Overview
- The showrunners told Variety the moment was years in the making, said they did not expect homophobic attacks online, and reiterated they are proud of the episode and Schnapp’s performance.
- The penultimate chapter is now the series’ lowest-rated episode on IMDb after a surge of 1-star postings, with reports noting many originated in Saudi Arabia and parts of South Asia.
- News18 reports Season 5’s audience score dropped from 73% before Volume 2 to 56% afterward, marking a notable slide following the controversy.
- Noah Schnapp has said Will’s journey was established from the first season and called the scene real and grounded, adding that filming required about 12 hours for the monologue plus additional reshoots.
- The final season rolled out in three volumes with the finale on New Year’s Eve, as public reactions continued, including criticism reported from figures such as Elon Musk.