Spoiler-Free Review of “Stranger Things” Season 5: Part 1 on Netflix: A Solid Start to the End

*This is a spoiler-free review for season five so feel free to read on!*

“It was always just about me…”

Stranger Things season five (part 1) premiered on Netflix on November 26th 2025 with four new episodes available to stream now. Part two will release on December 25th and the series finale will air on December 31st. The sci-fi horror series stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, and Natalia Dyer. Each episode runs for approximately 90-140 minutes.

Our beloved group is put to the test once again as they try to stop Vecna from abducting the children of Hawkins before it’s too late.

Here is the trailer:

Stranger Things season five brings us back to the town of Hawkins after quite some time. Does it have enough steam left to finish out the series in a satisfying way? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Great pacing.

The episodes for season 5 are once again on the long side. Each one almost feels like a mini movie, but I have to say that time flew by while I was watching each one. Episode 1 took me a little bit of time to adapt, but I think that’s mostly because I was trying to remember everything that had happened previously. I strongly recommend watching the recap if you haven’t done a recent re-watch.

Episodes 2-4 were fantastic with pacing, however. I was on the edge of my seat and there were so many stand out moments. So far part 1 is delivering in terms of a final season. It really feels like it’s leading up to an exciting conclusion…don’t let me down!

Images courtesy of Netflix

Characters begin to reach their true potential…

It’s about time! There were SO many incredible moments between characters so far. There will be no spoilers in this review, but the conversation between Robin and Will is one of the most vulnerable and real moments I’ve ever witnessed on a television series. It didn’t feel forced. It just transpired in such an authentic way, which truly moved me.

I also really loved seeing some supporting characters step up and I loved the introduction of Nell Fisher (Evil Dead Rise) who took over the role of Holly Wheeler. You can just tell that she’s going to be a star!

Also, shout-out to scene stealer, Erica Sinclair once again!

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

It’s been some time…

Season 4 came out in 2022 so it’s been a huge gap for the audience. I didn’t have the time to do a re-watch so I was scratching my head quite a few times trying to put the pieces together during certain moments. Eventually things caught up for me, but I wish we didn’t have to wait so long for these episodes.

So far I really don’t have too many cons. I just hope that we have enough time to give each and every one of these characters the screen time they deserve because we’ve spent years watching them grow. I’m confident we’ll achieve it though.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!

Stranger Things season 5 is off to a fantastic start with plenty of heart-pounding and heartfelt moments packed in.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Stranger Things season five (part 1) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A Halloween they’ll never forget…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

Spoiler-Free Review of “Stranger Things” Season 4 Volume 1 on Netflix: Delivers with 80’s horror vibe

*This is a spoiler-free review for season four so feel free to read on!*

“What have you done?”

Stranger Things season four (volume 1) premiered on Netflix on May 27th 2022 with seven new episodes available to stream now. The final two episodes of the season will air on July 1st 2022. The sci-fi horror series stars Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, and Natalia Dyer. Each episode runs for approximately 65-75 minutes.

It’s Spring Break in the town of Hawkins, but our beloved group encounters a new nightmarish threat targeting local teens.

Here is the trailer:

Stranger Things season four is more mature in a lot of ways, channeling classic 80’s horror films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Hellraiser, while giving us plenty of reveals to be excited about. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Dark fast-paced plot.

Our characters have grown up a lot so it makes sense for the plot to mature as well. I absolutely loved the 80’s horror vibe. We got a great cameo/small role that furthered some of these similarities even more and the dark and twisted story really was quite frightening this time around.

I loved every second of it!

Standout episodes: 4 and 7!

Images courtesy of Netflix

Supporting characters get their chance to shine!

I appreciated that we took some time for each character on the series to get some well deserved screen time. There’s a lot of characters and a lot of subplots going on, but the longer episodes actually helped us catch up with all of them. The new characters really added something as well.

Standout performance goes to Sadie Sink as Max. Wow, she was absolutely incredible! I’m really glad we got a chance to see her character develop more.

The Nancy and Robin adventures were pure entertainment and the other characters had plenty of fantastic moments as well.

I would have liked for Erica to have gotten some more screen time, however.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

I have to wait until July to watch the last two episodes…

Seriously, that’s my only con. I love this series so much and I think that season 4 has been absolutely incredible so far. I can’t wait to see how it all ends!

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in 100 percent!!!!!

Dark, twisted, and so much fun to watch! Season 4 has been absolutely incredible so far and I highly recommend it!

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Stranger Things season four (volume 1) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

A Halloween they’ll never forget…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My new young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!