Devoted followers of the global phenomenon Stranger Things have been dealt a double blow: first, a nail-biting cliffhanger in the new season, and second, a major announcement that has left British viewers feeling excluded and furious.
The Stunning Power Reveal in Hawkins
After a long hiatus, the fifth and final season of Netflix's sci-fi hit finally began last week, with the first four episodes dropping to immediate acclaim. The story took a shocking turn in Episode 4, which unveiled the true, formidable extent of Will Byers' (Noah Schnapp) abilities.
Drawing on his traumatic past connection to the villain Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), Will discovered he could harness the monster's own dark magic. In the episode's climax, he seized control of attacking Demogorgons, lifting them telekinetically and brutally disabling them to save his friends. The display, which left him with a tell-tale nosebleed akin to Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown), suggests the battle for the Upside Down is about to be radically transformed.
A Bitter Pill for UK Fans
While fans eagerly await the next instalment—Episodes 5 to 7 arrive on December 26, with the grand finale on January 1—a separate update has caused widespread disappointment. On December 1, the official Stranger Things social media accounts announced special fan screenings in cinemas for the final episodes ahead of their Netflix debut.
The catch? The event is limited exclusively to fans in the United States and Canada. The decision has ignited a wave of anger and frustration among the show's massive UK fanbase, who feel sidelined despite the series' immense popularity across Britain.
Social Media Backlash Erupts
The reaction online was swift and pointed. One dismayed fan declared, "What a terrible day to be in England," capturing the mood of many. Another criticised the geographic restriction, stating, "Ugh, it's cool they're doing an epic screening but... US & Canada only? Seriously?"
They argued for a more inclusive approach, adding, "The final season's Episode 4 got a 9.7/10 IMDb rating globally. This show is bigger than one continent... Couldn't they do a simultaneous, free global stream?" Another fan pointed out the show's current top spot in the UK charts, questioning the logic behind omitting cinema events there.
The sentiment was echoed with demands for worldwide access, with one viewer joking, "Make it worldwide you cowards, do you not think Europe wants this too?" while another desperately sought a transatlantic flight.
For now, UK audiences must content themselves with the streaming schedule. The first four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 are available now on Netflix, with the fate of Hawkins—and the hopes of its British fans—hanging in the balance.
