It’s finally 2025, and Netflix is gearing up for one of its biggest years yet.
With Stranger Things Season 5, Wednesday Season 2, and Squid Game Season 3 all on the horizon, the hype is undeniable. But some fans are worried that excitement might come with a frustrating twist—exclusive access behind a Premium paywall.
Last year, Netflix doubled down on subscription tiers, and for some users, that meant missing out on select content unless they upgraded. We’ve already seen some movies and specials unavailable to subscribers on ad-supported and basic plans. If this strategy extends to major originals like Stranger Things, the fifth and final season could be locked behind Netflix’s most expensive plan. Imagine waiting years for the epic conclusion, only to find out you need to upgrade your subscription to watch it.
The ad-supported plan might be affordable at $6.99, but it doesn’t offer everything. Netflix’s Premium tier, priced at $22.99, includes 4K streaming and four simultaneous streams—ideal for families but a tough sell for solo streamers. And while some fans were fine with the introduction of ads, they may draw the line if entire shows are held back.
Netflix has stayed quiet on whether Stranger Things or Wednesday will be part of this policy shift, but the groundwork is there if the company elects to venture down that path. Right now, the paywall seems to be only for content that has to be licensed. The fifth season of Stranger Things will undoubtedly break viewing records, and Netflix could use the hype to nudge more users toward its pricier subscription options.
If that happens, we could see social media flooded with reactions and spoiler debates as only certain subscribers gain day-one access. Will Netflix risk alienating millions of fans, or are they confident viewers will pay up?
Either way, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for streaming—and you’ll want to be ready when your favorite shows return.
