Warning: This article contains spoilers about the final episode of Stranger Things.
Stranger Things has drawn to an epic and emotional close, with a dramatic two-hour finale that briefly jammed Netflix's servers as viewers rushed to watch the final episode, which concludes the 10-year run of the sci-fi horror series, released at 01:00 GMT.
Fans packed cinemas across the US and Canada for special screenings, including appearances from some of the show's stars. The series, set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, first premiered in 2016 and stars Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, and David Harbour.
The finale, titled 'Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up', initially overloaded Netflix servers, with viewers facing error messages as they awaited the episode. Once restored, audiences were treated to intense battle scenes and emotional tributes that brought closure to beloved characters.
The dramatic showdown required all characters to unite against Vecna and the Mind Flayer, raising stakes as they fought against the merging of worlds. While significant deaths occurred, including that of Kali (Eight), the core group managed to survive. The fates of Eleven, left with a seemingly impossible choice, prompt much speculation among fans.
In the end, viewers were left wondering about Eleven's fate, as she appears to sacrifice herself, though a poignant epilogue suggested otherwise. Set 18 months later, the future looks bright for Hawkins, as the teens speak of their brighter paths, and relationships bloom.
Despite some gaps in the storyline, the finale is likely to satisfy many fans, mixing closure with an open-ended potential for future tales, as critics and viewers alike reflect on the cherished journey of Stranger Things.
