The season finale has students weighing excitement for the show against the demands of holiday plans and celebrations.
By: Justina Muniz
The release of the series finale of Stranger Things during the holiday season has brought up mixed feelings among students. Some see it as a brilliant marketing technique, while others are concerned that it interferes with family traditions, travel plans, and holiday routines.
With the show coming to an end, students are left wondering whether watching the episode matters more than the moments only experienced once a year.
The decision by Netflix to drop the final episode during a major holiday has turned a casual streaming release into a talking point. Instead of just hitting play, students are planning out when and how to watch. Some are setting reminders to see it as soon as it drops, and others are avoiding spoilers on social media so they can save it for another time.
For many students, Stranger Things has been a part of their life for years, following them all throughout middle school, high school, and now college. This makes the final episode more emotional than just any other show.
Christopher Altobelli shared his thoughts, weighing the pros and cons of the upcoming release. He noted how the timing can bring people together, although not everyone will be free to watch.
“I think that the finale being released on a holiday is both a good and bad thing. It’s a good marketing move around Christmas because it draws in the hype, and for those that are celebrating, it will give them something to watch during get togethers,” said Altobelli. “I also think it’s unrealistic to expect that it will pull tons of viewers given that people will ultimately be spending with their families.”
Altobelli also shared his hopes for how the storyline should end. After following the show for years, he explained that he wants the finale to focus more on the original foundation of the story, especially Will, one of the main characters, who he believes should get more recognition.
He explained that once Eleven was introduced, she took up most of the screentime. Altobelli emphasized that the ending should feel meaningful and nostalgic.
Not all students are planning to watch the finale immediately. Frank Lam, a junior at CSI, shared that while he occasionally watches the show, he does not feel strongly connected to it and believes the holiday timing creates more conflict and not much excitement. For him, family comes first.
“I do occasionally watch Stranger Things, but I’m not a huge fan of it,” said Lam. “I feel that many people will not be watching it because they will be occupied with going places, opening gifts and tuning in to see the ball drop. I myself will not be able to watch it because I have prior plans to see my family and have dinner for the holidays.”
Other students view the timing in a more positive light. Christopher Vitaliano expressed that the timing of the release could actually make the viewing experience better.
“I think it’s a smart move, now people can come together as a family and watch the new episodes all at once, giving them something to bond over,” said Vitaliano. “However, I don’t like how they release everything in individual parts, just release them all at once already. It’s a tricky move that ensures Netflix can still hold your subscription.”
As the days pass by, the anticipation surrounding the finale continues to grow. For some students, the show represents comfort and memories fro
m younger years. For others, it is simply nothing more than another trending series. Regardless, the holiday timing allows students to view things in a new light, as entertainment now blends into celebrations in ways that did not occur before.
In a season already filled with wrapping paper and bright lights, many students will also be unwrapping the final mystery of Hawkins, showing that this year, the Upside Down may be part of the holiday spirit.
“Knowing that everyone can sit together and watch it means a lot,” said Vitaliano. “It makes it feel like a real holiday moment instead of just another episode.”
