‘Stranger Things’ writers are determined to avoid a certain ‘Game of Thrones’ curse but that may be impossible

The end of Stranger Things is approaching, and with the stakes higher than ever, the beloved series is gearing up to deliver a finale that fans hope will avoid the pitfalls seen in other major series conclusions, particularly Game of Thrones.

As the kids of Hawkins prepare to graduate, anticipation is building for the show’s final season, which has been a massive hit thanks to its blend of ’80s nostalgia and compelling storytelling. Editor Dean Zimmerman recently shared insights, emphasizing that the Duffer Brothers are committed to “sticking the landing” and ensuring a satisfying conclusion. He stated, “[The Duffer Brothers’] whole mission is to stick the landing on this final season… they don’t want that, and they won’t settle for anything but perfection.”

While the confidence is encouraging, it’s clear that the series has a challenging road ahead. The infamous Game of Thrones finale left many fans disappointed due to dropped plotlines and anticlimactic resolutions. The Stranger Things team is well aware of the high expectations, and achieving a satisfying end to their story without repeating past mistakes will be no easy task.

Stranger Things has faced its own criticisms over the seasons, with some fans finding season 2 lackluster and season 4 flawed due to the characters being separated for much of the plot. Key moments, like Eddie’s death, were deemed predictable, and the overused love triangle trope involving Steve and Nancy felt tired to some viewers. However, moments like Max’s story provided some compelling depth, showing the series still has a lot to offer.

Fortunately, Stranger Things operates on a smaller scale compared to the lore-heavy universe of Game of Thrones, which may work in its favor. The show focuses on a tight-knit group of teens in a small town, and while the stakes are high, the expectations surrounding its conclusion may not be as monumental as those faced by Game of Thrones. Fans are primarily concerned about the fate of beloved characters like Max, hinting that the emotional stakes could carry the finale more than intricate plot resolutions.

As viewers gear up for the final season, which will premiere on Netflix in 2025, many are hopeful that Stranger Things will successfully navigate these challenges and deliver a memorable conclusion to its story.