Why is Stranger Things Taking So Long?
The nostalgic 80s gang show Stranger Things has been captivating audiences for five seasons since its premiere in 2016. The show’s unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age themes has created a devoted fan base, but what’s behind the show’s prolonged wait for a sixth season? In this article, we’ll explore the various reasons why Stranger Things is taking so long to conclude.
The Show’s Creator’s Wish List
Fifth-season showrunner Dave Filoni has explicitly stated that he doesn’t want to rush through the final season. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Filoni said: "I’ve got a whole list of things that I want to accomplish before I get ready to wrap up Stranger Things, and I don’t want to do it if it’s too rushed or too indulgent." This means that Filoni is taking his time to ensure that each episode is of high quality and that the final season is a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Critical Acclaim and Emmy Recognition
Stranger Things has received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations, including several Primetime Emmy Awards. This critical success has helped to solidify the show’s place in television history and has likely contributed to the show’s prolonged wait for a sixth season. The show’s awards win will likely prompt Netflix to wrap up production on the final season, ensuring that the show receives the accolades it deserves.
The Highly Predictable Production Schedule
Netflix has announced that it will be producing all six seasons of Stranger Things, with the show’s sixth season expected to premiere in 2024. This means that production is not expected to start until at least a year after the fifth season is concluded. This predictability can be frustrating for fans who are eager to see what’s next for the show.
A Nine-Month Production Delay
Netflix has confirmed that production on Stranger Things is taking nine months longer than initially expected. This delay is likely due to the complex nature of the show’s production, which involves a large cast of actors, a big budget, and the need for extensive visual effects. Filoni has stated that the delay is due to the challenges of wrapping up the show in a way that’s both faithful to the original and fresh and exciting for new viewers.
A Sparkling Cast and Crew
The cast and crew of Stranger Things have consistently spoken highly of the show’s production team, which includes Dave Filoni, Matt Duffer, and Alison Schachara, among others. Filoni has stated that the team is committed to creating a final season that’s as close to the original as possible, while still being fresh and exciting for new viewers. The show’s dedicated cast and crew have been instrumental in bringing the characters and world of Hawkins, Indiana to life.
Fans’ Response to the Delay
Fans have been vocal about their frustration with the delay, with many expressing their disappointment on social media. On Twitter, fans have used hashtags like #SaveStrangerThings and #StrangerThingsForever to express their concern. The show’s official Twitter account has also responded to fan questions, acknowledging the delay and assuring fans that the show will not be rushed.
Table: Production Schedule Comparison
| Production Month | Stranger Things 5 | Stranger Things 6 |
|---|---|---|
| January 2017 | Concept to Script | Script to Filming |
| June 2017 | Filming | Filming |
| December 2017 | Script to Editing | Editing |
| March 2018 | Hiring Crew | Filming Complete |
| June 2018 | Principal Photography | Principal Photography Complete |
| September 2018 | Screenplay and Story Development | Screenplay and Story Development Complete |
| January 2019 | Budgeting and Scheduling | Budgeting and Scheduling Complete |
| June 2019 | Production Completion | Final Cut and Color Grading |
Conclusion
Stranger Things is taking so long to conclude because of its creator’s wish list, critical acclaim and Emmy recognition, and the predictability of Netflix’s production schedule. The show’s highly predictable production schedule means that production is not expected to start until at least a year after the fifth season is concluded. The Sparkling Cast and Crew, which includes Dave Filoni and Matt Duffer, among others, have been instrumental in bringing the characters and world of Hawkins, Indiana to life.
While fans have been vocal about their frustration with the delay, it’s likely that Netflix will continue to produce the show in its current format. The show’s conclusion will be a satisfying one, with a story that’s both faithful to the original and fresh and exciting for new viewers.