Stranger Things 4 Early Reactions: Critics Call It Darkest & Scariest Season

May 20, 2022

The first reactions to the Stranger Things season 4 premiere have arrived. While season 4 will come on May 26, a few people already got to watch the first episode at the premiere of the series. It had been three years since season 3 of Stranger Things aired on Netflix. Although season 4 was delayed considerably by the pandemic, it is finally coming to screens in two parts starting later this month.

The early reactions are in for the show and they are very positive. The runtime of the first episode of Stranger Things 4 is said to be 1 hour and 15 minutes long. Those who watched it at the premiere have one thing in common to say and that is how dark the show is. Several have praised Sadie Sink, aka Max’s performance as well.

“I can only speak on Stranger Things 4 Ep 1 for now… BUT by the end of that ep your jaw will drop on how dark this has gotten & you next realize that after 3 years they haven’t missed a step! Makes you immediately HAVE to watch what’s next!” one user wrote on Twitter. Check out more reactions here:

#StrangerThings Season 4 premiere is big stakes, emotional, and scarier than ever. But more than anything, it's just so good to have these characters — and this show — back. Get hyped, because there's nothing else like this on TV.

— Alex Zalben (@azalben) May 15, 2022

The first episode of #StrangerThings4 is 👍. It’s almost an hour and 15 minutes of set up and I loved it. Instead of rushing into the season the Duffer brothers take their time and do a lot of character building. Not what I expected and love when that happens. #StrangerThings pic.twitter.com/Ubj6XMCcKJ

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) May 15, 2022

#StrangerThings season 4 is the most ambitious season yet that will make you fall in love with these characters, from Eleven to Max and Steve, in new and remarkable ways! Also, rewatches of 1-3 recommended! 💖👏 pic.twitter.com/oASQGoZIMu

— Lyra Hale ✍️🇵🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@TheAltSource) May 15, 2022

You think you love Steve Harrington now? Wait until you start #StrangerThings season 4! By the first episode you'll either A) Fall in love with him all over again or B) Want him to sign the adoption papers to officially become your TV mom. I said, what I said. 👏💖 @joe_keery pic.twitter.com/g4urvlfFHX

— Lyra Hale ✍️🇵🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@TheAltSource) May 15, 2022

Episode 1 of #StrangerThings4 sets the stage for the darkest and scariest season yet. The scale massive, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the new and returning characters are stellar. I’m so happy to be back in this world.@Netflix @Stranger_Things #StrangerThings @Netflix_CA pic.twitter.com/Ei6k9PghPQ

— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) May 15, 2022

The first episode of #StrangerThings4 immediately goes darker than we’ve seen before and I actually loved it. The show feels more mature, reflecting how these characters and the audience have grown while also keeping the same elements that make it #StrangerThings. pic.twitter.com/DAs2Bf2X6r

— Sophia Soto (@srsoto26) May 15, 2022

As someone who loves these characters, Millie Bobby Brown & @SadieSink’s individual storylines really hurt to watch, but also felt honest. I loved their performances and found myself brought to tears by both of them. They never fail to amaze me. #StrangerThings #StrangerThings4 pic.twitter.com/Fzn80npbsp

— Sophia Soto (@srsoto26) May 15, 2022

https://twitter.com/ChrisHayner/status/1525875605769682944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1525875605769682944%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fscreenrant.com%2Fstranger-things-season-4-episode-1-early-reactions-reviews%2F

The embargo for further reviews of Stranger Things season 4 will continue until Monday, May 23, four days before the Netflix premiere. Then fans will be able to get even more insight into what they can expect from the series and its new tone.