The fourth season of Stranger Things is one of the most successful so far, but despite the critical acclaim and sky-high streaming numbers, the two-part installment has received some criticism for its run time. Fortunately, showrunners Matt and Ross Duffer assure fans that the fifth and final season of the hit Netflix series will not have episodes as long as its predecessor.
Stranger Things season 4 was released in two volumes on May 27 and July 1, 2022, respectively. Upon its release, fans quickly pointed out the length of the episodes: the Stranger Things season 4 finale clocked in at two and a half hours, for example. Nevertheless, that didn't stop the science fiction series from becoming a success and even landing an Emmy nomination for Best Drama Series.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Duffer brothers explained that a change in their writing styles and the inclusion of Hopper's storyline in Russia likely added to the episode's runtime, a realization that only came to them during editing. Still, the pair don't plan on using the same approach for season 5. "I don’t think the run times will be as extreme in season five," Matt Duffer told THR. "We’re trying to return to the simplicity of the structure in season one, with bigger scale and scope. Except for the finale, which I’m expecting will be pretty massive."
The co-creators previously hinted that Stranger Things season 5 would be shorter than season 4. In July, they said they were aiming for the final season to run for about 10 hours total. That said, while the runtime for the final season will be shorter than season 4, it will be longer than season 1 on account of there being so much to wrap up
While plot specifics remain unclear, season 4 ends with Will Byers (played by Noah Schnapp) sensing Vecna's presence weeks after the seemingly final battle in the Upside Down. The return of the antagonist will undoubtedly contribute to abbreviated episodes, as the characters (and the audience) already know who they need to defeat. With fan-favorite Eddie Munson presumed dead and Max in a coma, the final season of the series will also refrain from introducing new Stranger Things characters and instead focus on giving the beloved series a proper closure.
There is no official release date for season 5, but the Duffer brothers recently revealed that they have started writing Stranger Things' final season. Considering that filming will likely begin in 2023, at best, fans can expect to see one epic final battle between their favorite heroes and the Upside Down in 2024.
Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter