Netflix’s Decision to Split Seasons into Multiple Parts Following Success of Stranger Things Justified by Executive

The release strategy employed by Netflix, where a show’s season is divided into multiple parts, has been a topic of much debate. This approach gained traction with the two-part launch of Stranger Things season 4 and has since been implemented for other major titles, including The Witcher, Bridgerton, The Crown, and Emily in Paris. The trend reached new heights with Cobra Kai season 6, which has opted for a three-part release, culminating in the release of its final episodes on February 15, 2024.

In a recent Q&A session at the Next on Netflix presentation (as reported by Deadline), Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, addressed the mixed reactions surrounding this multipart release strategy. She noted that the decision to adopt this approach stemmed from several factors, including the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic and the recent strikes involving SAG-AFTRA and WGA. Additionally, the split format was often requested by the shows’ creators to enhance the storytelling experience. Below is her insightful commentary:

I’m not sure it was mixed results. Some of those have been for reasons, because it was during COVID and strikes to get the shows on so audiences don’t have to wait for a long time. A lot of times it’s been creator-driven. Peter Morgan on The Crown, Shonda Rhimes on Bridgerton, there was a way that they wanted to structure or write it because they felt it was an actual, natural emotional break. So there’s no set way, it depends on what’s best for the show.

Despite the ongoing discussion about multipart releases, Bajaria remained discreet about the anticipated release format for Stranger Things season 5. Her only hint was that fans would “love every second of it, ” leaving the audience eager for more details:

When it comes out, whenever and however it comes out, you’re going to love every second of it.

The Implications of Netflix’s Multi-Part Releases for Stranger Things’ Final Season

The shift in how audiences consume content has been profound in the era of streaming television. Unlike platforms such as Disney+, Prime Video, and Max, which often release episodes weekly, Netflix has gained a reputation for allowing viewers to binge-watch entire seasons at once. However, with an increasing number of shows adopting a split-season approach, as seen with the likes of Stranger Things, it has sparked discussion about the merits and drawbacks of this release model.

The split-season strategy offers a compromise for viewers who prefer both immediate access to content and the suspenseful buildup traditional to weekly releases. While some argue against this format, claiming it disrupts the traditional binge-watching experience, others find it provides a balanced approach between the immediacy of full-season drops and the delay of episodic releases.

Insights on the Potential Split of Stranger Things Season 5

Potential Extended Post-Production for the Final Season

With Netflix’s previous explanation of the decision to release Stranger Things season 4 in two parts attributed to the need for additional time to finalize the visual effects for the season’s climactic episodes, the final season may experience similar demands. The Duffer brothers have previously described season 5 as “eight blockbuster movies, ” indicating that the post-production requirements could significantly exceed those of earlier seasons.

While adopting a multipart format could allow audiences to access the initial episodes sooner, Netflix’s past experiences highlight that such a strategy is most successful when it aligns with a natural break in the narrative. Ultimately, it will be crucial that the decision regarding Stranger Things season 5 is made with the show’s best interests in mind, echoing Bajaria’s sentiments.

Source: Deadline

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