The streaming juggernaut Netflix is poised to conclude 2025 with the grand finale of its flagship series, Stranger Things. However, the concluding plot lines have sparked online debate, drawing criticism from an unexpected quarter: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Musk has voiced his disapproval, labelling a pivotal character moment as "completely unnecessary and forced."
Musk Joins Fan Backlash Over Final Season Plot
The second part of Stranger Things' fifth and final season premiered globally on Christmas Day. While the season has garnered millions of views, a specific narrative choice has divided the fanbase. In a crucial scene, the character Will Byers opens up to his friends, stating, "The truth is. I am different. I just pretended like I wasn't because I didn't want to be. I don't like girls."
While many viewers applauded this character development, a segment of the audience took to social media to call it forced and irrelevant to the core sci-fi plot. This sentiment was echoed by Elon Musk. Replying to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by user @Antunes1, who discussed the fan criticism, Musk wrote, "It's completely unnecessary and forced on audiences who just want to enjoy some basic sci-fi."
Not Musk's First Clash With Netflix
This incident marks another chapter in Musk's history of criticising the streaming platform. Back in October 2025, Musk publicly announced he had cancelled his Netflix subscription. His decision followed reports that Netflix had employed director Hamish Steele, who was alleged to have mocked the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Musk confirmed his action by replying "same" to another X user who declared they were cancelling their subscription over the issue. The user had stated their refusal to support a platform that employed someone celebrating Kirk's murder and pushing "pro-trans content" on children.
Netflix Finishes Strong Despite Controversy
Despite the online chatter and high-profile criticism, Netflix is closing the year with tremendous momentum from the Stranger Things finale. The first four episodes of Season 5, released on November 26, achieved a staggering 59.6 million views in their first week alone. The streaming giant has planned a spectacular send-off for the series finale, which is set to premiere on New Year's Eve.
In a unique move, Netflix will also host screenings of the final episode in more than 500 movie theaters across the United States, allowing fans to experience the conclusion of the Hawkins saga on the big screen.
The debate surrounding character arcs versus core genre expectations highlights the evolving landscape of mainstream storytelling. While Netflix rides a wave of record-breaking viewership, the reactions from figures like Elon Musk underscore the diverse and often divided expectations of a global audience.
