'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
UPDATED MAY 16, 2022
A still from 'Stranger Things' Season 4 (Netflix)
A still from 'Stranger Things' Season 4 (Netflix)

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.

RELATED ARTICLES

Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 4: Millie Bobby Brown teases 'lots of crying, lots of laughing'

When will 'Stranger Things' Season 4 return? Here's what to expect when the show is back on Netflix

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.

RELATED TOPICS STRANGER THINGS (2016) NETFLIX NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Vladimir' leaves viewers buzzing after its ambiguous finale, as Rachel Weisz’s character confronts obsession, betrayal, and a shocking twist.
1 hour ago
Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton dated briefly before marrying in secret, only to end up divorced, however, 'One Chicago' brings them back together.
2 hours ago
With 'The Beauty' finishing its run on Wednesday, the focus has now turned to whether FX will renew the horror comedy for a second season.
3 hours ago
‘Ted’ Season 1's success saw the streamer renew the dramedy for Season 2, but Seth MacFarlane gave a disappointing update on the show's future.
5 hours ago
Patrick John Flueger's character was last seen on the show last October, after which he was unavailable to take on cases due to a family emergency
6 hours ago
‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 6 will continue to focus on Janine and the other teachers as they navigate life in a Philadelphia public school
7 hours ago
A small-town murder pulls two Green Lanterns into a mystery that could shake the new DC Universe from the ground up
8 hours ago
Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays Carmy and Natalie's mother in the hit drama, recently made a revelation about the future of the show
11 hours ago
The shocking Season 3 finale changed everything as Van Heidt found a new home for his spirit
12 hours ago
'The Four Seasons' 1 ended on a cliffhanger as Anne discovered that Ginny is pregnant with her ex-husband Nick's child
14 hours ago