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'Stranger Things' Season 4: Early reactions tease 'much darker and scarier' installment

Although reviews are under embargo until May 23, the first spoiler-free reactions were out on Twitter, and safe to say, they were all praise

If social media reactions are to go by, then expect Netflix's blockbuster 'Stranger Things' Season 4 is all set to blow fans away with what critics have labeled as "the much darker and scariest season" yet. The first episode was streamed on Saturday with the members of the media given a sneak peek into the much-awaited series. Although the reviews are under embargo until May 23, the first spoiler-free reactions were out on Twitter, and safe to say, they were thoroughly impressed.

With a defining end to season 3 that saw the Byers leave Hawkins and Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) joining them after losing her powers, there were lots to debate even as David Harbour's David Hopper was shown to be alive. The main characters, Finn Wolfhard as Mike, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin, Noah Schnapp as Will, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas, Sadie Sink as Max, Winona Ryder as Joyce, Natalia Dyer as Nancy, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan, Joe Keery as Steve, and Maya Hawke as Robin will all return with a string of new faces.

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Collider's Steven Weintraub praised the creators, The Duffer Brothers for taking the time to world-build. "The first episode of #StrangerThings4 is . It’s almost an hour and 15 minutes of set up and I loved it. Instead of rushing into the season the Duffer brothers take their time and do a lot of character building. Not what I expected and love when that happens. #StrangerThings," he tweeted. "Got an early look at Stranger Things season 4 this weekend. Shocking, scary, and *much* darker than I expected, the new season feels like it was worth the wait. I love the new characters, too. My spoiler-free #StrangerThings4 review will be on @DigitalTrends soon! wrote Rick Marshall of Digital Trends.

Alex Zaben of the Decider said it was all about the hype. "#StrangerThings Season 4 premiere is big stakes, emotional, and scarier than ever. But more than anything, it's just so good to have these characters -- and this show -- back. Get hyped, because there's nothing else like this on TV." Shahbaz of the Movie Podcast had some special words for Joe Keery. "Episode 1 of #StrangerThings4 is the next evolution of the beloved series. The production is at its best and the scares are dialed up to 11. Joe Keery remains a favourite while the new cast bring something fresh. #StrangerThings @Netflix @Netflix_CA @Stranger_Things

'Stranger Things' Season 4 Volume 1 will be released on Netflix on May 27, with Volume 2 slated to release on July 1.