Fans of Stranger Things are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the increased storyline focus on Holly Wheeler in the show's final season. Many viewers feel that Holly's expanded role, including her kidnapping by Vecna and subsequent escape, has come at the expense of long-time main characters who are receiving reduced screen time.
Complaints on platforms like X and Reddit highlight concerns about the pacing of the overall narrative, the perceived lack of organic development for Holly's character, and the feeling that core cast members are being sidelined. Some fans have even speculated that Holly's prominence is a strategic move by Netflix to set up a potential spin-off series.
Conversely, director Shawn Levy has defended the creative choice, stating that Holly's storyline is thematically relevant to the show's exploration of childhood innocence and vulnerability, and provides a new character for audiences to connect with. The first two parts of the final season are currently available on Netflix.