Stranger Things 5 Shatters Records, Then Faces Steep Drop in Week 2

Stranger Things season 5 kicked off with a bang, drawing in a staggering 59.6 million viewers during its debut week on Netflix. However, the excitement seemed to cool off quickly, as the show's audience shrank to 23.6 million in its second week, covering December 1 through December 7. This sharp decline doesn't necessarily spell trouble for the series, though. It 's likely that most fans rushed to watch the new episodes as soon as they dropped, leading to a natural dip in numbers the following week.

Unprecedented Premiere and Fierce Competition

The latest season's opening week set a new high for English-language series on the platform, outpacing previous records. For comparison, the Korean thriller Squid Game season 3 pulled in 60.1 million views within its first three days earlier this year. Stranger Things season 4 wrapped up with a total of 140.7 million views, so all eyes are on whether the current season can top that impressive milestone.

What’s Next for the Final Season

Fans still have plenty to look forward to, as two more installments are on the way. Volume 2 is set to arrive on December 25, with the grand finale scheduled for December 31. The anticipation is building, and the show's creators are keeping details under wraps, fueling speculation and excitement among viewers.

Critical Response and Fan Reactions

In our review of the first part of season 5, the show earned four stars.

"After a three-year wait, Volume 1 of the fifth and final season of Stranger Things doesn't disappoint, with blockbuster set-pieces, riveting twists, heartbreaking performances, and a cliffhanger that will make you wish it was Christmas Day already. Roll on Volume 2."

For those eager to stay updated, the release schedule is available, and fans can revisit the key moments from part 1 with detailed breakdowns and explanations.