Endings ⁤are tough, especially for hugely popular hit⁤ fantasy shows. Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard revealed that the team behind the Netflix hit’s final season ​feared a similar fan backlash to that experienced ‌by HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Wolfhard ⁣ told time magazine that “everyone was pretty worried, honestly.” This concern stemmed from the divisive reception of the⁤ final season of Game of Thrones,which aired in 2019.

The *Game of Thrones* Precedent

The final season of Game of Thrones, which aired from April‌ 14 to May 19, 2019, was widely‌ criticized for its‌ pacing, character development, and plot resolutions. A Rolling ‌Stone review called the finale “a mess,” while many fans expressed their dissatisfaction ⁤online,‍ even ​launching a⁣ petition to remake the season with different writers‌ and showrunners.

The petition garnered over 1.8 million signatures on ⁢Change.org, demonstrating the depth of fan disappointment. This backlash‍ served ​as a cautionary tale for other showrunners facing the⁣ challenge of concluding long-running, beloved series.

Avoiding a similar fate: *Stranger Things*’ Approach

The creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer Brothers, reportedly took the Game⁤ of Thrones criticism to heart. While specific details​ of their approach ⁢remain largely undisclosed, Wolfhard’s comments suggest a heightened awareness of fan expectations​ and a ​desire to deliver a satisfying conclusion.

In February ⁢2022, netflix‍ announced ‌that ⁢ Stranger Things season 4 had broken records, becoming the most popular English-language series⁣ on the platform with 930.32 million hours viewed in its first 28 days (