Stranger Things 3 was probably the most anticipated series of 2019. Considering the fact that the horror/sci-fi series has been one of Netflix's most notable successes, the excitement for the third installment had reached maximum levels by the time that it was actually released.
Stranger Things first aired on Netflix back in October of 2016, and would air a second season a year later. The third season was quite a long time coming, and the delay meant that October of 2018 passed by without it.
Fast forward to July 4 of 2019, and Stranger Things 3 had finally arrived. Most viewers would binge-watch the eight episodes of season 3 in about a day, and it left everyone immediately wanting more.
We don't know just how long it will be until Netflix airs the fourth season of Stranger Things, but this gives fans a lot of time to speculate and theorize about what's to come. Let's explore some of the things we want most from the hit series' next season.
HOPPER'S FATE
The main question fans have about the next season of Stranger Things, is undoubtedly: what happened to Hopper? Since season 3 was released on Netflix, theories have sprung up everywhere regarding Hawkins' beloved Chief of Police's fate.
Whether he's trapped in the Upside Down, a prisoner of the Russians, or just dead, we won't know until next season, so the Duffer Brothers have definitely kept fans guessing.
MORE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE BYERS FAMILY
Every member of the Byers family definitely plays a significant role in Stranger Things. Separately, they have been fairly developed and fleshed out (with the exception of poor Will); Joyce and Jonathan are probably two of the most evolved characters in the entire series.
But when it comes to the Byers and their relationships with each other, Stranger Things falls short. This show thrives on its characters' relationships and dynamics with one another, so they should really put some focus on developing the Byers clan as a whole.
MORE STEVE AND ROBIN
Stranger Things' newest iconic duo saw exceptional praise from viewers. In the first few episodes of season 3, most fans believed that this new pairing would be a set-up for a potential romantic relationship. Steve has been living the single life since his break-up with Nancy, it was a reasonable prediction.
But Stranger Things did what they have always done so well - took a predictable storyline and twisted into something completely original, new, and wonderful. Robin is now the first openly gay character to appear on the series, and her friendship with Steve quickly became a fan-favorite. Viewers will be expecting more of this lovable dynamic in the seasons to come.
THE WHEREABOUTS OF EIGHT/KALI
One thing that many fans found strange about the show's third season, was the fact that they just seemed to completely forget about the whole storyline regarding Eleven's sister/fellow victim of the Lab, Kali (also known as Eight). This was especially odd since Eleven's arc with Kali was a fairly significant story in season 2.
With Kali's absence in the most recent season, many fans are speculating that El's badass sister will return in the fourth season.
MORE OF ELEVEN AND MAX'S FRIENDSHIP
Arguably one of the best things to come out of the third season of Stranger Things, was the adorable, heartwarming bond that blossomed between Max and El. The first episode presented a year-long time jump, and conveyed that El had grown much closer to Mike - but pretty much only Mike.
But thankfully, El's story took a refreshing twist when she confided in Max and the two quickly became close friends. The sequence in which Max shows El around the Starcourt was beautiful, and we can only hope for more of this empowering dynamic in season 4.
THE BYERS' RETURN TO HAWKINS
Season 3 ended with the Byers - and the newest member of their family, El - driving away and leaving Hawkins in the dust. This was a rather poignant season finale and combined with Hopper's voice-over narration of the letter he wrote to El, it's definitely the bleakest and most heartbreaking the show has ever gotten.
The Byers family returning to Hawkins is probably high on the lists of what most fans want from the next season, and for good reason. Hawkins isn't Hawkins without the Byers, which means Stranger Things certainly isn't Stranger Things without them, either.
THE TONE OF THE FIRST TWO SEASONS
The third season of Stranger Things was great. With compelling performances, visually pleasing cinematography, mindblowing special effects, and touching relationships, one could argue that it was the best season. The thing about Stranger Things 3, though, was how very different it was from the first two seasons.
Compared to seasons 1 and 2, there is a stark contrast when it comes to season 3. Everything's bigger and brighter and the monsters are louder and scarier, and it's to the extent that it begins to feel like Stranger Things is losing the signature vibe that so many originally loved it for.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT FOR WILL BYERS
It's pretty undeniable that Will Byers is the most underdeveloped character on Stranger Things. This was understandable at first, since the show's premiere season revolved around the fact that Will was stuck in the Upside Down. But then season 2 rolled around, and Will's arc was still largely consumed by the trauma he endured.
Many theorized that season 3 would be the opportunity for the Duffer Brothers to finally give will some development as a character, and give him a different storyline. And they didn't follow through. Will is still drastically underdeveloped compared to literally every other character - even secondary ones such as Murray and Alexei. Season 4 should hopefully bring some decent arcs and development for Will Byers.
MORE OF THE ORIGINAL FRIENDSHIPS
In the beginning, a major focal point in Stranger Things was the endearing, nostalgia-inducing friendships between Will, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas. The four boys were best friends, and their dynamic largely contributed to bringing those beloved 80s film vibes to Stranger Things.
Obviously, this aspect of the series was significantly lacking in season 3. Sure, we had the lovable Scoops Troop, but with the kids growing up, the Duffer Brothers seemed to have toned down the core of the original friendships. Much like many fans hope that the next season will feel more like the "old" Stranger Things, several viewers are hoping for more scenes with the original gang.
THE STATUS OF ELEVEN'S POWERS
When creating the character of Eleven, the Duffer Brothers noted several films and books that inspired them. Citing influences such as Firestarter (1984) and Carrie (1976), Eleven was a perfect blend of all the creators' inspirations, as well as a uniquely original creation.
A shocking turn of events to come out of Stranger Things 3, was the fact that Eleven lost her powers due to ambiguous reasons. She was without her telepathy by the end of the season, so fans can only hope that season 4 will see the return of Eleven's powers.