Despite the Hate, the 'Stranger Things' Finale Smashed Netflix's Ratings Records

Netflix's 'Stranger Things' Finale Breaks Records as Viewers Overcome Dislike to Devour More of the Sci-Fi Classic.

The highly-anticipated finale of the hit series "Stranger Things" did not go unnoticed, despite its polarizing plot choices. The five-season conclusion, titled "The Rightside Up," premiered on New Year's Eve and shattered Netflix's ratings records, with the streaming giant boasting its most-watched episode ever on the day.

According to a Netflix press release, season-five finale alone garnered 31.5 million views on New Year's Day, cementing its spot at No.1 on the English TV list. The season as a whole took the top spot, with an impressive 105.7 million total viewers, solidifying "Stranger Things" as one of Netflix's most-watched series.

This record-breaking performance came despite some fans expressing disappointment and frustration over certain plot developments. However, it appears that even those who were critical of the finale still couldn't resist tuning in again to see more of their beloved characters. This phenomenon highlights the enduring appeal of "Stranger Things," a testament to its ability to captivate audiences worldwide.

The success of "Stranger Things" also had a ripple effect on other seasons, with earlier installments seeing significant spikes in viewership. Season 1 now ranks No.3 on the English TV list, while Seasons 2 and 3 have secured spots at No.5 and No.7 respectively.

With this latest achievement, Netflix is poised to make "Stranger Things" one of its most successful franchises, paving the way for potential spin-offs and further growth in the world of sci-fi streaming. The upcoming making-of documentary series will give fans a deeper look into the creation of season five, but it remains to be seen if this success can translate to even greater heights for the beloved series.

just watched the finale i gotta say, some parts were kinda meh but overall, i loved how they wrapped up the storylines especially that cliffhanger ending, got me super hyped for more 105 million viewers? insane! i guess you can't deny the show's grip on fans even when it doesn't entirely hit the mark still so proud of how they brought Hawkins back to life in a different way

I'm not surprised that "Stranger Things" still managed to pull off such an epic finale . I mean, who wouldn't want to keep up with Eleven and the gang? The nostalgia factor plays a huge role here - people just can't get enough of Hawkins and its lovable misfits. But what's even more interesting is how this says something about our society as a whole. We're so invested in these characters that we'll overlook some major plot holes (no offense to all the fans who were salty about it ). It's like we're drawn into their world, and no matter how much they mess up, we still want more. That's both fascinating and a little scary - what does this say about our love for escapism?

OMG I am literally SHOOK by how well the final season did!!! I mean, I was HOPING for more Eleven and Mike romance, but even though some plot twists had me like "NOOOO!", it still got me back for more . The nostalgia levels are real, fam! I'm just so hyped that my favorite show is breaking records left and right . Can you believe season 1 is now number 3?! We need more Hawkins, dude!

I think its pretty cool how "Stranger Things" is still going strong even with some people not liking the last season.
Here's a little mind map on why I think its so appealing:
```
+---------------+
| Beloved |
| characters |
+---------------+
|
| nostalgia
v
+---------------+
| Nostalgia |
| for 80s/90s |
| pop culture |
+---------------+

|
| sci-fi/fantasy
v
+---------------+
| Epic plot |
| twists & turns |
+---------------+

|
| relatable themes
v
+---------------+
| Friendship |
| loyalty, |
| sacrifice |
+---------------+
```
I think its the perfect mix of nostalgia, sci-fi/fantasy elements, and relatable themes that keeps fans hooked.

So I'm thinking, how do they manage to get people to watch something that some folks didn't exactly love? Like, I've heard some fans were pretty salty about the finale... but still, it's a record-breaker! I mean, 31.5 million views on New Year's Day is crazy. It just goes to show that once you invest in a show, people will keep coming back for more, even if they're not totally sold on everything. And I guess that's what makes "Stranger Things" so special - it's got this weird charm that keeps fans hooked. But at the same time, it's also kind of wild that Netflix can use that as an excuse to create more content... will we ever see a point where the show just stops?

omg i cant even !!! like, i was so meh about the finale and all, but apparently ppl still went for more 31.5 mil views is insane!!! season 1 is now 3rd on the list lol what's next? maybe they'll bring back hawkins high school and we can relive all the nostalgia... i'm def gonna watch it again tho

I'm not surprised that people still ended up binge-watching the whole thing after being disappointed with the finale . I mean, those characters are so lovable and the nostalgia factor is huge. It's like, we've invested so much of our emotions into Mike, Will, Eleven, and the gang over the years, it's hard to resist one more fix . And let's be real, the 80s vibes in "Stranger Things" are straight fire . I'm excited to see what the making-of doc is gonna reveal about season five - maybe some behind-the-scenes peeks at the epic battles and sci-fi stuff?

omg i cant believe its over i was literally freaking out when i saw that 31.5 million views on new years day lol what did u guys think about the finale tho? was it satisfying for you or were there still some plot holes u just couldnt get over personally i'm gonna binge watch the whole series again and rewatch all the ep's 1-5 like 3 more times lol the making of doc is def a must see tho can't wait to dive deeper into how they made season 5

man, i'm not surprised that "Stranger Things" finale broke records, the hype around it was huge and the cast is literally amazing especially millie bobby brown as ele but i do think some plot twists were a bit out of left field lol what's up with hawkman? didn't see that coming anyway, its clear that the show still has so much love from fans and new viewers alike it'll be interesting to see if they can keep this momentum going for spin-offs or more seasons

man i knew they'd go all out on the finale lol 105.7 million views is wild imagine having that kinda power to dictate what people wanna watch next season gotta respect the nostalgic vibes of stranger things tho its crazy how even with some fans hating it, they still kept on bingeing

I mean, I knew the finale was gonna be huge, but 105.7 million views? That's wild! People are still loving Hawkins so much, and those polarizing plot choices didn't seem to deter anyone from binge-watching season five . I think what's keeping fans hooked is the nostalgic factor – we've been with Eleven and the gang for years now, it's like a big ol' family reunion . And can you blame them? The sci-fi elements are still fresh and exciting, and the characters are so well-developed . I'm stoked to see what Netflix has in store for us next – a making-of doco series sounds like a great way to go behind-the-scenes . Bring on those spin-offs, I'm ready for more!

OMG I'm so stoked about that new finale like I know some people were hating on how they wrapped up the story but honestly it's like Netflix knew exactly what they were doing by releasing more episodes of their fave show even if some fans weren't 100% on board...I mean who needs a perfect ending when you can just keep giving us more Hawkins nostalgia and that record-breaking views is like, what even is that?! I'm so here for it 105.7 million total viewers?! that's just crazy!

omg I'm lowkey surprised they broke those records lol, ppl hated that finale and yet still went back for more the thing is, I think its because the characters are just too iconic, they've got a special place in our hearts, you know? like, who doesn't wanna see Eleven and Mike go on another adventure together . its also interesting to see how it brought in new fans, not just the old ones, that says a lot about the show's appeal .

awww yay the fact that people are still obsessing over stranger things after 5 seasons is just so inspiring i mean, sure some fans were kinda disappointed with the finale but it's clear that the show's got a super loyal fanbase and who can blame them? the nostalgia, the characters, the storyline... everything just comes together in this epic sci-fi classic

and honestly, it's not even about one person's opinion, it's about how many people are still talking about it, still sharing their thoughts, still binging more episodes it's like, stranger things is one of those rare shows that's gonna stay with us for years to come so here's to the Duffer Brothers and the entire team behind this masterpiece... keep slaying!