Louis Chilton argues that Netflix faces an existential crisis as its flagship series Stranger Things nears its end, highlighting the streamer's struggle to replicate the show's sustained success amid declining hits and shifting strategies. (152 characters)
Netflix's standing has swung wildly over recent years. It first solidified as a top TV powerhouse, then slipped into producing often forgettable "Netflix slop."
Unlike many hits, Stranger Things grew its audience each season. This bucks the trend seen in shows like Squid Game and Wednesday, which dropped off sharply in later seasons. Other successes, such as Adolescence and Baby Reindeer, were brief miniseries.
The final season drops in eight episodes across three batches: four now, three at Christmas, and a film-length finale near New Year's. This staggered approach extends buzz but contrasts Netflix's traditional full-season binge model from the DVD era.