Overview

• On August 1, King announced via social media that season three would conclude the series with a 12-episode, two-part finale
• The series finale streamed on August 14, wrapping up the 33-episode run since the show’s HBO Max debut in late 2021
• Critics praised the sharpened ensemble interactions in season three while critiquing the uneven integration of new characters and modern themes
• After setting HBO Max records with its initial premiere, viewership steadily declined over all three seasons
• Longstanding creative constraints—including offscreen cast absences—and polarizing plot decisions fueled both intense fan discussion and critical scrutiny