Stranger Things 5 Loses 60% of Viewers After Record Debut
Netflix's final season of the hit sci-fi series experienced a dramatic viewership drop in its second week despite breaking premiere records. Two more episodes are still coming.
Netflix's supernatural hit experienced a dramatic audience decline following its historic opening week performance. The final season's viewership tumbled from an impressive 59.6 million viewers during its debut to just 23.6 million in the following seven-day period, according to Netflix's official statistics.
This steep drop doesn't necessarily indicate trouble for the series, as the pattern suggests most fans consumed the new episodes immediately upon release. The show's conclusion will unfold across multiple drops, with the second volume arriving on Christmas Day and the series finale scheduled for New Year's Eve.
Breaking Records Despite the Drop
The season opener achieved the largest first-week audience for any English-language series in Netflix history. Only the Korean thriller Squid Game's third season managed higher numbers, pulling in 60.1 million viewers within its initial three days earlier this year.
The previous season concluded with 140.7 million total views, setting a high bar for the current final installment to surpass. Whether the concluding season can exceed that benchmark remains uncertain as the remaining episodes roll out.
Critical Reception Remains Strong
Professional reviews have praised the opening volume, with critics awarding four-star ratings. Early assessments highlight the season's impressive action sequences, compelling plot developments, and emotional performances that justify the three-year wait between seasons.
The first volume reportedly delivers satisfying blockbuster moments while building toward a cliffhanger ending that leaves audiences eagerly anticipating the Christmas release. The combination of spectacular set pieces and character-driven storytelling appears to maintain the show's signature appeal.