Why is Stranger Things season 4 being split into two parts?

The end is near for one of Netflix’s biggest original series. As suspected by fans, Stranger Things 4 will mark the beginning of the end of the hit series which will draw to a close after what will be its fifth and final season.

Before the series come to a close, fans will be treated to a brand new season which will help to set the stage for the show’s final season. A release date has finally been set for the show’s upcoming fourth season, or should we say release dates!

In a twist no fan saw coming, Netflix has announced Stranger Things season 4 will be split into two parts — or two volumes as Netflix billed the news — with both parts dropping this summer over the span of less than three months.

Why is Stranger Things season 4 going to be two parts?

Given that Netflix has previously released Stranger Things‘ new seasons at once, rather than in batches the decision to split the show’s fourth season is one that has puzzled fans. However, there is a good reason for the decision to break the season up into two parts.

While season 4 will only consist of 9 episodes, it appears they’ll be among the biggest episodes the show has ever seen. Due to their longer lengths and the fact that the final episodes of the season seem to still be getting finalized, The Duffer Brothers made the decision to split the season into two parts.

As The Duffer Brothers noted in a letter announcing the news, “Given the unprecedented length, and to get it to you as soon as possible, Season 4 will be released in two volumes.”

Stranger Things season 4 part 1 release date

The first part of Stranger Things season 4 is scheduled to release on Netflix on Friday, May 27, 2022. It’s unclear how many of the season’s 9 episodes will drop within the first half, but we do know the first episodes will arrive timed to Memorial Day Weekend.

Stranger Things season 4 part 2 release date

Following the release of part 1 on May 27, Stranger Things part 4 will arrive on Friday, July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend and nearly three years to the date in which season 3 dropped back on July 4, 2019.