As Stranger Things returns for its final chapter, fans are complaining they’re getting distracted by the same thing.
After nearly a decade on screen, Netflix’s biggest sci-fi phenomenon has officially entered its endgame.
First launching back in 2016 as a nostalgic tribute to 1980s adventure movies and coming-of-age classics, the series quickly exploded into one of the most successful TV franchises in the world.
Across four seasons, it has earned massive critical acclaim, broken streaming records, and built an intensely loyal global fanbase.
Now, with season 5 finally dropping, viewers are diving back into Hawkins for the final time.
But while most are focused on the storyline, a huge number of fans have found themselves distracted by something unexpected.
Millie Bobby Brown breaks silence on relationship with Stranger Things co-star David Harbour amid bullying allegations
Millie Bobby Brown has now spoken out following reports she was allegedly bullied and harassed by co-star David Harbour.
Brown allegedly filed a formal complaint before filming began in 2024.
“Millie Bobby Brown filed a harassment and bullying claim before they started shooting the last season,” read a report by The Mail on Sunday in November. “There were pages and pages of accusations. The investigation went on for months.”
Neither has publicly commented on the reports of the on-set allegations, but Brown has spoken of their ‘great’ working relationship.
The actress opened up about her experience filming the fifth and final season of Stranger Things in an interview with Deadline posted on TikTok on November 28.
“Of course I felt safe,” she said. “We’ve worked together for 10 years. I feel safe with everyone on that set.”
Brown went on to discuss the unique dynamic between her character, Eleven, and Harbour’s, Jim Hopper, who plays her adoptive father.
“We also play father and daughter,” she continued. “So naturally, you have a closer bond than the rest, because we have had some really intense scenes together, especially in season two.”
She added that Harbour has helped elevate her craft, sharing: “It makes me wanna bring my A-game every single time I see that I’m on the call sheet working with him, because I know he’s bringing it right back.”
The Stranger Things stars also proved they’re on good terms by appearing as a united front at the season 5 premiere.
Viewers are distracted by one thing
While many viewers have been complaining about this season’s body count (or lack of), others have been left preoccupied by one specific thing pulling them out of the show.
Although it’s common to see the odd product placement in a TV show, viewers are saying the final season’s amount of branded items has led to it becoming immersion-breaking.
One fan said: “The sheer amount of product placement in this new season is wild. It’s hard to focus on the episode when you’re constantly noticing the brands.”
Another added in agreement: “Normally I don’t mind, but they really overdid it this time. Is this a TV script or a commercial?”
Despite the backlash, plenty of fans have come to the show’s defense.
One Redditor wrote: “As long as it doesn’t distract from the story, I don’t have a problem with it. The amount of content being made today is insane, and someone has to pay for it.”
A second weighed in: “In Stranger Things, they’re actually showing off how accurate the production design is. All those products are period-correct, which isn’t easy to pull off. And since nostalgia is the engine that drives this show, it actually makes sense.”
One blogger actually tracked the branded items appearing throughout volume 1.
According to their running list, they have already spotted brands like Dr Pepper, Gatorade, Pringles, and Cheez-Its, along with vintage tech, including the Sanyo RP-7160 three-band radio and classic KOSS PRO/4X stereo headphones.
The blogger wrote: “Season 5 of Stranger Things is packed with brands that fit right into its 1980s vibe, and I’ve been keeping a close eye on every can, car, snack, and gadget that pops up on screen.”
Why you’re seeing more product placement on TV than ever
Product placement is now everywhere across film and television, and it’s only increasing.
As traditional advertising declines, streaming content lives forever, and more viewers pay for ad-free subscriptions, brands are turning to in-show placements as a long-term strategy.
Instead of interrupting viewers with commercials, products are now woven directly into the story itself, keeping them visible while feeling less intrusive. For companies, it offers ongoing exposure.
For audiences, it’s becoming almost impossible to avoid.
