When Stranger Things first premiered in 2016, Netflix was still courting new subscribers with splashy original projects that were meant to have broad audience appeal. The company had solidified itself as a major player in the streaming wars with massive hits like House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, and a collection of live-action Marvel series. The shows were all very different, but they each felt like part of an ambitious plan to establish Netflix as the gravitational center of a new pop cultural era.
Technology
Stranger Things is ending, and so is Netflix’s reliance on tentpole shows
Those big, watercooler tentpole projects made Netflix feel like a platform worth subscribing to because of how large they loomed in the public consciousness. Especially in its early seasons, Stranger Things was thrilling to watch as a new sci-fi / horror series steeped in nostalgia. But it was also fascinating to see the show become a global phenomenon that dominated online discourse and inspired other studios to tell more stories set in the ’80s.
Though Netflix has had a number of other massive hits since Stranger Things, it has often felt like the company is thinking differently about its path to continued success. It’s no longer reporting its quarterly subscriber numbers, and a combination of price hikes and new ad-supported tiers have become key parts of its economic growth. Even as Netflix starts rolling out Stranger Things’ final season this week, a three-part event spread out over the rest of the year, it feels like tentpoles — moments that are supposed to capture and sustain everyone’s attention — aren’t as critical to the streamer’s big-picture strategy anymore.
As big as Stranger Things has been in the past, the hype around the show’s fifth and final season has been relatively subdued for a handful of reasons. For one, the competition is fiercer; more streaming platforms have come into existence and they have had ample time to capture audiences’ imaginations with new genre series of their own. Though Stranger Things’ first two seasons came out in quick succession, Netflix began releasing subsequent episodes at much, much slower pace. The series will have been airing for almost a decade when the first part of season 5 drops on November 26th, and many viewers will probably find themselves a little hazy on how the Duffer Brothers’ story got to this point.
Netflix might have been concerned about Stranger Things losing momentum between seasons back when the company was more focused on dropping entire seasons of a show in one fell swoop. But through its shift toward more staggered releases, particularly for its most notable series, Netflix has signaled that it’s aiming for a different kind of success.
Netflix knows that people are still going to watch Stranger Things 5 and stick around for at least a couple of months to see how things shake out for the Hawkins gang. There’s also going to be an animated spinoff series for folks who aren’t ready to leave Stranger Things behind. But Netflix has also cultivated more IP with fandoms of their own outside of Stranger Things, and the streamer understands that those eyeballs can be kept long after the Duffer Brothers have gone.
Though every streamer wants to make bona fide hits that drive subscriber sign-ups, Netflix has gotten heavily into the business of launching franchises that can coexist without seeming to overlap all that much. That’s exactly the vibe you get from the company’s annual Tudum showcase, which frames all of its shows from Bridgerton to Wednesday to Emily in Paris as equally important parts of its future plans.
Rather than launching massive tentpole originals designed to get everyone watching the same thing, Netflix has invested more of its energy into projects that feel more targeted to specific audiences, like fans of anime and live sports. That might be part of why the company spent so much time dabbling in mobile gaming before its recent shift to prioritize TV-focused party gaming. Those dabblings don’t mean that Netflix isn’t thinking about which of its many upcoming series might be “the next Stranger Things.” But they do suggest that the company sees tentpole shows as just one of many irons it needs to keep in the fire.
Netflix’s head content officer Bela Bajaria said as much earlier this year during a presentation where she noted that the platform now has somewhere north of 700 million subscribers. With that many viewers, the company can’t bank on individual shows or movies landing with everyone, and it makes much more sense to cater to specific niches. As long as you’re paying, Netflix doesn’t really care whether you’ve signed up for the English-language Squid Game remake, a Little House on the Prairie reboot, or WWE. All of the programming serves the same bottom line, and the main goal is to keep viewers watching.
Netflix is absolutely going to be paying attention to the ways its subscriber numbers fluctuate in the coming weeks as Stranger Things 5 arrives in waves. A sharp decline once the season is through in the new year might sound some internal alarms. But whether or not Stranger Things 5 is as big as Netflix is building it up to be, its conclusion marks the end of an era for the streamer — and what’s next looks very different. But what’s much more likely is that the show comes and goes with a moderate amount of fanfare, and then Netflix sits back to think about what to do when one of its upcoming projects sticks.
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If you’re tired of running your vacuum multiple times just to get the dirt and debris out of the carpets in your living room, Dyson’s 360 Vis Nav is worth a look. It’s one of the more powerful robot vacuums currently available, and now through May 11th (or while supplies last), it’s on sale at Woot for an all-time low of $279.99 ($919 off) with a full two-year warranty.
The last-gen 360 Vis Nav offers a whopping 65 air watts of suction, allowing it to pull dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets impressively well. In her brief time testing the robovac, my colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy said the Dyson “demolished a pile of dry oatmeal in seconds,” adding that she briefly worried it might even suck up the tassels on her large rug (it didn’t). By comparison, many robot vacuums — including Dyson’s new $1,200 Spot + Scrub AI — require multiple passes to fully eradicate the same kind of mess on your floor.
What’s more, the robovac’s small, D-shaped design and the location of its ultra-fluffy brush allow it to dig into edges and corners more effectively than many of the more roundish robot vacuums, while its lower profile lets it easily get under most beds and sofas. The roomy 500ml dustbin also means you likely won’t need to empty it too often, while Dyson’s built-in handle and terrific quick-release button make removing said bin a relatively simple task when it’s time to do so.
While it is undeniably powerful, it’s worth noting that the 360 Vis Nav lacks a few features found on some of its more modern rivals. Although its navigation worked well enough during our testing, it lacks AI-powered obstacle avoidance and doesn’t come with a self-emptying dock. Battery life is also relatively short at around 65 minutes per charge. Nonetheless, if your top priority is quickly removing dust, dirt, and pet hair from carpets without multiple passes, the Dyson remains an option worth considering, especially at this discounted price.
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We’ve often warned you about romance scams and crypto “investment” opportunities that feel too good to pass up. Now, there’s a major update that shows just how organized these operations have become.
The Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced a sweeping international operation that led to at least 276 arrests and the shutdown of multiple scam centers tied to cryptocurrency fraud. These networks targeted Americans and drained millions of dollars from victims.
The operation spanned continents and involved coordinated efforts by law enforcement and tech companies.
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TOP 5 SCAMS SPREADING RIGHT NOW
The Department of Justice and FBI say international scam networks used romance and fake crypto investment schemes to steal millions from victims. (Helena Dolderer/Picture Alliance)
How the cryptocurrency scam crackdown unfolded
Authorities worked with partners around the world, including the Dubai Police and law enforcement agencies in Thailand and beyond. Together, they dismantled at least nine scam centers linked to large-scale crypto fraud.
Several suspects now face federal charges in the United States, including wire fraud and money laundering. Investigators say these operations functioned like businesses, with recruitment, management layers and structured systems designed to deceive victims.
Officials made it clear that this effort sends a message. Fraud crosses borders, and enforcement is now doing the same.
How crypto investment scams target victims
These schemes often follow a pattern known as “pig-butchering.” It is a slow, calculated tactic that builds trust before any money is involved.
A scammer may reach out through social media or a messaging app and start a casual conversation. Over time, that interaction turns more personal. In some cases, it feels like a real relationship. Once trust is established, the topic shifts toward investing, often framed as a unique crypto opportunity.
Victims are guided through setting up accounts and transferring funds to platforms that appear legitimate. The dashboards may even show fake gains to build confidence. At that point, control of the money is already gone. Funds are quickly moved through multiple accounts and eventually end up with the scammers.
Many victims are encouraged to keep going, sometimes borrowing money or taking out loans to invest more. By the time the truth becomes clear, the losses can be devastating.
How Meta Platforms, Inc. helped track scam networks
Meta Platforms, Inc. played a key role in the investigation by providing data that helped law enforcement identify and track these networks.
The company says it has taken aggressive action across its platforms. In 2025 alone, Meta removed more than 159 million scam ads and shut down 10.9 million accounts linked to scam centers. More recently, it disabled over 150,000 accounts connected to these networks as part of a coordinated enforcement effort.
“Meta is committed to combatting online fraud and scams, and we are proud to partner with law enforcement in these efforts,” Chris Sonderby, Meta’s vice president and deputy general counsel, said. “We applaud the DOJ and FBI for their leadership in holding criminal scammers accountable and protecting American consumers.”
FROM FRIENDLY TEXT TO FINANCIAL TRAP: THE NEW SCAM TREND
Federal authorities announced a sweeping international crackdown that led to at least 276 arrests tied to cryptocurrency scam centers targeting Americans. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
New tools to stop cryptocurrency scams in real time
Meta is also rolling out new protections across its apps to help users spot scams before they get pulled in.
On Facebook, users may see alerts tied to suspicious friend requests, especially when an account shows unusual behavior such as limited connections or inconsistent location details.
On WhatsApp, new warnings are designed to prevent scammers from linking their own devices to someone else’s account, giving users a chance to pause before approving a risky request.
Messenger is also expanding its scam detection tools. When a conversation shows patterns linked to common fraud tactics, users may receive prompts that explain the risk and suggest actions like blocking or reporting the account.
Why this cryptocurrency scam crackdown matters to you
This operation highlights how organized these scam networks have become. These are not random messages from a single person. They are coordinated groups running structured operations designed to build trust, create urgency and move money quickly.
Even with hundreds of arrests, the threat remains. New networks continue to emerge, often using the same playbook with slight changes. That means staying informed is still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.
Ways to stay safe from cryptocurrency scams
Scammers follow familiar patterns, which means there are clear warning signs you can watch for and simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
1) Slow down unexpected connections
If someone you do not know reaches out and quickly builds a personal connection, slow things down and question the situation. Scammers rely on momentum, so taking a pause can help you spot inconsistencies.
2) Verify investment platforms before sending money
Before sending money to any investment platform, take time to verify that it is legitimate. A professional-looking website or app does not guarantee it is real. Look for independent reviews and official registration details.
3) Avoid sending crypto to unknown sources
Avoid sending cryptocurrency to individuals or platforms you cannot confirm. Once those transactions go through, they are extremely difficult to recover.
4) Watch for pressure and urgency
Be aware of pressure. If someone pushes you to act quickly or invest more, that urgency is often a warning sign.
5) Use strong antivirus protection
Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, fake investment sites and other threats before they reach you, adding another layer of defense against scam attempts. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
THE ONE THING SCAMMERS CHECK BEFORE TARGETING YOU ONLINE
Meta said it removed more than 159 million scam ads in 2025 and helped investigators track networks tied to cryptocurrency fraud. (Halfpoint/Getty Images)
6) Limit your personal data exposure
Scammers often rely on publicly available information to build trust. Reducing how much of your personal data appears online by using a data removal service can make it harder for them to target you in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting CyberGuy.com.
7) Strengthen your account security
It also helps to strengthen your digital security. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts and use trusted security tools to reduce exposure to malicious links and messages.
8) Report scams as soon as possible
If you believe you have been targeted or defrauded, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov as soon as possible.
Kurt’s key takeaways
This global crackdown is a meaningful step forward. It shows what can happen when law enforcement, tech companies and international partners work together. At the same time, these scams are not going away. The tactics will continue to evolve, and new networks will take the place of those that were shut down. Awareness and caution remain your strongest defenses.
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We report a lot about scams but not so much about scammers getting caught. Does this make you feel like real progress is being made in stopping them? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Asus’s latest gaming monitor is a little smaller than usual. The ROG Strix XG129C, announced on Friday, is a 12.3-inch touchscreen IPS display that’s intended to be a sidekick for a larger main monitor, similar to the 14.1-inch secondary display in the 2020 Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15. It’s a slightly smaller competitor to Corsair’s Xeneon Edge, which has a 14.5-inch display, but the same 720p resolution.
Asus says the XG129C covers 125 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. It also comes with a one-year subscription for the hardware monitoring tool AIDA64 Extreme, which would usually cost $65. Besides acting as a performance monitor for your PC, sidekick displays like this can also be handy as an extension for streaming or editing setups, much like Elgato’s Stream Deck.
Along with the little XG129C, Asus also announced the ROG Strix OLED XG34WCDMS, a 34-inch RGB Tandem QD-OLED gaming monitor. It features a 280Hz refresh rate and a 3440 x 1440p resolution, and, according to Asus, covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Asus has not yet officially announced pricing for either display.
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