The fourth season of Stranger Things is almost upon us, and Netflix is doing something special this time around. Generally, the streamer releases every episode of the new season all at once, but for whatever reason, this time it’s chosen to space things out a bit.
The first seven episodes of Stranger Things season 4 will land on Netflix on May 27. Then there will be a wait of just over a month until the final two arrive on July 1.
Why is Netflix doing it this way? Well, for one thing, it will let them milk one of their most popular shows for all its worth. Stranger Things is one of a few Netflix originals that really gets people talking, so why dump all the episodes at once and allow the conversation to burn bright for a minute and then die down? By releasing the first part of the season weeks before the second, it will allow time for people to chat, theorize and anticipate what’s coming, and I’m here for it.
Stranger Things season 4 insane episode lengths
Also, the final episode is two-and-a-half hours long, which is insane; is it even TV at that point? “Given the unprecedented length, and to get it to you as soon as possible, Season 4 will be released in two volumes,” creators Matt and Ross Duffer said in a letter to fans.
And the other episodes are all longer than usual, too. Here’s the breakdown:
- “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club” — 1 hour, 16 minutes
- “Chapter Two: Vecna’s Curse” — 1 hour, 15 minutes
- “Chapter Three: The Monster and the Superhero” — 1 hour, 3 minutes
- “Chapter Four: Dear Billy” — 1 hour, 17 minutes
- “Chapter Five: The Nina Project” — 1 hour, 14 minutes
- “Chapter Six: The Dive” — 1 hour, 13 minutes
- “Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab” — 1 hour, 38 minutes
- “Chapter Eight” — 1 hour, 25 minutes
- “Chapter Nine” — 2 hours, 30 minutes
They are not messing around this season. We’ll see how everything shakes out when the first seven episodes drop on Netflix on May 27.
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels