Netflix has smashed its viewership record once again, thanks to the highly anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things. In its first five days on the platform, the show racked up a staggering 59.6 million views, making it Netflix's biggest English-language debut ever.
The explosive premiere week shattered records, outpacing even the second and third seasons of the Korean phenomenon Squid Game, which typically dominate viewership charts. This behemoth of a show had grown exponentially in popularity since its fourth season, with its first four episodes being released simultaneously. The numbers are staggering: up from 287 million hours watched in 2022 – equivalent to around 22 million views at the time – Stranger Things 5 saw a mind-boggling 171% increase.
The online frenzy surrounding the release was so intense that Netflix struggled to keep pace, temporarily freezing its servers as they struggled to handle the unprecedented demand. The company responded by increasing bandwidth by 30%, but even this wasn't enough to avoid a crash point for some viewers.
This remarkable achievement marks a testament to the enduring allure of Stranger Things, which has catapulted Millie Bobby Brown and her co-stars Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, and many others into stardom. Set against the eerie backdrop of 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, the show returns with an even darker, more ominous tone this time around.
Rumors of the final chapter have been building for years, and fans are finally getting their fix. The show's creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer have hinted that it will be a wild ride – including "the most violent death of any season". And judging by initial reviews, particularly from The Guardian's Jack Seale, who praised the first half of the finale as a thrilling spectacle, viewers are in for an unforgettable experience.
Stranger Things 5 concludes later this month with three episodes airing on Christmas Day, followed by a series finale on December 31. It remains to be seen whether it will continue its streak of dominance over Netflix's top charts, but one thing is certain – the Upside Down has never been more captivating than now.
The explosive premiere week shattered records, outpacing even the second and third seasons of the Korean phenomenon Squid Game, which typically dominate viewership charts. This behemoth of a show had grown exponentially in popularity since its fourth season, with its first four episodes being released simultaneously. The numbers are staggering: up from 287 million hours watched in 2022 – equivalent to around 22 million views at the time – Stranger Things 5 saw a mind-boggling 171% increase.
The online frenzy surrounding the release was so intense that Netflix struggled to keep pace, temporarily freezing its servers as they struggled to handle the unprecedented demand. The company responded by increasing bandwidth by 30%, but even this wasn't enough to avoid a crash point for some viewers.
This remarkable achievement marks a testament to the enduring allure of Stranger Things, which has catapulted Millie Bobby Brown and her co-stars Joe Keery, Natalia Dyer, and many others into stardom. Set against the eerie backdrop of 1980s Hawkins, Indiana, the show returns with an even darker, more ominous tone this time around.
Rumors of the final chapter have been building for years, and fans are finally getting their fix. The show's creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer have hinted that it will be a wild ride – including "the most violent death of any season". And judging by initial reviews, particularly from The Guardian's Jack Seale, who praised the first half of the finale as a thrilling spectacle, viewers are in for an unforgettable experience.
Stranger Things 5 concludes later this month with three episodes airing on Christmas Day, followed by a series finale on December 31. It remains to be seen whether it will continue its streak of dominance over Netflix's top charts, but one thing is certain – the Upside Down has never been more captivating than now.
I'm totally stoked about Stranger Things 5! 
The numbers are insane, and I can see why they're calling it Netflix's biggest English-language debut ever 
I mean, who doesn't love a good mystery, sci-fi show set in the 80s? 
And with Millie Bobby Brown and co. back at it, I'm expecting some epic performances 
The darker, more ominous tone this time around sounds right up my alley 
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The hype around the finale is real, too – "the most violent death of any season" sounds intense 
I'll be keeping an eye on those reviews when they drop!
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) and I'm so here for it! Who else is ready to get sucked into the Upside Down again? 
. I mean, sure, the nostalgia factor and the kids saving the world thingy is super appealing, but honestly, some of it feels like we've seen this before - same plot, different setting 
. And don't even get me started on the character development, some people grow up way too fast in this show 
. But hey, if you're into that sorta thing, go for it! More views is always better, right? 
. It's a testament to how far Stranger Things has come and how much it's become a cultural phenomenon 
. Can't wait for Christmas and the finale in December! Is Stranger Things 5 going to surpass its viewership record again?
. And don't even get me started on how crazy busy Netflix must've been with all these servers crashing 
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. I get it, fans love binge-watching, but can't we just have a normal old release schedule for once? 
Still, if Stranger Things 5 is gonna keep us on the edge of our seats, I'm all for it 
... Bring on that final chapter! 
The Duffer Bros have always been masters of suspense and tension... I mean, who doesn't love Demogorgons and Mind Flayers? 
Anywayz, more episodes = more views