Stranger Things is returning on Netflix on May 27, with the first half of the fourth season premiering on the streaming service.

The first reactions to the season 4 opener of Stranger Things have arrived. On Saturday, the world premiere of the first episode of season 4 was hosted with members of the media in attendance, just ahead of its appearance on the streaming service.

While the reviews aren’t due until May 23, individuals who were in attendance are able to share their initial responses to the episode on social media, with the majority of the reactions applauding the episodes, setting the stage for what could be the best season of the show ever.

Members of the press who have watched the opening of Stranger Things season 4 express their first impressions on the darker, scarier tone.

According to them, the episode is an hour and 15 minutes long and focuses on the characters, establishing the tone for the rest of the season. It is, however, far from boring, and the cast, both new and returning, has received widespread praise for their flawless performances.  

The press is also praising the season’s shift to a darker, more mature, and scare-heavy tone. 

Some early reactions have praised the first episode, with some predicting that the season will be the scariest yet for the series. 

It’s being dubbed the series’ next step because of its more adult tone, which ties into the characters’ growth while still preserving elements of the series that fans have come to adore. 

It’s being dubbed the series’ next step because of its more adult tone, which ties into the characters’ growth while still preserving elements of the series that fans have come to adore. 

The new season’s budget is believed to be three times that of prior seasons. The supernatural teen drama became the most costly series ever, with a $30 million budget per episode, surpassing Game of Thrones’ $15 million budget.