Stranger Things

:

Season 4
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 15, 2016
Season #: 5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 175 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 133 out of 175
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 175
  3. Negative: 19 out of 175

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  1. Jealto
    Jun 2, 2022
    2
    Since season 2 the series sadly goes downhill, i just cant take it serious anymore. The characters always to the same mistakes and they get annoying fast. The story is plain boring
  2. Lookingforheart
    Jun 26, 2022
    2
    This is disappointing. Algorithm-generated or not, this is the most derivative Stranger Things yet, I don't think there is a single original idea here. Not a one. In all seriousness, other creators, especially Katsuhiro Otomo, could probably sue for infringement and win if they were so inclined. I enjoyed the original season even though it gave very obvious nods to the past; I thoughtThis is disappointing. Algorithm-generated or not, this is the most derivative Stranger Things yet, I don't think there is a single original idea here. Not a one. In all seriousness, other creators, especially Katsuhiro Otomo, could probably sue for infringement and win if they were so inclined. I enjoyed the original season even though it gave very obvious nods to the past; I thought season two was a derivative mess with very little point to it, and I felt the writers redeemed themselves somewhat with the very fun season three. Season four is just uninspired, even based on its own merits. Really, the only thing that saves it are the performances, which are still quite good. Can't fault the cast for the writers' shortcomings. It is also visually very impressive, for whatever that is worth.

    If a viewer is younger, or has no idea who someone like Otomo is, or has never read 'Carrie', this might very well seem like the coolest series since sliced bread, but for those steeped in the pop culture of the number of decades, well, there is fan service, and then there is whatever this melange of 'borrowing' is supposed to be. The current dearth of genuine imagination or originality (enough with remakes and reimagining, already) is a sad, ongoing trend in modern entertainment, and Stranger Things season four is a great poster child for it.    … Expand
  3. kirkender
    Jun 12, 2022
    4
    A marginally better experience than season 3, but there is no real reason for this show to exist. Initially a fun nostalgic adventure, now each episode strains the definition of entertainment with the absolute minimum of character and story every 60-90 minute episode. The streaming TV bloat is very strong with this one. A bunch of scenes with no stakes for the first 95% of the episode andA marginally better experience than season 3, but there is no real reason for this show to exist. Initially a fun nostalgic adventure, now each episode strains the definition of entertainment with the absolute minimum of character and story every 60-90 minute episode. The streaming TV bloat is very strong with this one. A bunch of scenes with no stakes for the first 95% of the episode and ending on a cliffhanger is so played out and exhausting. The productions values are good, and the visual effects aren't terrible. Oh and it's not "strange," it's barely to the level of bad X-files episodes.… Expand
  4. stoneymahoney
    Jul 1, 2022
    5
    The show still suffers from many of the same problems that have been developing since Season 2. The cast has become even more bloated with many legacy characters becoming purposeless, existing out of pure habit like the writers just can't bear to throw anything away. The cinematography is still extremely basic and has all the narrative subtlety of a ten tonne weight, relying on theThe show still suffers from many of the same problems that have been developing since Season 2. The cast has become even more bloated with many legacy characters becoming purposeless, existing out of pure habit like the writers just can't bear to throw anything away. The cinematography is still extremely basic and has all the narrative subtlety of a ten tonne weight, relying on the enormous budget and computer graphics to make up for it's shortcomings in even the simplest fundamentals. The story itself has too many disparate threads and the runtime of each episode is approaching ridiculous at this point, often padded out quite obviously through characters making extremely questionable decisions.

    But the primary antagonist is a compelling villain, well presented and built around, grounding the series in a way that Season 3 lacked. If the show runners had been brave enough to strip out a third of the cast, cut the run time of each episode by 20-30mins and fire the idiot in charge of cinematography, this could have been an excellent return to form, expanding the world and lore in a logical way. Instead it's merely passable.    … Expand
  5. tlrelement
    Jun 29, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really wanted to love it. However this the most disappointing season by far. The sheer amount of plot holes, ass pulls and macguffins is overwhelming. It's clear they had no vision this far into the show and are earning that dollar. The acting is phoned in or somehow inexplicably actually got much worse as adults.The characters in the show don't even seem interested in what they're doing, but how could they?… Expand
  6. Whitson77
    May 28, 2022
    1
    This season is a big bag of a$$. What happened to the writers. This season is the laziest writing with the worst stereotypes. Moron jocks. D&D makes you kill people storyline. Insane bullying that would never happen. They were all over the map. The Hopper storyline was a total waste. All the storylines were pretty bad. Everyone has become pretty unlikable.
  7. mike4156
    Jun 2, 2022
    1
    Show felt like it iwas forcing stereotypical settings for the first 2 episodes so far.. im not impressed overall.
  8. JessiKat
    Jun 2, 2022
    3
    If y'all are trying to brainwash people into agreeing with y'all starting the new world war with Russia, just say that. Y'all aren't slick, you aren't cute. We see the little subconscious "evil Russia" things y'all are throwing into every piece of media. Just the way you did to my entire generation when we were 13 years old in 2001.
  9. Rincemac
    May 31, 2022
    5
    "Punish me more, Stranger Things!" is how you'll most likely feel for watching Season 4 (Part 1) - a jumbled mess of loose threads the Duffers couldn't all pick up if they both were octopi - I fear they'll be pulling a "Lost", "X-Files" or "Game of Thrones" on this one - but sure hope not!

    Letter to you, the adoring fan: If you, like me, watched other nostalgia reboots trying to    "Punish me more, Stranger Things!" is how you'll most likely feel for watching Season 4 (Part 1) - a jumbled mess of loose threads the Duffers couldn't all pick up if they both were octopi - I fear they'll be pulling a "Lost", "X-Files" or "Game of Thrones" on this one - but sure hope not!

    Letter to you, the adoring fan:

    If you, like me, watched other nostalgia reboots trying to re-capture the essence of the weird hairdo, synth music and similar 80's pop culture, to carry you over the almost 3-year wait for Season 4, I salute you for your endurance!

    I hope you, the reader of this unimportant review, won't join me for being disappointed to see Season 4 fail to get into old form almost from the get-go. Unlike in me, I hope that small flicker of hope is still more alive in you after watching the "Part 1" of the "please subscribe at least two months, will ya?" cash grab.

    If you hoped for a great send-off for your beloved actors, who've mostly now outgrown their roles (age-wise) since Netflix didn't film them in time to appear their now supposedly 15 year-old selfs, I tell you: good luck with that! I'm rooting for you.

    Oh, Netflix! How you chagrin your fans with creating multiple convoluted storylines while introducing even more new characters like the mouth-breathing jocks. Unfortunately, your story is now all over the place and you seem unsure which of the loose threads you spun to pick up first. Then you decided to pick them all at once and tie them into an incoherent knot before ending the series. Congrats.

    To add insult to injury, you also decided to go with "Volume 1", making the ones among your fans who still believe you can somehow pull it off. Then you make us wait for "Part 2" (a two-parter, to add irony) for the series finale.

    For anyone who wants to hear a guess: You set yourselfs up to pull an "X-Files (Season 9)" or "a Lost Series Finale" in the end. Or you could "Game of Throne" it, if you so wanted, using the last eposide to untie the epic ball of yarn you've spun in a time warp for the ages, undoing years of setting up in one tiny series finale?

    Hope you prove me wrong, Netflix and Duffer Brothers - I will be there just for the LOLZ anyway.    … Expand
  10. UncleWillard
    May 28, 2022
    5
    Not a huge fan of this past the first season, but what's with all the crying? I can't believe they brought the annoying sister along. Did they learn nothing? Erica is worse than the monster.
  11. Littlegizmo
    May 27, 2022
    10
    part 1 is epic, amazing, scary, emotional... and tye best show on Netflix right now... can't wait for part 2... enjoy it you guys or get some waffles
  12. All_ButTrU4
    May 29, 2022
    7
    It's commendable and miles above the disappointing trudge of a 3rd season. It sometimes aims higher than it reaches but due to it's wholesome cast,very specific cinematography and mystery thriller aspirations it's enough to keep you watching. Part one is more rounded than the penultimate episodes but thats not a surprise given this shows track record. It's a respectful farewell to anIt's commendable and miles above the disappointing trudge of a 3rd season. It sometimes aims higher than it reaches but due to it's wholesome cast,very specific cinematography and mystery thriller aspirations it's enough to keep you watching. Part one is more rounded than the penultimate episodes but thats not a surprise given this shows track record. It's a respectful farewell to an already cult classic. The plot twist was exhilarating and the performances better than they've been before. The first few episodes are slow and stuffed with uninteresting plot points which seems expected when each episode is almost an hour long.… Expand
  13. ICRED
    May 27, 2022
    9
    Just Improves on everything season 3 didn’t do right which wasn’t much. It may be longer but the pacing dosent seem to falter that much. The new villain is great and I’m excited to see where it goes. I feel it brought back the mystery again in the earlier episodes with giving us a satisfying if not cliche twist. Overall one of the best seasons yet.
  14. Tesseract
    May 28, 2022
    10
    Still don’t understand why this awful site lets subhuman filth like OlivierPiel post stuff. Is this cretin from the 30s? “Useless generation”? When were you “born?THIS IS THE 80s. Good Lord.

    Anyway, much better than parts of 2 and 3, it’s finally headed into the direction at least some of us predicted and wanted after season 1. Much better than parts of 2 and 3, it’s finally headed into    Still don’t understand why this awful site lets subhuman filth like OlivierPiel post stuff. Is this cretin from the 30s? “Useless generation”? When were you “born?THIS IS THE 80s. Good Lord.

    Anyway, much better than parts of 2 and 3, it’s finally headed into the direction at least some of us predicted and wanted after season 1. Much better than parts of 2 and 3, it’s finally headed into the direction at least some of us predicted and wanted after season 1.    … Expand
  15. lasse_223
    May 27, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolutely thrilling. I love it! The wait was so worth it! The change of mood around Max after Billy's death is well chosen.… Expand
  16. Kritiqeu
    May 30, 2022
    10
    This show is just outstanding - and Season 4 Volume 1 is just a well balanced piece of work. Every question raised is answered leaving the viewer satisfied. The VFX are really pleasing to watch and art direction is still spot-on. Well done Duffer Brothers. Waiting anxiously on Volume 2.
  17. Badabadaboom
    May 28, 2022
    8
    Very powerful, impacting, deep aftertaste, vast, and a couple of easter eggs and fan services.
    But the sensibility, freshness, and the nostalgia that they gave us to fell love in this series is in not where.
  18. bertobellamy
    May 30, 2022
    8
    Really like the direction the show is taking. The horror aspect of it is truly terrifying, and the drama around trauma and not belonging is solid. All the new characters are great additions, and it's nice to see everyone get the spotlight. It would've been great if they have kept Hopper's fate a secret until release. That would've been a shocking way to start the season!
  19. BreakerPlatnum
    May 29, 2022
    8
    I don't know what to say about this abysmal excuse for a fourth season with episodes that last longer than an hour each that barely explore or develop any meaningful plot unless you single out one of the seven subplots going on all at once. In this season unfortunately continues where season 3 left off with the stereotypes and here is drawingly bad. From jocks to Bullies to traditionalI don't know what to say about this abysmal excuse for a fourth season with episodes that last longer than an hour each that barely explore or develop any meaningful plot unless you single out one of the seven subplots going on all at once. In this season unfortunately continues where season 3 left off with the stereotypes and here is drawingly bad. From jocks to Bullies to traditional Russian villain this season has no sense of identity instead of continuing the story in a way where season 2 elaborated on the world outside of Hawkins we are still worried about the experiments that happened way back and season 1 although that's storyline was concluded in season 2 The villain this season is supposed to be scary yet most of his murders come off as cheesy and corny maybe it was purposeful but for me personally I was falling asleep and almost every episode hopefully Volume 2 is a lot better because in general I think this show should have ended in season 2 there's no need for another three additional seasons with season 5 plans to be the final. This is an actively makes you hate a lot of classic characters Dustin especially even Lucas Mike has been a terrible character since season 1 but they were made sure to force that on you this season well let's still trying to portray him as the the level headed main character and on the note of 11 we are basically going through her development that she had in both season 2 and 3 again just because they had nothing better to do with her this season it's silly and stupid and honestly you'd have to expend your disbelief they've butchered characters such as Jonathan and to a certain extent Joyce to these comically horrendous excuses of characters that are supposed to be the follow-up to three seasons of actual development. If you are planning to watch this volume just wait until the entire season is released because the first seven episodes are some of the worst television I have ever watched it's honestly on par with killing Eve season 1 difference is this show no longer has any charisma like villanelle and the character that we did have like that Steve has been relegated to Dr Phil status of importance while Dustin and Max take on that primary role that Steven Robin had in season 3… Expand
  20. OlivierPiel
    May 29, 2022
    0
    The only "Strange thing" about this corporate-dictated, algorithm-generated show without an ounce of originality or beauty is that people find this strange, as in "odd" or "shocking" or "stunning". It is the exact opposite. Irony is lost on this most degenerate and illiterate generation.
  21. M4JD
    May 27, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Stranger Things 4 (Volume 1) proves that Stranger Things might be one of the best Netflix shows out there.

    Sadie Sink’s performance really wowed me, specifically in the fourth episode, ‘Dear Billy’. She is a young actress that really stands out to me, with a very bright future ahead of her. The way they handled the ending of this volume is jaw-dropping. Jamie Campbell Bower does a great job at playing his character in the finale, Bower is outstanding and had me tricked. The Duffer Brothers knew exactly what they were doing with the big reveal, or should I say big reveals? Personally, the reveal is truly surprising. Maybe you predicted that Peter Ballard was 001, but you didn’t predict him to be Henry Creel or Vecna. This reveal is made to leave you shocked no matter what you may have predicted. Let’s talk Vecna. Vecna’s VFX is insane. The way Vecna takes out it’s victims is interestingly creepy, from it’s first victim, Chrissy Cunningham, to the attempt to kill Max Mayfield, Vecna is a big threat. Perhaps, the biggest threat? The one that’s been behind everything? The first being to be banished to the Upside Down, could Vecna be the one behind everything in the past 3 seasons?    … Expand
  22. damocles1974
    May 31, 2022
    10
    I can't fathom how anybody could not acknowledge season 4 for what it is: the best piece of television written in recent history. The monologue in "dear Billy" will, in the coming years be quoted alongside with "The drumhead." Stellar performances by the whole cast and something to savour every moment. I fear it won't be possible to make a better season 5.
  23. Jose1996
    May 29, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best season by far ep 4 especially stands out with a great twist ending in ep 7… Expand
  24. Sophietamu
    May 28, 2022
    10
    Eine gelungene 4. Staffel mit vielen Emotionen, und Ernsthaftigkeit dahinter! Bin stolz!
  25. mrahtapot
    May 30, 2022
    8
    Season 2 was mediocre and 3 was really bad in my opinion. The first episode of season 4 also gave me similar vibes so I was really worried, but it picked up its pace in episode 3. It slowly got rid of the unnecessary subplots or tied them well by the end of part 1. Oh and I love the darker, and A Nightmare on Elm Street-ish vibe of the season.
  26. McGamor
    Jun 6, 2022
    8
    A well-written season so far through the first half Netflix has released. Also glad they left out any wokeness.
  27. Seattleite
    May 30, 2022
    10
    A monumental step forward after that disappointing 3rd season. This might be the best season yet outside of the original.
  28. brockcheese
    Jun 1, 2022
    7
    This season is probably the best since the first season, although a lot of the annoying teen drama stuff is there, this season leaned heavier into the horror.
  29. brpoconnor
    Jun 9, 2022
    9
    Be warned: This season is significantly darker than its predecessors. If you're into that, then it's excellent. This is the best season since season 1.
  30. Superwotman
    May 27, 2022
    9
    Loved the first half of Season 4 (7/9 Episodes ), it had everything Scary, emotional, funny and epic scenes. Had a very good time watching the 7 Episodes. Sure it was a lot of the same as the last season’s and it felt like there was a little bit more filler stuff, but the show stayed true to it self and did not disappoint. Hope the last two episodes are enough to finish all the open plot lines.
  31. manningn15
    Jul 2, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Stranger Things season 4 to me is the best season so far; I loved the much more mature and darker tone and the increased horror aspects. The writing was outstanding, loved the intense emotional weight. The performances were exceptional especially from Millie Bobby Brown, Sadie Sink, Jamie Campbell Bower, Gaten Matarazzo, Noah Schnapp, Joseph Quinn, Maya Hawke, Brett Gelman, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Priah Ferguson, Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, Eduardo Franco, Caleb McLaughlin, Tom Wlaschiha, and Mason Dye. The makeup was superb especially on Jamie Campbell Bower when scared as Henry and as Vecna. The visual effects were excellent. The action scenes were awesome especially Max's escape from Vecna's mindscape. The music and music selections are terrific. The episode runtimes did feel a bit lengthy and I felt killing Eddie was unnecessary. Overall this was a pretty perfect season and one of the best seasons of any show I've ever seen.… Expand
  32. Herkert1234
    May 29, 2022
    10
    I thought I have already seen everything... until Episode 7 happened. It was terrific, the best one yet.
  33. Justineplacido
    Jun 5, 2022
    10
    Darker, more mature, and frightening. Stranger Things 4 is another thrilling adventure and it's sure a treat for fans like me.
  34. RazorNivek
    Jun 9, 2022
    10
    Stranger Things ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
  35. jmneeley06
    Jul 3, 2022
    10
    Fantastic season and performances by all around. I thought The antagonist was strong. The kid actors have aged into such beautiful actors
  36. tteotdead
    Jun 8, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. To start, I mainly enjoyed seasons 1 & 2. Season 3 was certainly not great but was passible. It was obvious that the series was running out of steam. Season 4 is more of the same formula from previous seasons, but less. Much of the luster from the show's earlier seasons, and what made it feel unique, has been mostly washed out. This review is more of a list of what I found problematic or frustrating from S4 V1, from my subjective point of view.

    - The characters were all shells of their former selves, almost caricatures at this point.

    - A lot of character developments from previous seasons were forgotten or ignored out of convenience.

    - Some of the (main?) characters have very little spoken dialogue, have very little meaningful on-screen time, and are there just because.

    - There was too much jazzed-up shooting the breeze styled dialogue where nothing happens.

    - Most of what happened in seasons 1 & 2 is insignificant at the current point in the series. The elements that did remain felt forced and only served the purpose of reminding you, the audience, that you're still watching the same Stranger Things™. For instance, the scenes with the lights. This wouldn't have a problem if the series was anthological, of course.

    - Every episode is severely bloated, especially the first 4 episodes. Each episode could have been trimmed down into 45 min. long episodes instead of what they ended up being - 1+ hour long slog fests. It was very obvious the show had a massive budget and was trying to justify the budget. The budget was demanding the show, rather than show demanding the budget.

    - Side plots and side stories were bland, contrived, and almost felt pointless. Most of the side plots/stories felt like mere after thoughts just so that some characters could have some screen time for superficial character development, and to give the main plot a buffer.

    - Tone shifts felt forced and were not especially fluid.
    Comedic tones overstayed their welcome, and dramatic/emotion tones felt out of place and melodramatic at times.

    -There were too many jumps in logic just to chug the plot along, even after suspension of disbelief.

    This part is a rant and contains spoilers, but nothing is mentioned in specifics. The writers tried too hard to be clever here with the twist ending and pushed it too far. "You know that minor character that's been added and has been, retroactively, gaining the trust of the main character? Well, they're actually the bad guy. But wait! There's more. You remember that one character that was mentioned in passing, who was assumed dead? Well, they're this same bad guy, the main villain. haha, get it? They're actually Vecna!" If this all happened in season 2, it would have been acceptable, but happening in season 4 feels like a copout. It all just feels contrived at this point in the story.

    My biggest personal complaint is the use of Diabolus Ex Machina - adding a villainous, evil element into the story almost out of nowhere for the sake of the plot - because it feels cheap. And the motivations of the main villain are your generic, run-of-the-mill "I want to rule/change the world!" They're trying to make this Vecna fit in as the Vecna from D&D, however ST's Vecna is extremely hollow in comparison. The villain was mad, because they "lived in a society", so they randomly developed telekinetic mind power through will power. Whereas later children literally had to be trained since early childhood in order to gain this same telekinetic power. Also, how did the character that took in the main villain, as a child, even know they had these powers to begin with to start their telekinetic, assassin children training program? Who knows? Maybe that will be explained later in V2?

    It feels like the writers tried doing too much, but ultimately left the series feeling very empty and unsatisfying. It wants to be Akira. It wants to be Star Wars. It wants to be IT. It wants to be the Matrix. It wants to be too many different things that it doesn't commit to any one thing. Also, tried too hard to make this all fit into an allegory for the nuclear arms race and nuclear fallout, but it all falls a flat especially after the first 2 seasons. Again, if this series ended at season 2, it would have been more satisfying.

    Now, there's plenty more but that's what is on the top of my head by the end of the series. The good? The acting, the cinematography, and the score was pretty good. Maybe S4 V2 will wrap all of this up with a satisfying conclusion, but S4 V1 just left a bad after taste in my mouth. But, that's just like my opinion, man.    … Expand
  37. Voodoo123
    Jul 3, 2022
    7
    Great plot and visual effects carry the show. A mixed bag of performances from the now bloated cast and the resultant strange mixture of tones switching inconsistently from comedy to action to mystery and back to horror can feel bumpy at times. Some great track choices and ost along with some very good direction and cinematography keep the pacing on track. Definitely worth watching if youGreat plot and visual effects carry the show. A mixed bag of performances from the now bloated cast and the resultant strange mixture of tones switching inconsistently from comedy to action to mystery and back to horror can feel bumpy at times. Some great track choices and ost along with some very good direction and cinematography keep the pacing on track. Definitely worth watching if you enjoyed the previous seasons.… Expand
  38. HotelCentral
    Jul 9, 2022
    6
    Well, here's the thing: Episode 9 is 2+hours long and probably rates as the longest finale ever filmed and ultimately the finale finalizes nothing because the bad guy is still out there and the good guys still need to deal with him "one final time"!!! I mean, this is comic book writing. And I'm really getting tired of watching people with psychic powers throw other people and creaturesWell, here's the thing: Episode 9 is 2+hours long and probably rates as the longest finale ever filmed and ultimately the finale finalizes nothing because the bad guy is still out there and the good guys still need to deal with him "one final time"!!! I mean, this is comic book writing. And I'm really getting tired of watching people with psychic powers throw other people and creatures against walls and sometimes through walls. I mean, the first 20 times it was pretty cool, but now it's getting really old.

    Series needs to get some real writing talent involved.    … Expand
  39. Grendizer
    Jun 6, 2022
    9
    Wow. What a strong season this is so far. Production value, music, acting, writing, all on a high level. Some other streaming series should be more like that (looking at you Obi-Wan). Can't wait for more. Very enjoyable. Some characters are left out too much imho, hope we see them in the last episodes and it will make sense they were left out.
  40. HannibalB
    Jul 25, 2022
    3
    Better than Season 3, not as good as Seasons 1 & 2. Season 4 is dragged out, overblown, confused, and filled with way too much sobbing and heart-to-hearts. Kids don't talk so openly or eloquently about their emotions then or now. But there were some good moments, especially with 11, and a nice surprise or two. So it wasn't all bad.
  41. Ahlgren
    May 31, 2022
    6
    Probably one of the best fantasy series 2022.
    Probably the only thing that worth watching on Netflix.
  42. SimboTheKing
    Jul 17, 2022
    8
    I think that season 4 of stranger things finds it on a strong return to form. I nver quite hated the show but I did feel that season 2 and 3 felt a little dragged out. I often complained that it felt as if the show had initially been designed for one season and then had continued on as it had found success. Season 4 finally led to the story feeling like a coherent whole and it was veryI think that season 4 of stranger things finds it on a strong return to form. I nver quite hated the show but I did feel that season 2 and 3 felt a little dragged out. I often complained that it felt as if the show had initially been designed for one season and then had continued on as it had found success. Season 4 finally led to the story feeling like a coherent whole and it was very appreciated. I enjoyed the acting of sadie sink and MBB a lot, especially as I wasn't expecting such a performance out of Sink. Finn Wolfhard was my least liked aspect though, his performance felt weak. I also enjoyed WIll's story this season. I'm glad next season is the last as it feels like it can finally wrap up the story without it becoming overly convoluted.… Expand
  43. glomman
    Aug 21, 2022
    7
    I think Season 4 is better than Season 3 in some aspects, given how chronically stupid the setup for S3 was. However, the whole thing feels like an overdone Scooby Doo adventure, with overly elongated episodes and actions and motivations that lie pretty flat. It's fun to watch, definitely, you just won't pull anything useful from it afterwards.
    Also the whole sub-plot with Hopper is kinda    I think Season 4 is better than Season 3 in some aspects, given how chronically stupid the setup for S3 was. However, the whole thing feels like an overdone Scooby Doo adventure, with overly elongated episodes and actions and motivations that lie pretty flat. It's fun to watch, definitely, you just won't pull anything useful from it afterwards.
    Also the whole sub-plot with Hopper is kinda useless.    … Expand
  44. ITS_PEDRO
    Jun 9, 2022
    8
    La verdad es que no estaba nada hypeado por ver esta temporada. Las 2 ultimas eran bastante normales (tirando a malas) lo cual hizo que mi interes caiga. Pero la verdad es que esta temporada me sorprendio! Me encanto como la manejaron, la historia, las es escenas todo muy bien logrado. Tambien me encanto ver la evolucion de los distitnos personajes; una de las cosas que mas gusto fue comoLa verdad es que no estaba nada hypeado por ver esta temporada. Las 2 ultimas eran bastante normales (tirando a malas) lo cual hizo que mi interes caiga. Pero la verdad es que esta temporada me sorprendio! Me encanto como la manejaron, la historia, las es escenas todo muy bien logrado. Tambien me encanto ver la evolucion de los distitnos personajes; una de las cosas que mas gusto fue como se relaciono con anterirores temporadas.

    Lo unico que no me gusto fue el grupo de Will, las escenas se sentian aburridas e innecesarias. Algo parecido me paso con Hopper, algunas escenas eran demasiado relleno. Otra cosa, que no me gusto fue Vecna, no imponia nada de miedo por mas que el personaje era genial, el aspecto era bastante triste.

    Esta temporada fue de mis favoritas junto a la primera. Siento que son de las que podes ver muchas veces y difrutar, con uno que otro chiste bueno. A veces se sentia aburrida pero retomaba el ritmo.    … Expand
  45. Fatbob15
    Oct 21, 2022
    10
    ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE, this is the kind of season that can appeal to EVERYONE, and it's a complete shocking, wild ride
  46. doovid
    Aug 29, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The fact that this show was only meant to be one season gets more obvious every time they put out a new one. The first season was so good and sadly each successive season is just a little bit worse.

    Every character has devolved into something less than they were originally. The strong intelligent people who won our hearts have become boring and stupid. Which makes sense when you realize the plot hinges on the characters being as dumb as possible for it to progress.

    It's not awful, but it's not good either. You can easily find something better to watch.

    PS: Seriously. Hopper was captured by The Russians and has been in a labor camp since last season because no one bothered to even GO AND SEE IF HE WAS DEAD BEFORE LEAVING HIM? So stupid...    … Expand
  47. MetacriticOnur
    Jul 2, 2022
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  48. siouxzeigh
    Jun 6, 2022
    10
    Exciting, suspenseful, and heartfelt -- this may be the best season yet. The series seemed to lose its way a bit in season three, but they've come back stronger after an extended break.
  49. SnoopWalrus
    Jun 6, 2022
    9
    I didn’t think they could do it again, but this might be the best season so far. For once I felt like the splitting of the party didn’t slow down the pace of the story. It’s so hard to stop watching. I can hardly wait for the remaining two episodes to be released next month. If the first 7 episodes are any indication the finale should be incredible.
  50. Gts08
    Nov 25, 2022
    8
    Part I
    Stranger Things continues to shine at characters, style, atmosphere and now, even horror. I was very skeptical with it after seasons 2 & 3, but the series somehow managed to go back to its origins - as for the quality. I was thrilled all the way through. Finally we got to know a lot of things about the Upside Down (as expected), the origins of Eleven and that how the two crosses    Part I
    Stranger Things continues to shine at characters, style, atmosphere and now, even horror. I was very skeptical with it after seasons 2 & 3, but the series somehow managed to go back to its origins - as for the quality. I was thrilled all the way through. Finally we got to know a lot of things about the Upside Down (as expected), the origins of Eleven and that how the two crosses each other. It adds a decent mystery, some nostalgia as well (but not too much) and a surprising twist. It was sometimes predictable, though, but as an '80s fanboy, I loved every minute of it. Gonna give it an 8 / 10, before Part II arrives. Now, I have actual expectations for the ending. And they're very high, dangit!

    Part II
    I am satisfied.    … Expand
  51. lucyhoneychurch
    Jul 12, 2022
    1
    I couldn't agree more with the other negative reviews here. It's clear everyone involved with ST is under contract to produce more episodes/seasons of a show that has everyone hooked. They're attempting to make something out of nothing and it ain't working. Bloated beyond recognition of the fun, nostalgic first season. Every episode could be 75% shorter. The acting is god-awful atrocious,I couldn't agree more with the other negative reviews here. It's clear everyone involved with ST is under contract to produce more episodes/seasons of a show that has everyone hooked. They're attempting to make something out of nothing and it ain't working. Bloated beyond recognition of the fun, nostalgic first season. Every episode could be 75% shorter. The acting is god-awful atrocious, other than from a couple actors for whom I feel very sorry to see forced to deliver sappy, poorly written schlock. We were just moaning through every scene in the last episode. It takes itself so seriously. Enough already. We're done with this show. It has overstayed it's welcome.… Expand
  52. Killswitch73
    Jul 5, 2022
    9
    BRILLIANT !! But . to finish it off in season 5 it has to be all out War with Vecna and the upside down with Hawkins. The not so kids anymore need to be written in a way that the whole world , not just Hawkins needs to know what these kids have gone through the past 4 seasons (5 by the time it ends) the writers need to put it in that Eddie did not Die for nothing and Hawkins thinking hes aBRILLIANT !! But . to finish it off in season 5 it has to be all out War with Vecna and the upside down with Hawkins. The not so kids anymore need to be written in a way that the whole world , not just Hawkins needs to know what these kids have gone through the past 4 seasons (5 by the time it ends) the writers need to put it in that Eddie did not Die for nothing and Hawkins thinking hes a killer when he was in fact a HERO !!! Please don't make Nancy out to be a slut as that was messed up her pulling her chin up off the floor with Steve. I like Steve but he needs to move on and Jonathan needs more screen time in season 5 and not a stoner !… Expand
  53. Diego507
    Jun 1, 2022
    10
    Esta temporada fue increible, volvio a sus raices en la que la volvieron famosa.
    Los efectos, la direccion, la cinematografia, cuidaron cada detalle.
    Que ganas de que ya sea 1ero de julio.
  54. ElBilly
    Jul 1, 2022
    2
    Well, all good things come to an end. Sadly, it's Stranger Things turn. They went beyond season 3 with the "funny > drama" formula, and what we got is bloated mediocre season.

    They repeated over and over stuff like bullies, being saved from "certain death" situations with funny stuff, they totally ruined characters like Will and Lucas, they bloated the whole season with trite stuff.    Well, all good things come to an end. Sadly, it's Stranger Things turn. They went beyond season 3 with the "funny > drama" formula, and what we got is bloated mediocre season.

    They repeated over and over stuff like bullies, being saved from "certain death" situations with funny stuff, they totally ruined characters like Will and Lucas, they bloated the whole season with trite stuff.

    Comparing this season with the first two makes one see how badly it is, how it forcefully tries to add situations that seem taken from Marvel movies, which don't even go along with the series.    … Expand
  55. Maxdom77
    Jul 26, 2022
    5
    Es la caricaturizacion completa de una serie que perdio su estilo original.
    ¿Recuerdan cuando esta serie tenia terror bien hecho? ahora es un slasher exagerrado. Ahora los poderes de Eleven y Vecna estan rotos y no tienen reglas. Tramas de poca importancia que bajo la importancia de la trama de Vecna. Hablando del villano sacado de qlo, es otro villano "LA SOCIedad me HiZO MALVado, vivimos    Es la caricaturizacion completa de una serie que perdio su estilo original.
    ¿Recuerdan cuando esta serie tenia terror bien hecho? ahora es un slasher exagerrado. Ahora los poderes de Eleven y Vecna estan rotos y no tienen reglas. Tramas de poca importancia que bajo la importancia de la trama de Vecna. Hablando del villano sacado de qlo, es otro villano "LA SOCIedad me HiZO MALVado, vivimos es una socieDAD" No, vecna no tiene razon, vecna es literalmente hitler. Esta lleno de agujeros de guion y muchas cosas mas, esta serie se convirtio en la serie de netflix mas promedio que te puedas imaginar.
    Pero bueno, al menos la musica sigue estando re buena    … Expand
  56. skookum
    Jul 3, 2022
    4
    There were some good ideas at the start. I liked Eleven as a bullied high school outcast ready to lash out at any moment, and the Satanic Panic stuff was a great overall premise for the season and a great use of the setting. Sadly, beyond the first few episodes, both of these ideas are completely wasted.

    The season quickly becomes a long, plodding, disjointed slog of cringe-worthy    There were some good ideas at the start. I liked Eleven as a bullied high school outcast ready to lash out at any moment, and the Satanic Panic stuff was a great overall premise for the season and a great use of the setting. Sadly, beyond the first few episodes, both of these ideas are completely wasted.

    The season quickly becomes a long, plodding, disjointed slog of cringe-worthy contrite dialog, overacting, and unimaginative plot development. There's too many characters with too little to do. So they endlessly drone on in cheesy monologues about their emotions and relationships with each other instead of allowing the audience figure it out through actions and subtext. So much of this season is spent trying to wring emotional reactions from the audience and failing miserably. I laughed at multiple scenes that were supposed to be big sad moments and that's not a good sign.

    It was a very bad decision to have basically three independent plots happening simultaneously, only finally coming together (sloppily) at the very end. They really wrote themselves into a corner and fixing this season fully would've required a total rewrite.

    One final complaint: the sound design and editing is often so over-the-top that it undermines otherwise good scenes. I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that a trailer-house edited this season, because it's like they desperately tried to punch up every other scene with obnoxious sound effects and cuts.

    I liked the first season of Stranger Things a lot, and enjoyed the other two well enough. But after this season I don't even know if I'll watch the next one.    … Expand
  57. zeroplus
    Jul 6, 2022
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Season 4 has some good moments, but eventually devolves into lazy predictability, many extended schmaltzy dialogues, and incoherence. Many unforgivable violations of their universe's own rules occur. Four demon bats will floor and (almost) eviscerate an intruder. Four *thousand* demon bats will merely fly at high speed past a character at convenient bin-lid-shield height. Smegma can torture and kill instantly, unless the story requires him to work himself up to it over a quarter-hour. Demagorgons are impervious to trained soldiers' automatic-weapon fire, but weak against swords.

    The show has nothing left to say or explore, but dang if they aren't going to keep saying it until someone cancels them. Season 5 teased!    … Expand
  58. DolphinReviews
    Jul 22, 2022
    7
    It's tied with season 1 as the best season. Episode 7 is extremally strong. It's a good season all around.
  59. CarlElmore
    Jan 23, 2023
    9
    Some of the best moments and episodes are here within most of the first part of Season 4. Really great stuff.
  60. phoenix_prjct
    Apr 20, 2023
    10
    Final Thoughts:

    Stranger Things is a phenomenon that is going to be remembered for years to come. Season 4 sets an impeccable standard that final-outing 5 is going to have to work mighty hard to beat. The minds behind the show, the cast, the crew, and everyone involved, are irrefutably talented, and, if anyone can end things properly, we are most definitely in good hands. For the    Final Thoughts:

    Stranger Things is a phenomenon that is going to be remembered for years to come. Season 4 sets an impeccable standard that final-outing 5 is going to have to work mighty hard to beat. The minds behind the show, the cast, the crew, and everyone involved, are irrefutably talented, and, if anyone can end things properly, we are most definitely in good hands.

    For the full review and more posts like it, visit my site: https://thephoenixprjct.com    … Expand
  61. Juddee
    Jan 28, 2023
    10
    Best season to date. Stranger Things Season 4 is the biggest, most action-packed, and most mysterious season. Also noticeably more focused on psychological horror than the other seasons. While not perfect, it would be hard to not enjoy watching this mystery unfold.
  62. Fixer84
    Mar 16, 2023
    7
    The first seven episodes of the fourth season of Stranger Things contain both absolute masterpieces, such as the episode 4x04 "Dear Billy", and others that are only transient. An alternation that does not ruin the series, but which is inevitable to build the foundations of the epic finale that will then be reached in part 4.5 of Stranger Things.
  63. Dimocracy
    Jul 6, 2023
    9
    It is very interesting what will happen next! I quickly watched this season and am really looking forward to the final one.

Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Shirley Li
    Jun 13, 2022
    79
    Amid the show’s ballooning scale and scope, Stranger Things finds an unexpected anchor not in its ensemble of fan favorites but in its latest villain: a supernatural serial killer dubbed Vecna after—what else?—a Dungeons and Dragons character. Vecna resides in the Upside Down, but unlike previous visitors, he’s humanlike, with a voice, a face, and, most chilling of all, a worldview.
    Read full review
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    Jun 2, 2022
    80
    The visual effects are more sophisticated and so is the filmmaking; the transitions between scenes, which track four different running story lines, are more elegant and make a sprawling season feel relatively cohesive. Does it feel bloated given those longer run-times? At times, yes. But by episode three, I was again invested in what’s happening in Hawkins (as well as some new locations), and less concerned about the amount of minutes that investment required.
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Lorraine Ali
    May 31, 2022
    80
    There is plenty of fun to be had in “Stranger Things 4,” which both celebrates and parodies a decade that pushed conformity, conservatism and questionable style.
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