It’s a scene that moves some to tears and makes others shake their heads: the fan base of Netflix’s breakout series “Stranger Things,” which culminates in its big finale on New Year’s Day, has been divided in recent days — a split that perhaps owes a bit to the culture wars currently roiling the United States.
What happened? Teenager Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) comes out in the seventh episode of season five, titled “The Bridge,” set in 1987. “I don’t like girls,” the shy teenager sobs to his mother (Winona Ryder), his older brother, and his friends. The fear of rejection is palpable — something many queer people can likely relate to, especially if you grew up in the 1980s.
Elon Musk Also Weighs In
What followed on social media was probably predictable in these emotionally charged times. “It is completely unnecessary and is being forced on audiences who just want to enjoy some basic sci‑fi,” wrote entrepreneur Elon Musk on X. He found support in a right‑leaning, conservative spectrum that also included some harsh and anti‑LGBTQ comments.
Its completely unnecessary and forced on audiences who just want to enjoy some basic sci-fi
Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 28, 2025
On online platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, where fans rate TV shows and films, the coming‑out episode drew a wave of negative ratings. While reviews from professional critics remained relatively strong—about 84 percent positive—audience sentiment looked quite different. Roughly 56 percent of user reviews were favorable. The second half of the season, which began on December 26, has gone over even less well. When the first part, released in November, was available, the average hovered in the 70s. In other words, this was the most negative response to “Stranger Things” from the viewing public in its history. By contrast, season three had been the series’ lowest‑scoring among critics and audiences alike, with about 86 percent positive from viewers overall.
The Variety magazine later framed the backlash as a “campaign.” Fans argued that many of the critics who disliked the episode hadn’t necessarily watched the show in full and were simply bothered by a gay character in such a mainstream, hugely successful series.
The Creators Speak
The creators of the show, the Duffer brothers, as well as many fans, view Will’s coming out as a logical consequence of the character’s growth and a development that was needed at this point in the story. In this arc, Vecna—who is able to invade the minds of his victims—has long exploited Will’s mental insecurity to rob him of his true powers. Ahead of the decisive battle in the finale, the young hero needed to reveal his greatest secret in order to stand a chance against Vecna.
Actor Noah Schnapp (21), who has portrayed Will since the first episode in 2016, came out as gay on TikTok two years ago (TheColu.mn reported). Schnapp has said that playing Will helped him discover and accept his own identity. “If I hadn’t played the character, I’d probably still be hiding,” he told Variety in 2023.
