The Next Best Picture Podcast The Next Best Series Podcast - "Stranger Things" Season 5
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Jan 7, 2026 Giovanni Lago, a film and TV commentator dishing out bold critiques, shares his harsh thoughts on the decline of 'Stranger Things' in its final season. Amy Kim, an entertainment critic known for her balanced analyses, expresses mixed feelings, praising certain episodes while critiquing others. Daniel Howitt, a detailed critic, reflects on the series' pacing and character arcs, yet acknowledges the emotional highs of the finale. Together, they explore the show's legacy and whether it met long-time fans' expectations.
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Missed Theatrical Screening
- Daniel Howitt says he missed seeing the finale in theaters despite many sold-out showings in New York.
- He regrets not attending and notes Netflix likely won't repeat theatrical events often.
Season Five Feels Overstretched
- Daniel Howitt sees Season 5 as a significant step down from Season 4 despite a strong finale.
- He calls the season overstuffed, stretched thin, and the first to 'jump the shark' for the series.
Finale Redeems The Season
- Daniel Howitt praises the final episode as 'pretty perfect' and says the show 'stuck the landing'.
- He emphasizes the final hour's emotional conclusions as redeeming the season's weaknesses.