Stranger Things 4 is proof you can reinvigorate the hype for a franchise (without blaming fans for your bad writing).
S̶t̶a̶r̶ ̶W̶a̶r̶s̶ Studios should take note.
In all seriousness, I absolutely loved Stranger Things 4.
Like everything, it has its flaws, but the competence of the people behind it shines. Especially the sound designers and editor, but even the writers juggling over a dozen characters and like five different main plot threads.
The Duffer Brothers have been great. Stranger Things introduces new characters constantly, but still manages to make them interesting and make me care about them within the span of even a single episode. Just really clever writing and balance of humor and tense moments. Great stuff.
Really hope whatever they do in season 5 and into the future with other projects continues to be as impressive.