Stranger Things Season 5 Ratings Controversy: Fans Clash Over 'The Bridge'
Stranger Things Season 5 Episode 7 faces a ratings backlash on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Fans debate Will Byers' coming-out timing and Nancy Wheeler's action scenes.
With the final battle looming, Netflix's flagship series has hit a rough patch. Stranger Things Season 5 has sparked a fierce debate among fans following the release of Episode 7, 'The Bridge.' The episode's IMDb score has plummeted as viewers express frustration over what they describe as 'woke' storytelling and unrealistic action sequences, threatening the legacy of a show that began in July 2016.
The Numbers Behind the Stranger Things Season 5 Ratings Controversy
The backlash is palpable in the data. On IMDb, 'The Bridge' currently holds a dismal 5.4 out of 10 stars. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the Popcornmeter sits at 56% based on more than 5,000 ratings. While the series remains a cultural juggernaut, these figures reflect a significant divide in the audience's satisfaction.
Critics and viewers on social media point to the timing of Will Byers' coming-out scene as a primary grievance. During a moment that should have focused on the urgency of fighting Vecna, the plot paused for a lengthy monologue. One viewer on X complained that making this the 'most important plot point' of the penultimate episode felt like a 'waste' and disrupted the high stakes of the finale.
Nancy Wheeler and the 'Girl Boss' Fatigue
Another point of contention involves Nancy Wheeler(Natalia Dyer). A sequence where she guns down trained military personnel with an assault rifle has been labeled unrealistic. Fans noted that Nancy, whose character is primarily an investigative journalist, suddenly morphed into a 'John Wick' figure. Critics argue this 'plot armor' removes the tension from the series' final moments.
However, many fans have rushed to the show's defense, accusing detractors of 'review bombing.' They point out that Will's orientation has been hinted at since Season 1. Noah Schnapp told Variety he was in tears when he read the script, calling the moment 'perfect.' Supporters argue the character development has been a core strength of the show over its 9-year run.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Randy Havens debunks Stranger Things 5 secret cut rumors despite 300,000 fan signatures on a petition. The 2-hour series finale is set to premiere on December 31, 2025.
Kate Winslet reveals her first intimate experiences as a teenager were with women, shedding light on how it influenced her 1994 debut film Heavenly Creatures and her evolution as an artist.
The Netflix Take That Documentary 2026 arrives on Jan 27. Featuring Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams' story, this 3-part series offers unseen footage and exclusive interviews.
Director Rian Johnson explains why he changed the trajectory for Wake Up Dead Man, opting for a grounded story over glitz. Discover the new direction of the Knives Out series.
Randy Havens debunks Stranger Things 5 secret cut rumors despite 300,000 fan signatures on a petition. The 2-hour series finale is set to premiere on December 31, 2025.
Kate Winslet reveals her first intimate experiences as a teenager were with women, shedding light on how it influenced her 1994 debut film Heavenly Creatures and her evolution as an artist.
The Netflix Take That Documentary 2026 arrives on Jan 27. Featuring Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams' story, this 3-part series offers unseen footage and exclusive interviews.
Director Rian Johnson explains why he changed the trajectory for Wake Up Dead Man, opting for a grounded story over glitz. Discover the new direction of the Knives Out series.