‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 Reviews: How Do The New Episodes Measure Up?

Before heading back to Hawkins, Indiana on Thursday (July 4) when Season 3 of “Stranger Things” releases on Netflix, find out what critics are saying about the eight new episodes.

The fantasy-horror series was a surprise hit when it first appeared on the streaming platform in 2016, made major waves once again when Season 2 arrived around Halloween 2017, but, after almost two years away, does “Stranger Things” Season 3 live up to the high expectations created by its previous seasons?

The 2019 reviews are in, and here’s what the critics have to say about it:

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter

“It is, indeed, bigger and not better. It's also bigger and not deeper. After establishing this world, we've now had two seasons that have done nothing to enhance the mythology of the Upside Down, to make me more interested in the monsters that dwell there, their goals in our world or justifiable explanations for why stupid scientist-types keep fiddling with this dimensional breach.”

Jennifer Bisset, CNET

“This season's sense of fun, along with its relationship drama and multiple odd pair-ups bring humor and touching moments that recall ‘Game of Thrones’ at its best. While the story flows in tighter spaces and everyone has a part to play in grander events, the conspiracy is simply a side project. It's a fun excuse to spend the summer in the warmer-than-ever world of Stranger Things.”

Merrill Barr, Forbes

“The new season of ‘Stranger Things’ is good. It is. There should be no thought considering otherwise. It is just as watchable… or rather, bingeable. It is just as mysterious and it is just as competent. However, what is missing from the season is something that was always going to go away with time and it is something it will never get back: charm.”

Meghan O'Keefe, Decider

“‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 was not only well worth the wait, but it’s positioned to be the epic summer adventure we’ve been waiting for. It’s a dazzling season that doubles down on what the show does best and fixes its past hiccups.”

Kelly Lawler, USA Today

“Except for a few cheesy moments here and there, the new episodes are exuberant and excellent, nearly surpassing the creative heights of the first season and providing a path to keeping things strange for years to come.”

Michael Rougeau, GameSpot

“Two of ‘Stranger Things' main strengths have always been its cast and its setting, and both are in top form in Season 3… [Millie Bobby Brown’s] always been at the show's emotional core, embodying both vulnerability and power, but the actor shows off more sides of Eleven in Season 3--including a newly confident side influenced by Max. Their scenes together are some of the most fun in all of Season 3.”

Michael Ahr, Den of Geek

“The plain truth of the matter is that ‘Stranger Things’ season 3 more than lives up to the legacy its predecessors have established. In fact, the Independence Day storyline surpasses last season’s Halloween-themed outing in many ways, although some aspects defy comparison.”

“Stranger Things” Season 3 comes out on Netflix on Thursday.