Stranger Things’ third season has just released and it is exactly what fans would have been hoping for. With the perfect blend of terror and comic-relief, the latest episodes are the best outing of the series until now. The season shows the kids of Hawkins stepping into the shoes of adolescents. As they prepare for high school, the dynamics between them is changing, and the balance between friendship and romance has begun to pose an issue. Steve and Dustin have us in laughs with their mentor-mentee relationship, each of them struggling with their circumstances. A newcomer, Robin, played by Maya Hawke has joined the cast. Playing the role of Steve’s co-worker, she fits into the plot effortlessly, making it seem like she was always there. Joining her is also Mayor Larry Kline, a politician played by Cary Elwes.

Police Chief Hopper and Joyce Byers are facing their own struggles. Joyce is grieving the death of Bob Newby and this is ably portrayed by Winona Ryder who brings the character’s broken state alive beautifully. Hopper, on the other hand, is the perfect example of a father who faces difficulty accepting that his daughter (Eleven) is growing up. The chemistry of Joyce and Hopper is endearing and entertaining. This time an Arnold Schwarzenegger-like Russian human villain has also presented himself in the scenes. Not only that, if you thought the Gate was closed, then you have a lot of surprises in store for you. The Upside Down exists as strongly as ever and so does the Mind Flayer who is back with more terrifying creatures this time.

This season has been getting fantastic reviews across the globe. Let’s take a look at some of them. IGN India said: “Netflix's Stranger Things Season 3 is the series' best outing so far, with bigger stakes and stronger character development than its previous two iterations.” Forbes wrote: “I'll end on this: The Season 3 finale is one of the best episodes of TV I've seen in a long time. It has one of the funniest moments on Stranger Things period. You'll know it when you see it. It's also an action-packed visual spectacle that you'll have to see to believe.”

BBC also praised the series giving it 5 stars: “Nevertheless the script’s virtues aren’t just centred in flashy one-liners and snappy repartee – the dialogue, this time, delivers more understated pleasures.” They also said: “No review of Stranger Things could finish without mentioning the film references, and never have they been so eclectic or well-integrated.” The Guardian called the season a “slicker, pacier operation than the slightly sprawling previous season, and far more fun.” They said: “It’s a real and joyful return to form for the show that has been taken fiercely to the hearts of people who weren’t there the first time round and, perhaps even more fiercely, by those who were.”

While most reviewers showered praise for the season, The New York Times seemed to have a different opinion: “It might be a round too many. The Duffers’ strength has more to do with clever and engaging packaging than with visceral imagination, and their scary beasts and battles royale haven’t really evolved. (Eleven’s basic move - the grimace and outstretched hand - is the same as it ever was.) They built a great toy with “Stranger Things,” but you can still get tired of playing with it.”

Well, hope that gives you a picture of what’s in store. Now it’s time for you to watch the show and review it yourself.