The official trailer for the finale of Netflix’s hit TV show, “Stranger Things,” was released on October 30, leaving fans full of anticipation for the new season. However, many were left disappointed by the promotion for what is supposed to be the grand conclusion of one of Netflix’s biggest shows ever.
In July of this year, the official season five poster was released. A few days later, the first teaser trailer was shared, including the three-volume release dates: volume one (episodes one through four) on November 26, volume two (episodes five through seven) on Christmas Day, and the finale (episode eight) on New Year’s Eve.
Promotion did not fully pick up until late September, just two months before the release of volume one. After waiting over three years since the release of season four, fans were anxious to see how the culmination of the show would be publicized.
Over the course of four weeks, Netflix and the cast of “Stranger Things” took fans on a journey through the previous seasons. Each week, artistic posters of each season’s episodes were released alongside new season five character posters. Cast members reflected on filming memories as they were shown old props, and they sat down to react to iconic moments from each season.
To many fans, this came as a disappointment. Many were looking forward to new content, not a trip down memory lane. Complaints were voiced over having to wait even longer to see any real glimpse of season five, with many expressing their disinterest and calling for the release of the trailer.
However, most are overlooking the value of this promotion style. For a show that has been such an integral part of many people’s childhoods — spanning almost ten years since its initial release in 2016 — a nostalgic reminiscence of how the show has grown is the perfect way to build towards its culmination.
The slow release of new footage is not new in the entertainment industry. Oftentimes, such dramatic finales are kept tightly under wraps until their official release. This is not only to build anticipation, but also to ensure the strongest impact possible once the episodes are finally presented to the world. Had a trailer or detailed information about the new season been released earlier, the show’s epic conclusion would risk losing its gravity.
Instead, fans are kept in the dark — though not entirely. “Stranger Things” product lines have been released at Target, Walmart and more. Brand deals, featuring Chips Ahoy, Doritos, Funko, Gatorade and more, are being promoted. There are phone numbers leading to eerie messages, countless merchandise items and schedule premiers across the globe.
No one knows what exactly is in store for the final season, and this is intentional. Though the casual viewer may be bored by the lack of content, the mystery is pulling fans in. The energy is palpable: anticipation is building.
Volume one of “Stranger Things” season five will be available to stream on Netflix on November 26, followed by volume two on Christmas Day and the finale — which will also be released in theaters — on New Year’s Eve.