The highly anticipated finale of Netflix's global sci-fi phenomenon, 'Stranger Things', which premiered on New Year's Day, has triggered a wave of mixed and largely negative reactions from its dedicated fanbase. After a decade-long journey that began in 2016, viewers who tuned in for the emotional conclusion were left expressing widespread disappointment, with many drawing direct parallels to another famously criticised series ending: HBO's 'Game of Thrones'.
Social Media Erupts with Fan Disappointment
Almost as soon as the final episode aired, social media platforms were inundated with posts from fans venting their frustration and disbelief. The core of the criticism targeted the show's final battle, the swift defeat of the central villain Vecna, the pacing of the final season, and a perceived lack of emotional payoff. Many felt that years of intricate buildup were wasted in a rushed conclusion.
"They Game Of Thrones'd the finale. Sickening," one user tweeted, capturing the sentiment of many. Another wrote, "Thought Game of Thrones had the worst finale, but #StrangerThings has gotten the win. What a waste of time!" This sense of a wasted investment was a recurring theme, with some viewers sarcastically suggesting the finale "could of been an email."
Key Points of Criticism and Abandoned Storylines
Fans were particularly vocal about several aspects. Some criticised the anti-climactic nature of the final showdown, questioning why a threat built up over nine years was resolved so quickly. Others pointed to the ever-expanding ensemble cast, arguing that it led to neglected character arcs and ruined the pacing in later seasons.
"In regards to the final episode, there’s no stakes and there’s no emotional impact. As for the whole show, the cast just got too big. Characters and plot lines just got left behind," read a typical post. The finale's avoidance of major character deaths, despite the high-stakes battle, also drew ire, with fans comparing it unfavourably to the unpredictable and often brutal narrative of 'Game of Thrones'.
The Inevitable Game of Thrones Comparison
The comparison to the 2019 finale of 'Game of Thrones' became the dominant online narrative. Fans noted the similarity in waiting nearly a decade for a conclusion that felt unsatisfying. They likened the experience to waiting eight seasons for Daenerys Targaryen's controversial turn and Bran Stark's ascension.
"After what we’ve just seen, the criticism of Game of Thrones’ final season makes no sense anymore," one fan commented. The parallels even extended to the cast, with users sharing a clip comparing Millie Bobby Brown's (Eleven) reaction to a question about the finale to Emilia Clarke's (Daenerys) famously awkward response about the 'GoT' ending, suggesting the actors had tried to warn audiences.
This backlash comes despite creators the Duffer Brothers explicitly stating in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that fans should not expect a 'Game of Thrones'-style bloodbath, asserting, "We're not in Westeros... There's not going to be a Red Wedding situation." The series, which launched the careers of its young cast and became a pop-culture staple, has now concluded its run amidst a divisive and passionate online debate about the perils of sticking the landing for beloved long-running shows.
