Shawn Levy, one of the executive producers of the show, told Entertainment Weekly that the fourth season is a preview to the final two. You will know what I am talking about when you watch the second volume. He said that it was important for the Duffer brothers, and all of us who make the show with them, that we finish strong and stick the landing.

A show that seems intent on delivering a cinematic universe instead of a television show is a bold statement. It is clear now more than ever that the chopped-up schedule and massive runtime is a marketing ploy meant to entice viewers to resist the pull of other shows. By having a broken-up schedule bookending both the release and finale of the other shows, it can guarantee viewers and justify the $30 million per episode budget.

Do you want to know more about io9. House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, as well as what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, can be found on this page.