have fed Erica (Priah Ferguson) to the monster in the first episode. What an annoying character. Same goes for Max with her faux Riot Girrl act. Hopper and Wills mom are comical and hammy, while the older kids, Nancy and Jonathan are practically absent (barring a stupid feminist narrative around Nancy's desire to be a reporter though she was hired as a receptionist).

    Hopper was reduced to kind of a Bluto-esque neanderthal with a hero's heart, so I guess that ends the romantic tension with Eill's mom (can't be bothered to remember her name). But did he die or go through the portal for season 4?


    And Billy symbolizes the death of toxic masculinity? He's a douchebag, but ultimately sacrifices himself for...something? Maybe Max will develop beyond her live/hate relationship with boys?

    For all the lights and action, it felt like not much happened. This barely feels connected to the series. Almost a summer spin-off of Stranger Things. Like eating dessert first before an otherwise bland and formulaic meal.    … Expand
  25. EerieDemonble
    Jul 6, 2019
    4
    "Meh" is the only way I can describe this season. And it was first time I watched half of the season using fast forward button...
    Main story and sub plots are just weak. Many new characters are outright cartoonish. No new lore about shadow dimension. And there is WAY too much comedy this season. It's hard to take horror or drama parts seriously when there is jokes and puns every 5 min.    "Meh" is the only way I can describe this season. And it was first time I watched half of the season using fast forward button...
    Main story and sub plots are just weak. Many new characters are outright cartoonish. No new lore about shadow dimension. And there is WAY too much comedy this season. It's hard to take horror or drama parts seriously when there is jokes and puns every 5 min.
    At least acting was good    … Expand
  26. Xazoir
    Jul 6, 2019
    3
    Overall very weak season, i was watching it and i didnt give a damn care about what was happening on the screen. The obvious s**t about political correctness and forcing agendas just throw me more distant from the show. Netflix have withstand that kind of s**t in first two season, but in the third they went full Netflix agendas. Whole season felt ultimatly forced. Certintly not waiting forOverall very weak season, i was watching it and i didnt give a damn care about what was happening on the screen. The obvious s**t about political correctness and forcing agendas just throw me more distant from the show. Netflix have withstand that kind of s**t in first two season, but in the third they went full Netflix agendas. Whole season felt ultimatly forced. Certintly not waiting for another season and not recommend to anybody to watch it. Waste of time.… Expand
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. arkhlongstride
    Jul 9, 2019
    0
    Femminism and memes non stop. Nope. Also screams, lots of screams. S01 was nice, 02 sucked. This is a joke
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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

All reviews »
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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