Credit: NetflixIt’s officially 2025, and Netflix fans have a lot to look forward to—or do they?
With Stranger Things Season 5, Wednesday Season 2, and Squid Game Season 3 all set to drop this year, excitement is through the roof. These three powerhouse shows have captivated global audiences, and anticipation is at an all-time high. But there’s an underlying worry that’s hard to ignore: Netflix’s premium viewing policy.
Last year, Netflix shook things up by introducing a paywall for certain content. Some licensed movies and specials were only available to those on the highest subscription plans, leaving ad-supported subscribers and even some standard plan users locked out.
A post that went viral last February even showed a subscriber trying to stream Thanksgiving only to be hit with the dreaded “Unavailable on your plan” message.
Could this policy creep into Netflix Originals? If so, that could spell trouble for Stranger Things and Wednesday. These shows draw in millions of viewers on release day, and with Season 5 marking the series’ emotional conclusion, fans won’t want to wait behind a paywall while spoilers flood social media.
What the New Seasons Look Like
Netflix is playing it close to the chest when it comes to exact release dates. Reports suggest Stranger Things Season 5 could drop in late summer or early fall, possibly split into two parts to maximize viewer engagement. Meanwhile, Wednesday might get a spring release, with Netflix hoping to strike gold again after its first season became a viral phenomenon.
And then there’s Squid Game. The gripping series that turned a brutal survival game into a pop culture sensation is returning for its third season. Netflix’s silence on details hasn’t stopped fans from speculating. Could this season delve deeper into the organization behind the games?
The Bigger Picture: Netflix’s Subscription Strategy
Netflix has been leaning into its tiered structure, with the “Standard with Ads” plan at $6.99 per month, which restricts certain content, and the Premium tier priced at $22.99, boasting perks like 4K streaming and offline downloads. Subscribers on lower plans may find themselves unable to watch the shows they’ve been waiting for unless they upgrade—a move that’s likely intentional.
In 2024, Netflix’s ad-supported tier hit over 40 million monthly users. But that success hasn’t softened the blow for those who remember the days when one account could be shared easily across households. Between password-sharing crackdowns and the possibility of exclusive premieres for Premium subscribers, it feels like the streaming giant is shifting its focus from accessibility to exclusivity.
What This Means for Fans
If Netflix does place Stranger Things or Wednesday behind a higher paywall, we could see significant backlash. These aren’t niche titles; they’re some of the most-watched shows on the platform. Social media would undoubtedly erupt with complaints—and possibly even cancellations. Yet, Netflix has weathered subscriber frustration before. Despite price hikes and controversial policies, they’ve maintained their dominance.
But there’s a silver lining—or at least, there might be. Netflix hasn’t confirmed that these upcoming seasons will be locked behind the Premium tier, but the groundwork has already been laid if the company chooses it wants to move forward. With the competition among streamers more intense than ever, Netflix’s next move could set a precedent for platforms like Disney+ and Hulu.
As fans gear up for an epic year of binges and premieres, one thing is certain: 2025 could either be the best year for Netflix content or the most frustrating.