Nostalgia and Tropes:
* Heavy reliance on 80s nostalgia: While many enjoy the retro aesthetic and references, some find it overly reliant and predictable.
* Familiar tropes: The show often leans on established horror and sci-fi tropes (monster in the shadows, government conspiracies, etc.), which can feel derivative for some.
Plot and Character Development:
* Slow pacing and predictable plots: Some find the pacing slow and the plot points predictable, especially in later seasons.
* Stereotypical characters: While characters have their individual quirks, some find them to be stereotypical archetypes.
* Overreliance on "mystery box" storytelling: The show often uses cliffhangers and unresolved mysteries to keep viewers engaged, but this can feel frustrating for some.
Production and Storytelling:
* Excessive melodrama: The show can be criticized for its melodramatic tone and the over-the-top emotional reactions of characters.
* Uneven character development: While some characters receive strong development, others feel underdeveloped or stagnant.
* Over-reliance on jump scares and "scary" visuals: Some find the use of jump scares and graphic violence to be overused and ultimately ineffective.
Overall:
* Lack of originality: Some argue that the show lacks originality and simply recycles existing elements from other popular works.
* Overblown hype: The show received immense hype, which some feel contributed to inflated expectations and disappointment for some viewers.
Ultimately, whether Stranger Things is "overrated" depends on your personal taste and preferences. While it has a dedicated fanbase and has achieved immense popularity, it also has its share of critics who find it overly reliant on nostalgia, formulaic, and lacking in originality.