This story contains some spoilers for the first episodes of Season 5
After years of anticipation, Stranger Things Season 5 finally dropped, and fans had strong reactions to the new episodes, the evolving Upside Down, and what may come next when more episodes drop this week.
Many viewers expressed excitement about returning to the series after such a long break. Senior Sierra Osborne shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I was actually excited since it’s been a while since I watched the show, and I got to binge-watch the later seasons just so I could be caught up on the newer ones.”
Senior Daniel Tanzymore echoed that same feeling, explaining that the time away made the return even more enjoyable.
“I was actually excited—it’s been a while since I watched the show, and I got to binge-watch the later seasons just so I could be caught up on the newer ones,” he said.
Marshawn Thomas described a different experience, noting that the beginning took some time to settle in.
“I felt amazing. I sat down with my popcorn and I watched it. In the first episode they were talking about a bunch of nothing, man,” he said. “I didn’t understand what they were saying, but once I got tuned in, it was like, alright, yeah—it’s good.”
When it came to binge-watching, some fans didn’t hold back.
“I watched all of them in one night, but the last episode,” Osborne said.
Tanzymore took it even further, adding in a follow-up, “I watched all of them in one night.”
The new developments in the Upside Down sparked both curiosity and confusion among viewers. Osborne explained that the added mystery kept her interested.
“I think it was a good addition, because I’m still kind of wondering what’s behind the wall. That’s very, very on my mind, and I like how they really know the Upside Down now. It’s not really just a thing—they know what it is.”
Tanzymore agreed, expanding on that idea. “I think it was a good addition because I’m still kind of wondering what’s behind the wall, or even if it’s something behind the wall. That’s very, very on my mind. I like how they really know the Upside Down now and being able to stay inside of it.”
Thomas, however, found those developments more confusing than intriguing. “It was confusing because how Eleven got powers in the end. Now all of a sudden Will got powers, like he was Vecna, but in the real world,” he said.
As for standout characters, Osborne pointed to a surprising turn. “Will surprised me the most with what happened at the end of the show.” Tanzymore agreed, keeping it simple: “Definitely Will, for sure.”
Thomas highlighted a different character entirely, “I’d say the guy that had taken the children—Mr. Whatsit, Henry.”
Opinions were mixed on whether the long wait for the season was worth it. Osborne felt satisfied overall, but still had reservations. “It was definitely worth the wait, but I think three years is kind of pushing it. Still, it was good.”
Tanzymore shared a similar opinion, saying, “It was definitely worth the wait. Three years was kind of pushing it, but it was good.”
Thomas disagreed, expressing frustration with the delay.
“No, it was not. They could have dropped it last year in December, but I guess,” he said.
Looking ahead, fans shared bold predictions for what might happen next. Osborne speculated about a major loss.
“I really think Eleven is gonna die. Her and Hopper are in danger.”
Tanzymore echoed that concern, adding, “I think Eleven is going to go down honestly. Her or Hopper is going to die—they’re in danger.”
Thomas envisioned a different turn for the story. “I feel like Vecna, Will, and Eleven are going to get the kids that he took and put them in the tree or whatever, and take them out.”
To add to the anticipation, the next episodes are set to drop on Christmas, with the final volume releasing on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.
