Overview
- Netflix released a new trailer for the last episode, which arrives January 1 and runs about two hours and eight minutes.
- Audience reception has dropped sharply, with Rotten Tomatoes user scores around 56–59% and Episode 7 earning the series’ lowest IMDb rating near 5.4–5.9.
- Episode 7’s coming‑out scene for Will sparked a wave of negative campaigning and culture‑war criticism, including comments from Elon Musk, alongside allegations of review bombing.
- Petitions seeking alleged deleted or “director’s cut” footage have gathered well over 200,000 signatures, though cast member Randy Havens has said no director’s cut exists.
- Critics and viewers fault the three‑part release plan and perceived narrative issues, while the Duffer brothers say the finale is meant to resolve outstanding questions.