Stranger Things creators defend season 5's three-part split
The final season of Stranger Things will unfold in three parts across two months, marking the grand conclusion of the Netflix series. The Duffer Brothers say this structure broadens the story’s scope and gives each part its own cinematic weight.
Preparing for the grand finale
Ross Duffer explained in an interview with SFX Magazine that this time they intentionally planned the split to shape the story into two distinct halves.
“In season four, we weren’t aware that it was going to get split in two. It’s not Netflix’s fault, there was the pandemic, and we ended up dividing it so episodes could come out sooner. But this time, we knew we were going to divide it into two, so it really is in two halves. Volume One really exists as its own mega-movie. It has its own climax.”
The toughest episode yet
According to Ross Duffer, the fourth episode of season five has been the most complex and demanding one they’ve ever worked on.
“Episode four was the most challenging episode we’ve ever made, and that includes the finale – though on an emotional level, the finale was the hardest. I don’t know how many days I found myself crying, and I don’t cry very often outside of watching Pixar movies.”
The Duffer Brothers believe that this division not only suits the story but also enhances the emotional impact for viewers awaiting the show’s conclusion.
Author’s Summary
The Duffer Brothers assure fans that Stranger Things season five’s three-part release was a deliberate creative decision, designed to intensify both storytelling and emotional depth.