‘Stranger Things’ final blast: simultaneous release on Netflix and in theaters

Entertainment: Netflix’s sci-fi thriller Stranger Things, which began its streaming journey with its first episode in 2016, has over the years become one of the most iconic original series in the history of the OTT world as all four seasons of this fictional horror drama have enjoyed a strong audience with a cult fanbase.
The eagerly awaited final episode, titled ‘Stranger Things Season 5,’ was released on Netflix on December 31st. Paying a fitting tribute to this crowd-pleaser, Netflix has released Season 5 simultaneously across North America on a limited screen count. Initially scheduled for a modest screening, it was later released on approximately 620 screens in the USA and Canada.
Despite being available only on Netflix, the response in theaters has been overwhelming, with trade circles reportedly astonished by the ticket sales generated in just a day and a half.
Although there are no official box office numbers for these screenings due to residual and distribution issues related to the TV series, theaters are reportedly charging AMC a $20 seat reservation fee, which is then converted into a concession voucher.
Trade estimates estimate that Season 5 grossed over $20 million in less than two days, even when the series was available on the streamer at no extra cost. Over one million tickets were sold in a short time. This is a sensational figure and has sparked debate about why such a blockbuster series didn’t receive a proper theatrical screening, which could have boosted its commercial success.
Trade experts say Netflix likely lost a significant amount of money by not releasing it in theaters. Before Season 5’s release, all episodes of previous seasons were available on Netflix. However, the platform experienced service issues due to the heavy traffic generated by the craze for the series among moviegoers.
Starring Millie Bobby Brown, the film is created by creators Matt and Ross Duffer. It follows a group of teenagers in the fictional town of Hawkins as they battle supernatural threats from another world. It features a diverse cast.