The release of the second part of Stranger Things' fifth and final season on Netflix has been met with a wave of unified criticism from its dedicated fanbase, all centred on one unexpected character's prominent role.
Fan Fury Over Focus Shift
Viewers have taken to social media platforms like X and Reddit to voice their frustration, arguing that the increased narrative focus on Holly Wheeler – the younger sister of Mike and Nancy, played by 14-year-old British-born actor Nell Fisher – has come at the expense of beloved, long-standing characters. In the latest episodes, Holly is kidnapped by Vecna into the Upside Down and escapes with help from Max (Sadie Sink) and a new character, Derek (Jake Connelly).
Many feel this development has unbalanced the show's final chapter. "Some of the original main cast is getting little to zero screen time," one fan complained online. "I mean, what are [they] doing here?" Another stated bluntly, "I simply do not f***ing care THIS much about Holly Wheeler."
Spin-Off Speculation and Story Concerns
The abrupt promotion of a previously background character has led to widespread speculation. A popular theory on Reddit suggests this is less about narrative necessity and more about Netflix planting seeds for a future spin-off series centred on Holly. "This doesn’t feel like a show wrapping up what it started," one post argued. "It feels like Netflix hedging its bets."
Others cited practical issues, noting that core characters like Eleven, Hopper, and Joyce have been sidelined while Holly's arc is expanded with "almost no buildup." "Too many characters, ages don’t make sense, using up valuable screen time," summarised one viewer.
The Show's Defence and Finale Ahead
In response to the fan discontent, the show's creative team has defended the creative choice. Director Shawn Levy told Netflix's Tudum site that centring Holly was purely story-driven. He explained it offered a new perspective and reinforced the show's themes of childhood and innocence. "We’ve all watched these kids grow up and have this very visceral connection," Levy said.
The first two segments of the final season are now streaming. The series is set to conclude with a super-sized finale episode arriving on 31 December 2025. While critic Nick Hilton found the season "fun and immersive," he expressed concern over whether the show can successfully "stick the landing." For many fans, the disproportionate focus on Holly Wheeler has already made the landing feel uneven.
