Stranger Things Petition Explodes: Fans Demand Cut Scenes from Season 5

29 December 2025 Television

Introduction: A Fanbase Divided Over Final Season

The release of Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 on Christmas Day has sparked an unprecedented fan response, with more than 140,000 people signing a Change.org petition demanding that scenes cut from the fifth and final season be released. This movement, dubbed ‘Cutgate’ by fans, centres on a petition demanding that Netflix release rumoured cut scenes from the new episodes. The controversy highlights the passionate connection viewers have developed with the series over its decade-long run and raises important questions about creative control in the streaming era.

The Cutgate Controversy Explained

The release on Christmas Day sparked intense debate among the show’s passionate fanbase, with reactions ranging from enthusiastic praise to vocal disappointment. Fans allege that significant plotlines and character moments were cut, referencing a circulated Google document listing missing scenes. The petition organiser, identified as Wennii J, expressed frustration: ‘This has been a long 10 years process and this is what we get’. Complaints range from issues with how Will Byers’ coming out scene was handled to concerns about certain plot holes.

Fan Demands and Industry Implications

Fans note that the amount of clues and information from cast members and interviews are not matching up with the episodes provided. The petition reflects growing fan frustration with streaming edits, with fans pointing to precedent cases like Zack Snyder’s Justice League release on HBO Max as proof that studios can release extended cuts. As of late December 28, 2025, neither Netflix nor the show’s creators have officially acknowledged the petition or confirmed whether deleted scenes exist.

Conclusion: What This Means for Streaming’s Future

With the Season 5 finale scheduled for December 31, 2025, this petition represents more than just fan disappointment—it signals a shift in how audiences engage with content. The controversy raises questions about transparency in the creative process and whether streaming platforms should respond to audience demands for director’s cuts or deleted footage. Regardless of Netflix’s response, Cutgate has demonstrated the power of organised fan communities and may influence how studios approach final edits of beloved series in the future.