Stranger Things Star Jokes About The Show's Long Production & Season Gaps With Edited Photo

Summary Despite lengthy production delays, Stranger Things has consistently kept viewers invested with its plot and characters.

Breakout characters like Steve Harrington and Robin have helped attract viewers, along with guest stars like Linda Hamilton.

Caleb McLaughlin's joke post highlights long gaps between seasons and the show's significance as it heads towards its final season.

Stranger Things' Caleb McLaughlin jokingly addresses the length of time between seasons of the Netflix sci-fi series with a new image. McLaughlin has been a member of the core cast of young heroes ever since the series began in 2016, portraying Lucas Sinclair throughout his various trials and tribulations. Despite season 4 releasing in 2022, Stranger Things season 5 only began production in 2024 due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, as actors and writers fought for fairer treatment.

As Stranger Things season 5 continues shooting, McLaughlin took to his personal X/Twitter account to share a jokey post about the show's lengthy production timeline. Check it out below:

Calling his post a "sneak peak [sic]" of season 5, McLaughlin shared an image from season 4 featuring himself as Lucas, Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, and Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley. However, the photo had been placed through a filter that aged each star significantly.

Can Stranger Things Season 5 Still Be A Hit After A Lengthy Delay?

Stranger Things Has Always Managed To Keep Viewers Invested

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Despite lengthy hiatuses that range from 15 months to almost three years, Stranger Things has never failed to not only keep longtime viewers interested, but also attract newcomers with each new batch of episodes. This is a testament to the strength of the plot, and it is impressive considering how the young Stranger Things cast members have grown from teens to young adults. Through their performances, the core actors have dodged a scenario where their true ages hamper the viewing experience.

Stranger Things Season Release Date Gap Between Previous Season Season 1 July 15, 2016 N/A Season 2 October 27, 2017 15 months Season 3 July 4, 2019 21 months Season 4 May 27, 2022 34 months Season 5 Estimated 2025 31 months (as of July 2024)

Furthermore, the series' breakout characters have helped attract viewers. Those such as Barb (Shannon Purser), Bob (Sean Astin), and Eddie (Joseph Quinn) went viral online and drew more attention to the show. While most have met tragic fates, others, such as Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and Robin, have been elevated to central cast members. With Terminator star Linda Hamilton joining the fifth and final season, Stranger Things may gain another new breakout character.

Related 8 Stranger Things Characters Who Stole The Show Despite Being Killed Too Soon Stranger Things is chock-full of fascinating characters, including eight who manage to leave a mark on the show despite dying prematurely.

While McLaughlin's post may highlight the long gaps between Stranger Things seasons, the image also surprisingly highlights the significance of the upcoming final season. The show emerged as a property throwing back to classic '80s media, but it grew into a streaming hit of its own, keeping viewers hooked and speculating over how things may progress. Regardless of how it may end, Stranger Things' ending is sure to have an incredible impact.

Source: Caleb McLaughlin/Twitter