Critics Have Spoken, ‘Stranger Things’ Did Not Have the Worst Final Season of a Show in Recent Memory 

Now that a week has gone by and Stranger Thingsfans and critics have had some time to fully process the final season of the series, a sentiment of dissatisfaction appears to be growing, and a big sticking point rests in the “plot holes.”

For example, several people have been wondering how Max (Sadie Sink) miraculously graduated high school with her friends despite having been in a coma for roughly 18 months. Thoughtful viewers also questioned how Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) managed to run and carry Max through a hospital, considering he supposedly suffered a deep gash across his chest after battling a demogorgon. And a big point of contention among the Stranger Things audience has been how Joyce (Winona Ryder) and Hopper (David Harbour) apparently went to school with Henry Creel (Jamie Campbell Bower), but never appear to acknowledge that they’ve even heard of Henry as adults or connect him as Vecna. 

Outside of these plot holes and others, the final season of Stranger Things has also been heavily criticized for the mystery surrounding Eleven’s (Millie Bobby Brown) fate. Is Mike (Finn Wolfhard) right, and she survived, or did she die? Plus, there are plenty of those crying foul over the full explanation of how Vecna became Vecna and his dealings with an alien world. 

‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Actually Has Overwhelmingly Positive Reviews from Critics

Despite all the pushback that the final episodes of Stranger Things have received from fans, season 5 is “Certified Fresh” by Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 83%. From The Washington Post to TV Guide to The LA Times, they all applaud the season, despite the thumbs down from naysayers. With that being said, having an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes officially means Stranger Things doesn’t have the worst series ending, according to the critics-aggregating site. 

How Does the Final Season of 'Stranger Things' Stack Up Against Other Show Endings?

In recent years, there have been several series that have greatly impacted culture and held the TV and streaming landscape in a chokehold. Shows that viewers would beg to see more of to this day. Looking at the big ones and how they were received in the end, it may come as a shock to many of those unhappy with Stranger Things Season 5 to learn that the sci-fi’s ending is actually one of the better reviewed. Take a look at the Rotten Tomato scores for the final seasons of the following shows: 

• Breaking Bad Season 5: “Certified Fresh” at 97% 
• Squid Game Season 3: “Certified Fresh” at 78%
• Mad Men Season 7: “Certified Fresh” at 90%
• The Walking Dead Season 11: “Certified Fresh” at 80%
• Game of ThronesSeason 8: Received a score of 55%

'Stranger Things' or 'Game of Thrones', Which Show Had the Better Final Season?

If Rotten Tomatoes is to be believed, then the answer is quite clear. Critics clearly preferred the ending of Stranger Things over Game of Thrones. However, in my personal opinion, Game of Thrones edges out the Netflix series. I have plenty of criticisms for the HBO show’s season 8, but having watched the series for a second time, the character endings felt a bit more satisfying and complete, while the story arc of the “big bad” made a lot more sense when everything was said and done. It likely receives harsh opinions because the other seasons were exceptional, but Game of Thrones Season 8 was just good.

So as conversations continue on the matter, I urge fans with the time to go back and watch the endings of both shows and make their own assessment.