Stranger Things 5 Ratings Dip After Will Byers’ Coming Out Divides Fans

Netflix’s Stranger Things has sparked intense online debate following the release of Season 5 Volume 2, with audience reaction translating into a noticeable drop in review scores. After the latest episodes premiered over Christmas, the show’s Rotten Tomatoes audience score reportedly fell to a series-low 57 percent, driven largely by backlash surrounding a pivotal moment involving Will Byers.

The criticism escalated after the penultimate episode, The Bridge, in which Will, portrayed by Noah Schnapp, comes out to his friends through an extended monologue. The episode has since become the lowest-rated instalment of the series on IMDb, triggering widespread discussion across social media and fan forums.

A significant portion of viewer dissatisfaction has focused on Season 5’s writing style, with many arguing that the series leans too heavily on exposition at the expense of pacing. Several reviews complained that the coming out scene disrupted narrative momentum during a high-stakes stretch of the story. Critics emphasised that their issue was not with the character’s sexuality, but with the timing and execution of the scene.

The conversation widened after public figures weighed in, framing the moment as unnecessary, while others pushed back, stressing that representation was not the problem. Many viewers noted that Will’s sexuality had been subtly established in earlier seasons and felt the storyline did not require a prolonged pause in the plot to restate it.

Media commentary echoed these mixed reactions. Some outlets suggested that while the scene had the potential to be powerful, it felt awkward due to the show’s long-standing difficulty in fully developing Will’s character beyond the early seasons. Others argued that the emotional beat was undercut by its placement so close to the series climax.

At the same time, the episode also found strong support among sections of the audience. Several viewers shared personal responses, saying the moment resonated deeply with their own experiences, particularly given the show’s 1980s setting. Supporters pointed out that Will’s journey had been unfolding quietly since Season 1 and saw the scene as a natural extension of his arc.

Series creators Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer have previously addressed the storyline, revealing that the scene went through multiple drafts. According to Matt Duffer, the creative team spent considerable time refining the moment and found reassurance in Schnapp’s emotional connection to the material.

With the final episode of Stranger Things set to release on January 1 (IST), the series heads toward its conclusion amid polarised reactions, highlighting how deeply invested audiences remain in both its characters and storytelling choices.