Season 4 of all-encoming love letter to the '80s over its subsequent two seasons.
The show has only gotten bigger over that same time, with season 3 drawing comparisons to actual '80s summer blockbusters in of scale. However, creators Matt and Ross Duffer have refrained from making Stranger Things' seasons longer along the way, with seasons 1 and 3 only spanning eight episodes. Season 2 was a little longer at nine thanks to "The Lost Sister", a divisive episode that focused on a story tangential to the season's overarching narrative. By the sound of things, season 4 might include a similar installment.
According to eight episodes originally planned. That would include an episode that focuses on a "fan-favorite" character and explores his/her origin story. The outlet reports said character's backstory could ultimately end up being explored in full over the course of multiple episodes, depending on how the season's writing goes.
Stranger Things seasons 1 and 3 maintained a tight pace thanks to their episode count, so it's good to hear season 4 won't be too much longer. For the most part, season 2 was equally well-paced; the only reason "The Lost Sister" stuck out was because it interrupted the flow from the episode before it (which concluded with a cliffhanger). Some even regard "The Lost Sister" as took the wrong lesson from the episode, believing the criticisms had more to do with its subject matter than its placement in season 2. So long as it's integrated better, an episode focusing on a key player's origins could make for a refreshing addition to Stranger Things season 4.
Arguably, the show could stand to mix things up more in general next season. Stranger Things season 3 moving the story partly outside Hawkins. Combined with deeper insight into an important character (maybe one who's currently presumed dead?), that should help the show to keep things fresh when it returns.
Stranger Things season 4 is tentatively expected to premiere in 2021.
Source: TVLine