The Netflix Stranger Things petition has crossed 140,000 signatures in less than 48 hours, turning what began as online fan speculation into one of the loudest audience-led campaigns of the streaming era.
With the final episode of Stranger Things due to land on 31 December, fans are urging Netflix to release allegedly cut scenes from Season 5, Volume 2, before the series ends for good.
The growing anger comes just days after the Season 5 premiere overwhelmed Netflix, with millions of viewers logging in over the festive period and social media filling with instant reactions.
The campaign, widely referred to online as “Cutgate”, is gaining serious momentum across UK social media, particularly on Reddit, TikTok and X, where viewers claim crucial character moments were removed at the last minute.
Why has the Netflix Stranger Things petition gone viral so quickly?
Volume 2 of Season 5 dropped on 25 December, and within hours, UK viewers were questioning its pacing. Many felt storylines, especially those involving Will Byers, wrapped up too abruptly for a show known for emotional depth.
By 28 December, a Change.org petition calling for Netflix to release deleted scenes was circulating widely. As UK fans shared reactions, theories and scene breakdowns, the signature count snowballed.
While fan petitions are nothing new, the speed of this one is notable. Over 140,000 people signed in just two days, showing how invested audiences are in the show’s final chapter.
What scenes do fans believe were removed from Stranger Things Season 5?
Unlike rumours driven purely by guesswork, Cutgate is fuelled by detailed fan analysis. Viewers have pointed to dialogue gaps, abrupt scene changes and unresolved emotional beats.
“Will you not marry me?” pic.twitter.com/n0R55DqCvv
— Netflix (@netflix) December 27, 2025
Fans most commonly claim the following material was cut:
- Longer one-on-one scenes between Will Byers and Mike Wheeler
- Additional moments exploring Will’s trauma and identity
- Deeper interactions between Will and Vecna/Henry
- Extra Upside Down sequences involving Holly Wheeler
Some theories go further, suggesting Netflix removed darker material to avoid pushing the season into a higher age rating. None of these claims has been officially verified.
Have Netflix or the Duffer Brothers confirmed any cut scenes?
As of 28 December 2025, Netflix has not confirmed the existence of deleted scenes, nor has it announced plans to release extended footage. Series creators Matt and Ross Duffer have also remained silent publicly.
This lack of response has only intensified fan frustration. In previous interviews over the years, the Duffers have discussed editing challenges and runtime pressures, but no direct connection to Cutgate has been acknowledged.
A small number of cast members have liked or replied vaguely to fan comments online, but none have confirmed that scenes were removed after filming wrapped.
Why does this petition matter beyond Stranger Things?
The Netflix Stranger Things petition highlights a growing shift in how audiences view streaming platforms. Unlike traditional TV, streaming shows often have no deleted scenes, DVD extras or director’s cuts available later.
Fans now expect:
- Transparency about major creative changes
- Optional access to deleted or extended scenes
- Greater respect for long-running character arcs
Supporters regularly reference Zack Snyder’s Justice League as proof that fan demand can lead to alternative releases, even years later.
While Netflix operates differently, industry experts say sustained pressure can influence future content decisions.
Will the Stranger Things finale address fan concerns?
Netflix is set to release the final episode of Stranger Things on 31 December 2025. For many fans, this episode represents the last chance for emotional closure.
Online discussion suggests viewers will be watching closely for any narrative fixes or extended resolutions that may soften concerns about Volume 2. Even if no scenes are added, fans hope Netflix may later release deleted footage as bonus material.
Petition organisers believe the signature count could exceed 200,000 before New Year’s Eve, keeping pressure on Netflix well beyond the finale.
